Michigan’s medical pot law takes center stage in federal court.

Advocates for the state medical marijuana law’s confidentiality provisions were in federal court Feb. 2nd in Grand Rapids trying to quash a federal subpoena for medical information in the possession of the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Both state and federal authorities were in court on Tuesday as well as advocates for Michigan Association of Compassion Clubs arguing over whether the MDCH can release information about seven patients/caregivers without violating the law’s confidentiality clause. The Medical Marijuana Act makes it a crime to release information contained in the confidential records turned over to the Michigan Department of Community Health as part of getting a patient card.

Republican Attorney General Bill Schuette has said he will release the information if the federal courts issue an order directing the records be released and preventing officials from being held liable for the release under Michigan law. Schuette opposed the 2008 ballot initiative which created the law.

Jamie Lowell from MACC had this to say to the Grand Rapids Press about the potential impact of releasing confidential medical records.

“When you get the application, you are under the impression all of the information will remain confidential,” he said Tuesday, outside of U.S. District Court. “People aren’t going to have that peace of mind, and they’ll think twice.”

Federal officials, however, say MACC has no business in a legal dispute between the state and federal governments.

[Assistant U.S. Attorney John] Bruha said that medical-marijuana advocates have built a case based on “rather vague confidentiality provisions,” in the law. The federal government could legally obtain the information on specified patients through a third party, or the state, which does not violate constitutional rights against self-incrimination because “the target is not being forced or compelled to do anything,” he said.

Michigan Medical Marijuana Law Already Under Attack.

On November 4, 2008, 63% of Michigan voters approved the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (MMMA) – MPP's campaign committee drafted the law and led the resoundingly successful campaign efforts. Since that time, nearly 50,000 Michigan residents have been certified by the Michigan Department of Community Health to legally use marijuana to treat debilitating conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS. Now all eyes are on the Michigan legislature to see what changes, if any, are in store for the program.

In an opening salvo, Sen. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge) has filed a bill – SB 17 – that would prohibit the operation of “marihuana clubs.” For his part, Jones says his intent is to prohibit abuses of the law; namely driving away from clubs moments after smoking marijuana. “If a dispensary is going to dispense, that’s fine,” Jones said. “(But) take the prescription home, don’t use it at the premises and drive away.”

The real test will come later when the legislature decides how, if at all, to regulate and tax dispensaries in the state. Jones is convening a task force to address the issue now, and patient advocates will play a role in the decisions made. “I think Senator Jones is a fair man," said Tim Beck, director of the Michigan Association of Compassion Centers. "We believe in his concepts, but the devil, in the end, will be in the details. We feel comfortable working with him.”

---

Marijuana laws in Michigan (non-medical)

Michigan law is unusual in that it includes separate penalties for the possession and use of marijuana. Possession of any amount of marijuana – whether several ounces or a single gram – is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Separately, use of marijuana is also a misdemeanor, but punishable by 90 days in jail and a fine of not more than $100. Lastly, possession in or within 1,000 feet of a public or private park can land the offender in jail for up to 2 years.
http://www.mpp.org/states/michigan/

General Information about the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program

• You must be a Michigan resident to be a registered patient in the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program (MMMP).
  
• There is an application fee to register for the MMMP. The fee cannot be waived, although it can be reduced under certain circumstances.
  
• You must have a qualifying debilitating medical condition as listed on the Attending Physician's Statement.
  
• The MMMP cannot supply you with seeds or starter plants, or give you advice on how to grow medical marihuana.
  
• Your physician must be a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) licensed to practice in Michigan. You must have an established patient/physician relationship with your "attending physician." Other licensed health professionals such as Chiropractors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners cannot sign the documentation.
  
• The MMMP cannot refer you to a physician. The MMMP does not have a physician referral list.
  
• You, or your designated primary caregiver, may grow your marihuana. There is no place in the state of Michigan to legally purchase medical marihuana.
  
• The MMMP cannot find a designated primary caregiver for you. The MMMP does not keep a referral list of persons who want to be caregivers for patients. (You are not required to list a caregiver unless you are less than 18 years old.) Your caregiver cannot be your physician.
  
• If you decide to change your caregiver, it is your responsibility to notify him or her that he or she is no longer protected under the law. The MMMP does not communicate directly with caregivers.
  
• The MMMP will only speak directly with the patient. All written requests to release information must be signed and dated by the patient. The MMMP will not accept written or verbal requests for information from your caregiver or any other person without your permission.
  
• The Act neither protects marihuana plants from seizure nor individuals from prosecution if the federal government chooses to take action against patients or caregivers under the federal Controlled Substances Act.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Michigan Medical Marijuana Act

(http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/HEALTHSYSTEMSLICENSING/MEDICALMARIJ/FAQ/)

Question: Why is marihuana spelled with an "h", rather than a "j", in Initiated Law 1 of 2008 and the administrative rules?

Answer: Marihuana is one of two acceptable spellings in the dictionary and is consistent with the spelling in the Michigan Public Health Code, Act 368 of 1978, and Initiated Law 1 of 2008.

Question: How do I register as a medical cannabis patient with the state?

Answer: "Qualifying patients" must register with the Michigan Department of Community Health, Bureau of Health Professions, P.O. Box 30083, Lansing, Michigan 48909.

To register, the patient must submit (on forms provided by the department) the following information:
(a) an application or renewal fee;
(b) the name, address, and birth date of the qualifying patient;
(c) the name, address, and telephone number of the qualifying patient's physician;
(d) the name, address, and birth date of the qualifying patient's caregiver, if any.
(e) written certification that the person is a qualifying patient.

Question: What medical conditions are eligible?

Answer: Patients must suffer from a debilitating medical condition, defined as:
(a) cancer, glaucoma, or positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn's disease, agitation of Alzheimer's disease, or nail patella.
(b) a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one of more of the following:
(i) cachexia or wasting syndrome;
(ii) severe and chronic pain;
(iii) severe nausea;
(iv) seizures, including but not limited to those caused by epilepsy; or
(v) severe or persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to, those which are characteristic of multiple sclerosis; or
(c) any other medical condition or treatment for a medical condition adopted by the department by rule. (NOTE: To date, the department has not added to the list by administrative rule.)

Question: Do any age limits apply?

Answer: Registered caregivers must be 21 or older. Patients under age 18 must have the consent of their parent or guardian responsible for medical decisions. The parent or guardian must be the registered caregiver of the minor patient.

Question: What is the fee to apply for participation in the Michigan Medical Cannabis Program (MMMP)? Are there any circumstances under which the fee can be reduced?

Answer: The fee for a new or renewal application is $100.00, unless a qualifying patient can demonstrate his or her current eligibility in the Medicaid Health Plan or receipt of current SSD or SSI benefits, in which case the application fee is $25.00.

Question: I don't have the money for the registration fee. Is it a one-time payment? Can it be waived? Can I make installment payments?

Answer: Full payment, by check or money order, must be made at the time of the initial application and at renewal each year. The fee cannot be waived, and the department cannot accept installment payments.

Question: Why do I need to have a physician sign and date a "Physician Certification" form? Why can't I just provide my medical records?

Answer: According to the Michigan Medical Cannabis Act (MMMA), a physician must state in writing that the patient has a qualifying debilitating medical condition and that medical cannabis may mitigate the symptoms or effects of that condition. The MMMP contacts each physician during the application process to verify the patient is under the physician's care. A signed and dated "Physician Certification" must be current within 3 months of the date of a person's new or renewal application.

Question: Can the MMMP refer me to a physician?

Answer: No. The MMMP does not serve as a referral source. Any Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) licensed in Michigan can recommend a patient for the program.

Question: Why are only MDs (Medical Doctors) and DOs (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine) qualified to sign the "Physician Certification"? Why not chiropractors, physician's assistants or nurse practitioners? Does the physician have to be licensed in Michigan?

Answer: The MMMA states that a "physician" means a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) licensed under Article 15, Parts 170 and 175 of the Michigan Public Health Code. MDs and DOs are the physicians licensed under these parts. The law also specifies that a physician must be licensed in Michigan. The MMMP verifies with the Board of Medicine or Board of Osteopathic Medicine that each patient's attending physician has a valid license to practice medicine in Michigan and has no disqualifying restrictions.

Question: Can I have someone else sign and date my application (a "proxy") if I am physically unable to do so?

Answer: Yes, as long as the individual signing your application identifies him or herself as your proxy next to his or her signature on your application or has provided documentation showing guardianship or power of attorney.

Question: What happens to my application once I mail it? What if I don't send in all the required parts of my application?

Answer: The MMMP has 15 days to review your application to make sure it is complete and all parts are current. If your application is complete, your registry identification card will be issued within 5 days after the MMMP verifies the information on your application. If you don't send in all the required parts of your application, the application will be denied.

Question: Do I need to keep a copy of my application and any other information I send to the MMMP?

Answer: Yes. If your application has not yet been approved, denied or terminated you may provide law enforcement with a copy of your written documentation submitted to the department; you must also submit proof of the date of mailing or other transmission of the documentation. This documentation shall have the same legal effect as a registry identification card, until such time as you receive your card or you have received notification that your application has been approved, denied or terminated.

Question: Who has access to the patient registry list?

Answer: The state will maintain a confidential list of "qualified patients" and "approved caregivers" to whom the department has issued registry identification cards. Individual names and other identifying information on the list must be confidential and is not subject to disclosure, except to:
(a) authorized employees of the department as necessary to perform official duties of the department; or
(b) authorized employees of state or local law enforcement agencies, only as necessary to verify that a person is a lawful possessor of a registry identification card.

Question: Is my confidentiality protected?

Answer: Yes. The MMMP does not give out lists of patients or caregivers. Law enforcement personnel may contact the MMMP only to verify if a patient or caregiver registration card is valid. The MMMP will tell law enforcement staff if the patient or caregiver is registered. The MMMP will disclose patient information to others only at the specific written request of the patient. MMMP computer files are secure and paper files are kept locked when not in use.

Question: Can a patient withdraw from the program?

Answer: Yes. A patient must submit a written statement that he or she wishes to withdraw from the MMMP. The MMMP will request that all cards be returned and the file will be closed. The patient's card and all cards associated will be voided. It is the responsibility of the patient to notify his or her caregiver, if applicable, that his or her card is no longer valid. It is the patient's responsibility to collect all cards associated with his or her patient card and return them to the Department. If the Department is notified by the patient that he or she would like to withdraw from the program, the Department shall notify the primary caregiver by mail at the address of record informing the caregiver that his or her card is no longer valid and must be returned to the Department within fourteen (14) calendar days. All cards must be returned to the Department within fourteen (14) calendar days of the date that the Department was notified of withdrawal. If the patient so chooses he or she may reapply as a new patient at any time. In order to reapply a patient must submit the required documentation and application fee.

Question: Do patients get a refund if they withdraw from the program?

Answer: Yes and no. No refund will be given for patients who withdraw once their cards have been issued. A refund may be given to a patient who withdraws before cards are issued.

Question: Do I have to tell the MMMP if I change my mailing address or change my designated primary caregiver?

Answer: The answer to these questions is "yes". You are required to tell the MMMP in writing of any such changes within 14 days of the change. The MMMP does not accept changes of information over the telephone. The MMMP only accepts written changes about the patient's name, the patient's address, the patient's telephone number, the patient's physician, or the patient's primary caregiver. There is a $10.00 fee for issuance of a new registry card. Your new card reflects the changes you have requested. Your changes will be made in our computer database and will be put in your file. You will be protected from civil and criminal penalties for these changes. If you change your caregiver, you will be asked to return your old caregiver card within 14 days.

Question: Do I get a prescription from my doctor?

Answer: The federal government classifies cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug, which means that licensed medical practitioners cannot prescribe it. Your physician must provide written certification of a "debilitating medical condition" and can only recommend the use of medical cannabis.

Question: Where do I get the seeds or plants to start growing medical cannabis?

Answer: The MMMP is not a resource for the growing process and does not have information to give to patients.

Question: Why can't I go to a pharmacy to fill a prescription for medical cannabis?

Answer: Pharmacies can only dispense medications "prescribed" by licensed physicians. The federal government classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug, which means licensed physicians cannot prescribe it.

Question: Can doctors get in trouble for discussing medical cannabis?

Answer: Not under Michigan state law. A physician may not be arrested, prosecuted or penalized in any manner, or be denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to civil penalty or disciplinary action by the Board of Medicine or Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

Question: I am too ill to grow my own medical mcannabis. What can I do?

Answer: The MMMA provides for a system of designated caregivers. The caregiver can acquire 2.5 ounces of usable cannabis and grow up to 12 cannabis plants for a qualifying patient. The caregiver may assist up to 5 patients. The caregiver must sign a statement agreeing to provide cannabis only to the qualifying patients who have named the individual as their caregiver. The caregiver's name, address, birth date and social security number must be provided to the state at the time of a patient's registration. The Department will issue a registry identification card to the caregiver who is named by a qualifying patient on his/her application. The Department may not issue a registry identification card to a proposed caregiver who has previously been convicted of a felony drug offense. The Department will verify through a background check with the Michigan State Police that the designated caregiver has no disqualifying felony drug conviction. A caregiver may receive reasonable compensation for services provided to assist with a qualifying patient's medical use of cannabis.

Question: Who can ingest medical cannabis?

Answer: Under the MMMA, only a person with a qualifying debilitating medical condition who has obtained a valid MMMP card is exempt from criminal laws of the state for engaging in the medical use of cannabis as justified to mitigate the symptoms or effects of the person's debilitating medical condition.

Question: How are the laws and rules of the MMMA enforced?

Answer: The MMMP enforces the registration process making sure applications are complete before issuing a registry identification card, terminating incomplete or fraudulent applications, and revoking cards if individuals commit violations of the MMMA. The MMMP verifies the validity of a registration card of patients and caregivers with local and state law enforcement personnel if they call the MMMP requesting such information. Local and state law enforcement personnel may take any action they believe is necessary to enforce the criminal laws of the state, including violations of the MMMA. Local and state law enforcement actions may vary. The MMMP has no authority to direct the activities of local and state law enforcement agencies.

Question: Can the MMMP give me legal advice?

Answer: No. If you have questions concerning compliance with the Michigan Medical Cannabis Act, you may wish to consult with an attorney.

Question: Will paraphernalia associated with my medical use be protected?

Answer: Yes, in Section 4 of the MMMA, asserting medical use of your "paraphernalia relating to the consumption of cannabis" is an affirmative defense.

Question: Can the police search me just for having a patient registry card?

Answer: No, not under Michigan law. Possession of, or application for, a registry identification card does not alone constitute probable cause to search the person or property of the person possessing or applying for the registry identification card or otherwise subject the person or property to inspection by any governmental agency, including a law enforcement agency.

Question: Will my medical insurance cover medical mcannabis?

Answer: Probably not. The MMMA does not require a government medical assistance program or commercial or non-profit health insurer to reimburse a person for costs associated with the medical use of cannabis.

Question: Can I use medical cannabis at work?

Answer: This is up to the employer. Even if you are a registered patient, your employer may still prohibit medical cannabis use in the workplace.

Question: If I live in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or a retirement home, can I consume medical cannabis?

Answer: Presuming you are registered with the state patient registry and carrying your registry identification card, the law does not specifically prohibit the use of medical cannabis in those settings. However, the facility or home may have prohibitions. Therefore, you must verify with the facility if using medical cannabis is permitted and under what circumstances or conditions.

Question: Where can I consume medical cannabis?

Answer: Presuming you are registered with the state patient registry and carrying your registry identification card, you may consume medical cannabis on your property or elsewhere. However, the law does not permit any person to do any of the following:
(1) Undertake any task under the influence of cannabis, when doing so would constitute negligence or professional malpractice.
(2) Possess cannabis, or otherwise engage in the medical use of cannabis:
(a) in a school bus;
(b) on the grounds of any preschool or primary or secondary school; or
(c) in any correctional facility.
(3) Smoke cannabis:
(a) on any form of public transportation; or
(b) in any public place.
(4) Operate, navigate, or be in actual physical control of any motor vehicle, aircraft, or motorboat while under the influence of cannabis.

Question: I live within 1000 feet of a school, AKA a "drug free zone". Can I still grow and/or possess my medical cannabis there?

Answer: The MMMA does not address this issue. You may wish to contact an attorney about this issue.

Question: Do I have to tell my landlord that I am a patient in the MMMP? Can my landlord evict me if I am a patient in the MMMP and have my grow site in my rental housing? Can I live in subsidized housing and be a patient in the MMMP?

Answer: It is up to you to decide whether or not to tell your landlord that you are a patient in the MMMP. Nothing in the MMMA specifically addresses whether or not you can be evicted because you are a patient in the MMMP, even if you have only the amount of medical cannabis allowed by law. Nothing in the MMMA specifically addresses whether or not a person can be an MMMP patient and live in subsidized housing. If you have questions about these important issues, you may wish to talk to an attorney to learn about your rights and protections.

Question: What should I tell my employer if I am subjected to a drug test?

Answer: The MMMA states that employers are not required to accommodate employees who use medical cannabis. You may wish to consult an attorney about whether or not to tell your employer that you are a patient in the MMMP. A patient may contact the MMMP in writing to ask the program to release information about the patient's registration to an employer.

Question: Can I use cannabis while on parole/probation if I have an MMMP card?

Answer: The authorities that are responsible for your probation/parole/post-prison supervision can impose restrictions on your possession and use of medical cannabis as a condition of your supervision, even if you have a valid MMMP card. Most offenders' supervision is subject to an "obey all laws" condition. Since cannabis possession and use is illegal under federal law, supervisory authorities can sanction an offender for possessing cannabis, even if he or she has an MMMP card. Sanctions could result in your arrest and return to jail. If you are on probation, parole, post-prison supervision, or other form of conditional supervision for conviction of a crime, you should consult with your parole and probation officer regarding whether your possession or use of cannabis may subject you to sanction for violation of the conditions of your supervision." The MMMP will revoke the card of a cardholder if a court issues an order that prohibits the cardholder from participating in the medical use of cannabis or otherwise participating in the MMMP.

Question: I am a valid medical cannabis patient under another state's law. Am I protected?

Answer: Yes, under Section 4(j) of the MMMA, a registry identification card or its equivalent issued by another state government to permit the medical use of cannabis by a qualifying patient or to permit a person to assist with a qualify patient's medical use of cannabis has the same force and effect as a registry identification card issued by the Department.

Question: Is the MMMA recognized by other states? Can I travel to another state with medical cannabis and my MMMP registry identification card and not be arrested or charged with civil or criminal penalties?

Answer: At this time, the MMMP is not aware of any "reciprocity" agreements with any other states to honor the Michigan law. This includes even those states that have medical cannabis laws of their own, such as Washington and California. Because medical cannabis programs vary by state, you may want to contact the state you are traveling to for information on their laws.

Question: Can patients form growing cooperatives?

Answer: The law does not address this. Consult with your local law enforcement officer or personal attorney.

Question: How do I become a caregiver?

Answer: The MMMA defines a "Primary Caregiver" as a person who is at least 21 years old and who has agreed to assist with a patient's medical use of cannabis and who has never been convicted of a felony involving illegal drugs. Therefore, the qualifying patient (applicant or registrant) and you must complete a "Caregiver Attestation" to be submitted by the qualifying patient.

Question: What if my registry ID card was lost or stolen?

Answer: You would submit a signed statement attesting to the fact that your registry ID card has been lost or stolen (whichever applies) requesting a replacement card. Include your full name clearly written, copy of your identification, and $10.00 check or money order made payable to "State of Michigan-MMMP." Mail the statement and fee to:

Michigan Department of Community Health
Medical Marihuana Registry
PO Box 30083
Lansing, MI 48909

Police operation nets cannabis worth $2.73m

March 5, 2011 - 1:36PM

About $2.73 million in cannabis has been seized by police during a five-day cannabis eradication program on the north coast of Sydney, Australia.

Strike Force Unwin - which includes detectives from the Drug Squad's Cannabis Team - began on Monday February 28 and ended on Friday March 10 with police targeting various areas including Piggabeen, Chillingham and surrounding areas.

During the week 1365 cannabis plants were found and seized by police during the operation.

Police will conduct a number of similar raids over the next few months in an effort to target cannabis cultivation.

"You won't know where or when we'll strike, but we've got your crops in our sights," Drug Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Nick Bingham said.

"Our aim is to detect and destroy cannabis crops across the state.

"Whether it's a semi-rural crop or on a steep mountainside in a remote part of the state, there's a very high chance police will find it. If you think you're safe growing cannabis then think again," the detective said.

The NSW Police Cannabis Eradication Program has been running since the mid-1980s.

To date, Strike Force Unwin officers have seized plants with a total estimated potential street value of $24.5 million.

Police Recommend Drug Trafficking Charges for B.C. Compassion Club Members

The RCMP raid – the third in a decade – came late Friday afternoon, but two members of the North Island Compassion Club deny police allegations that the Courtenay-based marijuana dispensary is a front for illegal drug dealing.

Bill Myers and Ernie Yacub, the club’s long-time manager, were arrested on the weekend and police have recommended they be charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking marijuana. Both deny the allegations, saying the club is strictly for users of medical marijuana.

“There is absolutely no illegal drug dealing going on, none, and I can verify that,” said Mr. Myers, 56. “We dispense medical marijuana to people who really need it, and both Ernie and I spend enough time with everybody to know if they’re coming in on a straight edge.”

RCMP executed a search warrant on the society’s Sixth Street headquarters around 4 p.m. Friday, arresting Mr. Yacub, Mr. Myers and two other club members who were questioned and released without charges.

Police seized several pounds of dried marijuana, as well as unspecified quantities of cookies, hashish and cash.

“We recognize there are conflicting views on the medicinal value of marijuana but it remains illegal to sell in the manner in which they were conducting business,” said Comox Valley RCMP Constable Tammy Douglas.

The investigation was triggered by complaints “from neighbours, from Crime Stoppers and from the city,” Constable Douglas said, noting that RCMP have raided the club on two previous occasions in its 10-year history.

In 2006, the club’s founder, Edith Noreen Evers, was charged when police seized and destroyed dozens of pot plants growing on her acreage in Black Creek, south of Campbell River.

Rather than plead guilty and accept a modest fine as punishment, Ms. Evers launched a lengthy legal battle and spent five months in custody before she was sentenced to time served and released last April.

Mr. Yacub, who has managed the club’s affairs for seven years, said relations with the community and the police have been trouble-free since the arrest of Ms. Evers. The club only distributes marijuana to people with applicable conditions whose diagnosis has been confirmed by a doctor, he said.

The North Island Compassion Club has retained Mill Bay lawyer Kirk Tousaw, who represented two members of the Vancouver Island Compassion Club after their 2004 arrest for marijuana trafficking.

In 2009, after dragging through the legal system for five years, the B.C. Supreme Court granted the accused in that case an unconditional discharge.

Mr. Tousaw predicted a similar result for Mr. Yacub and Mr. Myers.

“There’s almost a decade of case law now, all standing for the proposition that bona fide medical marijuana producers and distributors ought to be granted full discharge,” Mr. Tousaw said.

The North Island Compassion Club’s storefront location has been closed until further notice, but Mr. Yacub said legal troubles or not, he and other members remain determined to serve the club’s clients.

- Article from The Globe and Mail.

---

Compassion Club raided

Spencer Anderson, Comox Valley Echo

The North Island Compassion club, a medical marijuana group, was busted by Comox Valley RCMP last week.

On Friday, police executed a search warrant on the club's headquarters on Sixth Street in Courtenay.

They seized several pounds of marijuana, and arrested four people. RCMP spokeswoman Const. Tammy Douglas confirmed two were charged and released on a promise to appear in court.

"Police are concerned the club has become a front for marijuana dealing," said Douglas in a statement. "We recognize there are conflicting views on the medicinal value of marijuana but it remains illegal to sell in the manner in which they were conducting business."

Ernie Yacub is a director for the club and claims to be one of the two persons charged.

He said the bust shook up a lot of his fellow club members, many of whom he said are already nervous when it comes to getting hold of medicinal marijuana.

"We're talking about people who are sick in the first place, who are having all kinds of similar issues anyway, people who are afraid to talk to their doctors about marijuana ... ," said Yacub. "... So here we have a legal program where some people can access [medical marijuana] while the rest of us are criminalized, and the access is denied."

The Compassion Club has been operating for 10 years and has been at its current location for the last seven. Before that, Yacub said the club was dispensing marijuana at the train station.

He said police were civil and respectful during the bust on Friday but added, "If there's something they don't like about our operation, they can talk to us, instead of coming in here and taking all our medicine..."

Yacub said the club's members - there are 200, by his estimate - depend on the marijuana for pain relief. Yacub himself suffers from spinal stenosis.

"Imagine if the cops raided the only pharmacy in town and took everything. That's what it is for some of our members. Many of them are already on pharmaceuticals, but they also use [marijuana], because it works."

- Article from Canada.com.

Smoked Medical Cannabis May Be Beneficial as Treatment for Chronic Neuropathic Pain, Study Suggests.

ScienceDaily (Aug. 30, 2010) — The medicinal use of cannabis has been debated by clinicians, researchers, legislators and the public at large for many years as an alternative to standard pharmaceutical treatments for pain, which may not always be effective and may have unwanted side effects. A new study by McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and McGill University researchers provides evidence that cannabis may offer relief to patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain.

---

The results of the groundbreaking study are published in the latest issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

"This is the first trial to be conducted where patients have been allowed to smoke cannabis at home and to monitor their responses, daily," says Dr. Mark Ware, lead author of the study, who is also Director of Clinical Research at the Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit at the MUHC and an assistant professor of anesthesia in McGill University's Faculty of Medicine, and neuroscience researcher at the Research Institute of the MUHC.

In this study, low doses (25mg) of inhaled cannabis containing approximately 10% THC (the active ingredient in cannabis), smoked as a single inhalation using a pipe three times daily over a period of five days, offered modest pain reduction in patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain (pain associated with nerve injury) within the first few days. The results also suggest that cannabis improved moods and helped patients sleep better. The effects were less pronounced in cannabis strains containing less than 10% THC.

"The patients we followed suffered from pain caused by injuries to the nervous system from post-traumatic (e.g. traffic accidents) or post-surgical (e.g. cut nerves) events, and which was not controlled using standard therapies" explains Dr. Ware. "This kind of pain occurs more frequently than many people recognize, and there are few effective treatments available. For these patients, medical cannabis is sometimes seen as their last hope."

"This study marks an important step forward because it demonstrates the analgesic effects of cannabis at a low dose over a shot period of time for patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain," adds Dr. Ware. The study used herbal cannabis from Prairie Plant Systems (under contract to Health Canada to provide cannabis for research and medical purposes), and a 0% THC 'placebo' cannabis from the USA.

However, larger-scale studies with a longer time frame and higher doses of THC are needed to further evaluate the efficacy and long-term safety of medical cannabis. "Our challenge as researchers is to continue to conduct rigorous clinical studies on the medical use of cannabis with strict attention to details such as quality and dosage," says Dr. Ware. "This will allow us to move the debate forward by providing reliable scientific clinical data."