Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
Approximately 50 cannabis and medical marijuana users, friends and supporters gathered at Vernon City Hall at noon on Friday to make a point about their use of the product.
"It's medicine, not a drug," was an often repeated statement by many of the proponents.
Jeff Gaudette, who owns MMJ Total Healthcare, organized the event to emphasize that what he and four other dispensaries offer goes beyond supplying marijuana to those who have a medical certificate.
"Most of the patients we meet have some kind of disability," he said.
"As a storefront, we offer accessibility, a compassionate staff and we're a lifeline for many people. You have to live with compassion."
Gaudette noted that some patients can order through the mail or over the internet, but some have no phone, no credit card and no internet access.
Kevin Gilchrist, who lives in Faquier, uses marijuana for pain in his foot and back. He's concerned about rumours that marijuana will be sold in liquor stores rather than what he terms compassionate outlets.
"I'm not hitchhiking 200 kilometres to visit a liquor store."
Gaudette also thought the liquor store model was not the answer.
"A first time user could walk in and purchase it for recreational use and it could go sideways real quick."
Although his shop and the others have been visited by the RCMP, he said that they were open on a rotating basis at present. He said he understands that the RCMP are responsible for upholding the law and that the situation requires a political solution.
Gaudette said when his shop was closed on Monday, some of his clients became angry because they then had to search out one of the other outlets.
Derek Goucher said he was there to support his friend Gaudette.
Semi-retired, he has used medical marijuana for the past four years. He noted that the stores are not open to the public. Patients are met at the counter and once their legitimacy is confirmed, are taken to a back room to receive their marijuana.
"It's not necessary to smoke it," he said.
Goucher also said that marijuana has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumours.
"One of my friends has a two-inch brain tumour and he's trying marijuana in addition to the usual treatments."
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical Marijuana Proponents Get Vocal
Author: Wayne Emde
Contact: Contact Page
Photo Credit: Charlotte Heston
Website: The Daily Courier
"It's medicine, not a drug," was an often repeated statement by many of the proponents.
Jeff Gaudette, who owns MMJ Total Healthcare, organized the event to emphasize that what he and four other dispensaries offer goes beyond supplying marijuana to those who have a medical certificate.
"Most of the patients we meet have some kind of disability," he said.
"As a storefront, we offer accessibility, a compassionate staff and we're a lifeline for many people. You have to live with compassion."
Gaudette noted that some patients can order through the mail or over the internet, but some have no phone, no credit card and no internet access.
Kevin Gilchrist, who lives in Faquier, uses marijuana for pain in his foot and back. He's concerned about rumours that marijuana will be sold in liquor stores rather than what he terms compassionate outlets.
"I'm not hitchhiking 200 kilometres to visit a liquor store."
Gaudette also thought the liquor store model was not the answer.
"A first time user could walk in and purchase it for recreational use and it could go sideways real quick."
Although his shop and the others have been visited by the RCMP, he said that they were open on a rotating basis at present. He said he understands that the RCMP are responsible for upholding the law and that the situation requires a political solution.
Gaudette said when his shop was closed on Monday, some of his clients became angry because they then had to search out one of the other outlets.
Derek Goucher said he was there to support his friend Gaudette.
Semi-retired, he has used medical marijuana for the past four years. He noted that the stores are not open to the public. Patients are met at the counter and once their legitimacy is confirmed, are taken to a back room to receive their marijuana.
"It's not necessary to smoke it," he said.
Goucher also said that marijuana has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumours.
"One of my friends has a two-inch brain tumour and he's trying marijuana in addition to the usual treatments."
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical Marijuana Proponents Get Vocal
Author: Wayne Emde
Contact: Contact Page
Photo Credit: Charlotte Heston
Website: The Daily Courier
