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by Maureen McNameeCalgary compassion centre lobbying for safe cannabis supply
A Calgary group fighting for access to a clean, safe supply of cannabis is stepping up its awareness campaign.
The Universal Compassion Centre, a registered non-profit society in Calgary that represents people who use marijuana for medicinal purposes, is holding a festival this Saturday to celebrate the healing properties of the cannabis plant and to raise money for the UCC.
President Debra Harper says the group was started more than a year ago because the quality of marijuana available on the street was unacceptable.
"How can people use it for medicine?" she asks.
The local group networked with the Vancouver Compassion Club and collaborated with Grant Krieger, the well-known Calgarian who is currently challenging existing legislation through the court system. The UCC now has about 40 members, and expects the number to grow.
Harper says now is the perfect time to draw attention to the issue and fight for change – on August 1, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that the fact a man had no access to medicinal cannabis was an infringement of his rights.
"The government has a year to do something about this," she adds.
She hopes the government will decide to legalize the distribution of marijuana for medicinal purposes. She explains that currently, with a Section 56 exemption, a person is legally allowed to grow and possess marijuana for medicinal purposes, but it is still illegal for them to sell it or buy it from others
The centre helps people apply for the exemption, as well as providing information on illnesses that can benefit from using marijuana, the available options and alternatives, how to gain safe access, and more. It is also acting as a lobby group, and recently attended a public meeting on the federal government’s planned regulations for natural health products.
"We’re a healing centre, but we’re also a voice for them as well – basically, their rights are being infringed up," Harper says. "We’re starting to become more outspoken, for sure."
The Healing Herb Festival will be held on Saturday, September 2 from noon to 11 p.m. at the Rosemont Community Centre (2807 - 10 St. S.W.), and includes information, guest speakers, live music by DJs and bands, belly dancing, massage and aroma therapy, Mendhi and face painting, an art room and more. Tickets are being sold in advance at Hemporium, Grassroots, Sweetleaf Hemp Co. and Willy’s Hempire, or, if available, at the door.
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