LEGAL POT RUNS AFOUL OF HOSPITAL SMOKE RULES

The Saskatoon Health Region's smoking policy was revised more than a
year ago, but recently a patient discovered the air isn't completely
clear on how to deal with authorized medical marijuana users in city hospitals.

Peter Christensen was brought to City Hospital by ambulance from

Vermilion, in Alberta, but the tests he needed didn't get done
because he couldn't use his medical cannabis.

Christensen says shortly after he was admitted, a male nurse and a
security guard approached him.

"He (the nurse) told me that we do not recognize medical marijuana
here," Christensen said. "If you have medical marijuana with you, it
will have to be locked up in security."

Health Canada began authorizing marijuana use for people with
specific medical conditions in 2001.

Christensen was authorized to use marijuana in 2004 by Health Canada
to treat a movement disorder known as Tardive Dyskinesia. He uses
cannabis every six to eight hours.

Christensen asked to go back to Vermilion and was escorted outside by
the security guard to use the cannabis before hitting the road.

He noted his conversation with the staff was cordial, and "there was
no bad words," but he doesn't understand why the cannabis became an issue.

Jean Morrison, senior vice-president of health services for the
Saskatoon Health Region, said she couldn't comment on the specific
incident, but explained how medical marijuana should be dealt with.

Morrison said once the health region confirms a person under its care
has the proper approvals, "our administration of that drug would be
the same as the narcotics and controlled drug standards and policies.
It would also fall under our smoking policy."

Paul Duchesne, Health Canada spokesman, confirmed medical marijuana
is a federal policy, but said "if . . . you are in a place where
there are smoking restrictions, you have to follow those restrictions."

The current policy says smoking is only permitted in designated
locations outside the building.