Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his ruling Conservatives are turning their backs on sick Canadians by slashing the federal medicinal marijuana program, says a local medicinal marijuana provider.

"These cuts slow the possibilities of getting more scientific information to the general public on how to use cannabis," said Rielle Capler, a spokesperson for the B.C. Compassion Club on Commercial Drive. "This government is not prioritizing the needs of critically and chronically ill Canadians."

The medicinal marijuana research program was established in 2000 by the Chr,tien Liberals to gauge the effectiveness of marijuana as a treatment, by distributing legal cannabis to approximately 1,000 chronically ill Canadians, including those suffering through chemotherapy and interferon treatments. This week, as part of the $2 billion dollar in spending cuts, the Conservatives ended the research by pulling the $4 million remaining in the program's coffers.

The B.C. Compassion Club contracts local marijuana cultivators-both indoor and outdoor-to supply organically grown marijuana to the chronically ill, and Capler is quick to note this type of health care is still considered a crime.

"It's not legal for our suppliers to be cultivating, it's not legal for us to distribute it and it's not legal for patients to use it."

All Compassion Club clients have to demonstrate a definite medical need for the product, backed by a written recommendation from a health care practitioner such as a family doctor or naturopath, and applicants under 18 years old must provide parental permission. The marijuana is sold in grams at prices ranging from $3 to $15.

While Capler was disappointed by the federal cuts, she said Health Canada has never run an effective medicinal marijuana program.

"They were only offering one strain of cannabis to treat a wide range of illnesses and symptoms," she said, noting the Compassion Club offers many strains customized in counteracting symptoms such as nausea, insomnia and daytime or nighttime pain relief.

Capler said public opinion is on her side, and she points to a July 2006 MacLean's magazine poll that found 93 per cent of Canadians support the use of medicinal marijuana. She also pointed to a September 2002 report by the Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs, which advocated the use of medicinal marijuana.

Capler also disputes claims by critics who say legalization will increase the crime and health hazards associated with current drug culture that includes a black market responsible for illegal grow-ops and gang violence.

"Prohibition hasn't worked to alleviate harms that some people think are related to cannabis, in fact it's exacerbated crime and it keeps people from knowing how to use [marijuana] safely."

Capler said that despite all the political wrangling, medicinal marijuana is about sick people and their families.

"When people see a medicine that can improve the life of a loved one who's suffering, that's all they need to see."