MP’S MARIJUANA MOTION GATHERING STEAM

Last spring, Bloc Quebecois MP Bernard Bigras spoke to a constituent suffering from AIDS who risked being jailed for six months every time he smoked marijuana to alleviate his daily nausea, vomiting and pain.

Mr. Bigras is now sponsoring a motion in the House of Commons asking the government to study the benefits of marijuana in treating the symptoms of some illnesses. Mr. Bigras is suggesting that Health Canada conduct a three-year research program involving 400 to 600 patients before considering legalizing the substance.

Mr. Bigras’s motion will force the government to come up with a position on this issue before it comes to a vote in May. He currently has the support of the Bloc, NDP and Progressive Conservative caucuses, and of influential doctors in the Liberal caucus, including MP Carolyn Bennett and cabinet minister Hedy Fry.
(Marijuananews note: Wow, do you suppose that the government will oppose a three year study that they can delay for a few more years and then study the results for a few more years, before considering not arresting sick people? Obviously, Monsieur Bigras is not in pain.)

Mr. Bigras said in an interview yesterday that he is aware that he is raising a controversial issue.

"I don’t expect that within six months of this motion, the government will be forced to legalize marijuana," Mr. Bigras said. "I understand that there has to be research before marijuana is approved as a drug. I’m not stupid enough to think that the government would allow people to grow marijuana in their backyard."

(Marijuananews note: No, he is just heartless enough to expect sick, dying and disabled people to suffer until the government has stalled a few more years. He thinks that we are stupid enough to consider his actions compassionate and/or progressive.)