HOSPITAL TO POT USER: BUZZ OFF

Patient Escorted Outside After Lighting Up Prescription Joint

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

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 people with specific medical
conditions in 2001. To date, there are 858 authorized medical
marijuana users in the country.

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 can'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 spokesperson, confirmed medical
marijuana is a federal policy, but "if you have an authorization and
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.