Medical marijuana users in Halifax speak out against new federal rules

HALIFAX – Bob Dillman was first authorized to grow marijuana for his own medical use in 2008. Now, almost seven years later, he and his wife are facing charges of possession and production of cannabis.

While Dillman continued to grow marijuana for his own use, as he had done legally for years, he is now in violation of rules the federal government introduced last year that prevent medical marijuana users from legally growing their own cannabis — Health Canada says patients must obtain medical cannabis through licensed producers.

“I’m on a fixed income, I’d have to pay more than what I get in just for my cannabis,” said Dillman.

According to Dillman, cannabis is the only thing that’s helped with his back injury and chemical and environmental sensitivities. He said he can’t afford to buy cannabis through licensed producers, and said even if he could, the product sold contains chemicals he can’t handle.

“I have no option, so I’ll either go to jail and die or I’ll die out here without,” he said.

Debbie Stultz-Giffin, the chair of Maritimers Unite for Medical Marijuana (MUMM), said  the prices “are simply exorbitant.”

On Wednesday, MUMM held a press conference to speak out against the new rules. They say due to the changes, patients previously enrolled in the Medical Marijuana Access Program are now falling through the cracks.

“There are a number of patients who definitely fall in that category who are now facing some sort of repercussion from law enforcement,” said Stultz-Giffin. “People shouldn’t be forced to choose between their liberty and their health, and that’s exactly what this mean-spirited federal program is doing to people.”

She said the number of charges against patients are on the rise across the country.

“It does feel like somewhat of a witch-hunt when you’re critically and chronically ill and the law enforcement come and start to put you through this undue stress,” she said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It does feel like somewhat of a witch-hunt when you're critically and chronically ill and the law enforcement come and start to put you through this undue stress," she said.

A spokesperson with Halifax Regional Police said officers don’t have a choice in the matter.

“When we’re presented with evidence to support a charge we have to follow that. The law is what it is and it would be negligent to ignore it,” said Const. Dianne Woodworth.

In a statement sent to Global News, Health Canada said when the Marijuana Medical Access Program was first introduced in 2001, it had fewer than 100 patients authorized to possess marijuana for medical purposes, a number that has since grown to more than 40,000.

“The rapid expansion under the Marihuana Medical Access Program had significant unintended consequences on public health, safety and security,” the statement said. “The high value of marijuana on the illicit market increases the risks of home invasion and diversion. And these production operations present fire and toxic mould hazards.”

According to a spokesperson with Health Canada, the pricing of cannabis sold by licensed producers is market determined, and could drop over time “in response to competition and innovation.”

Dillman’s next court appearance is set for April 8.