Government pot's the pits: patients

[SolarGarlic]

CBC news:

Government pot's the pits: patients

Last Updated Tue, 16 Sep 2003 14:04:22

OTTAWA - A few of the first patients to smoke government-approved marijuana have complained that it's horrible.

Government pot package

Ten patients are registered with Health Canada to buy marijuana from the government to treat medical symptoms.

Two of the patients, both men with AIDS, claim the marijuana's potency is too low. They are returning their 30-gram bags, and one of the men wants a refund.

A third male patient is keeping his government-issued marijuana, but also feels it's subpar.

Canadians for Safe Access, a patients' rights group, is also critical of the government-issued dope.

The group says Health Canada pot contains about three per cent THC – the active ingredient in marijuana – rather than the 10.2 per cent advertised.

The group also says the weed contains contaminants such as lead and arsenic.

Health Canada insists the government-issued dope meets exacting production standards and is thoroughly tested for quality.

Health Canada also said it won't accept returns or provide refunds.

The federal government started distributing dope in July in the wake of an Ontario court order that determined needy patients shouldn't have to get their cannabis on the streets or from unauthorized growers.

The government marijuana is grown underground, in a vacant mine in Flin Flon, Man.

Health Minister Anne McLellan opposes the direct distribution of government cannabis to patients. She said the program would end if her department wins its appeal of the Ontario court decision.

[\/\/illy]

I know where they can get some good stuff.