VIANARCHRIS
Well-Known Member
I wrote this to send to every candidate in the election. Maybe we can post the replies...or even the no replies. Let's make the individual explain why he or she supports us or not. Feel free to save it, change it and send it to all candidates in your riding. The squeaky wheel gets the grease...we need to be really loud!
PAAM
Patients for Affordable Access to Medical Marijuana
Dear
I am contacting you as one of about 60,000 Canadians currently authorized to use marijuana for medical purposes. I belong to a large group of patients who are not able to afford the prices charged by the licensed producers and are fighting for our right to grow our own.
As you know, Health Canada introduced a new program, the MMPR to replace the MMAR in March of 2014 that removed home gardens as a source of medicine. A court decision granted some, but not all, of those registered in the MMAR the temporary right to continue to produce their own. In the more than a year since, patients have been handcuffed by the injunction in respect to making any changes to address, quantity and possession limits and a multitude of other challenges. This has resulted in financial hardships and risk of arrest and imprisonment as sick people and their caregivers are forced to risk 'liberty' for the 'security of the person'.
During the recent court proceedings, Health Canada failed miserably in justifying their reasons for replacing the MMAR and banning the practice of home gardens. The result of the MMPR has been a growing corporate takeover of legal marijuana in Canada with absolutely no regard to the patients who require the medicine. As well as being unaffordable, the marijuana produced by these licensed producers is of questionable inconsistent quality. Even a relatively small prescription of 10 grams/day would cost a patient a minimum of $2400 per month. This is not even close to the realm of reasonable for somebody living on disability, and a huge stretch for someone that is gainfully employed.
We all have our own reasons for choosing marijuana as medicine and fight the stigma attached to that decision everyday. We are simply asking for the right to provide relief for our ailments at a cost we can afford, and, unlike prescription drugs, with no cost to the taxpayer.
We are watching as many jurisdictions around the world legalize marijuana for recreational use as well as medical, yet Ottawa seems determined to keep Stephen Harper's self proclaimed 'war on marijuana users' rolling along at full steam. When is Canada going to join the progressive nations in recognizing the value of cannabis as a medicine and a new source of tax revenue?
My question for you, as a candidate in the federal election, is whether you support Health Canada's position that the unproven risk my garden presents to society overrules my right to provide relief from my illness, or whether I deserve to enjoy the same quality of life as non-marijuana users? This issue is very important to many patients and we will vote based on your answer. I encourage you to support us during your campaign and bring attention to our plight.
Thank you four your time,
PAAM
Patients for Affordable Access to Medical Marijuana
Dear
I am contacting you as one of about 60,000 Canadians currently authorized to use marijuana for medical purposes. I belong to a large group of patients who are not able to afford the prices charged by the licensed producers and are fighting for our right to grow our own.
As you know, Health Canada introduced a new program, the MMPR to replace the MMAR in March of 2014 that removed home gardens as a source of medicine. A court decision granted some, but not all, of those registered in the MMAR the temporary right to continue to produce their own. In the more than a year since, patients have been handcuffed by the injunction in respect to making any changes to address, quantity and possession limits and a multitude of other challenges. This has resulted in financial hardships and risk of arrest and imprisonment as sick people and their caregivers are forced to risk 'liberty' for the 'security of the person'.
During the recent court proceedings, Health Canada failed miserably in justifying their reasons for replacing the MMAR and banning the practice of home gardens. The result of the MMPR has been a growing corporate takeover of legal marijuana in Canada with absolutely no regard to the patients who require the medicine. As well as being unaffordable, the marijuana produced by these licensed producers is of questionable inconsistent quality. Even a relatively small prescription of 10 grams/day would cost a patient a minimum of $2400 per month. This is not even close to the realm of reasonable for somebody living on disability, and a huge stretch for someone that is gainfully employed.
We all have our own reasons for choosing marijuana as medicine and fight the stigma attached to that decision everyday. We are simply asking for the right to provide relief for our ailments at a cost we can afford, and, unlike prescription drugs, with no cost to the taxpayer.
We are watching as many jurisdictions around the world legalize marijuana for recreational use as well as medical, yet Ottawa seems determined to keep Stephen Harper's self proclaimed 'war on marijuana users' rolling along at full steam. When is Canada going to join the progressive nations in recognizing the value of cannabis as a medicine and a new source of tax revenue?
My question for you, as a candidate in the federal election, is whether you support Health Canada's position that the unproven risk my garden presents to society overrules my right to provide relief from my illness, or whether I deserve to enjoy the same quality of life as non-marijuana users? This issue is very important to many patients and we will vote based on your answer. I encourage you to support us during your campaign and bring attention to our plight.
Thank you four your time,
