MEDICAL MARIJUANA RULES STILL IN A HAZE

SASKATOON - The Saskatoon Health Region's smoking policy was revised
more than a year ago, but a patient recently 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.

Mr. 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," Mr. 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.

Mr. 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.

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

Jean Morrison, senior vice-president of health services for the
Saskatoon Health Region said once the health region confirms a person
under its care is approved for medicinal marijuana, "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."