Medicinal pot might be covered
By: Colleen Dane, Comox Valley Record (CN BC), 05-13-09

A change in policy at the Department of Veterans Affairs means local disability pensioner Bruce Webb may get the cost of his medical marijuana covered.

"This is an amazing thing that I didn't think I would live long enough to see," said Webb, who has severe/chronic neuropathic pain. "After all this time, screaming and singing, it's approved. It's amazing isn't it?"

A letter that came this week from Veterans' Affairs said the cost of Health Canada medical marijuana may be covered if it is proved to be needed to treat Webb's pension condition.

It's a big step in a five-year ongoing battle for Webb, who has previously been licensed to use medical marijuana.

He got that initial approval in 2004, but gave it up in 2006 when he was cut off for not paying the estimated $490 a month it cost for the treatment.

It was too high a cost, he said, to keep up with on the limited pension.

When he started growing it himself, he was busted by RCMP.

Since then, he said he's been buying illegally grown marijuana and has given up his medical marijuana licence.

"It's night and day," said Webb about the effect of medical marijuana on his condition. "It's so hard to even explain ... it gives me a freedom to move."

The letter doesn't outline a simple approval process - Webb will have to go through the process of getting a medical marijuana licence again, as well as pay off his Health Canada debt of $2,000 before a supply could start again.

Nonetheless, organizations advocating for better access to medical marijuana, say the decision is an important one.

"For many, this medicine is more effective than the available alternatives, with fewer negative side-effects. It is so important that the cost for this medicine is covered for those in need," said Rielle Capler, director for Canadians for Safe Access, a patients' advocacy group.

© 2009 H.U.M.A.N.: Hemp Users Medical Access Network - Toronto Medical Marijuana