Getting Legal In Canada - GreenPassion.org - Dedicated to Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation and Education

I8ntLucky_UR · #1 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 12:28 PM

Hi there I wanted to start a post with some information that I hope will help others. This is a summary of how I went through the process of becoming legal in Canada. I have had so much help from lots of different people I could not have done this on my own.

I started out like so many other folks. I was sick and seemed to be getting worse. I had smoked marijuana as a young man 20 or so years ago as a recreational smoker at social gatherings. Once we had a baby I stopped smoking and had a drink or two instead, and in my mind and current line of work was a bit more socially acceptable.

Fast forward 20 years when I was getting sick I went to my doctor and he wrote me a prescription. Then another and more tests some more.... This whole doctor/specialists time line was 7 painful years! I got to November 2008. My pharmaceutical usage was at 2-3k month (I'm glad we had a drug plan) but my health was so bad I was declared permanently disabled and feeling like I would die any day.

My wife and I went to my family doctor and asked about medical marijuana for the first time. He asked if I'd ever tried marijuana. I told him 20 yrs ago recreationally. He said I should try it again. Gr8t, give me some we said it can't hurt with all else I'm on? He gave me the name of our local compassion centre and I enrolled and was able to get it there. The folks at my compassion centre were extremely helpful.

I was able to get it I just wasn’t able to afford getting it. Using medical marijuana was making me feel better. I was able to reduce and or eliminate many of my prescribed drugs including 100's of mg/day of morphine for pain.

The biggest single problem was cost. Our drug benefits plan laughed at me when I said I need to buy it it's helping me. They suggested if I submit a DIN (drug identification number) and a doctors prescription with a receipt from a legal supplier they might be able to help me. ROFLMAO DIN sure. I thought next time I'm talking to God maybe I might suggest that one.

So now I have some medical marijuana and I ask about what happens if I get caught? The answer I got most frequently was “most police officers will probably look the other way”. I thought what about the ones that didn’t look the other way? Would I be arrested? Do I want to go to jail for feeling better? NO FREAKIN WAY! For the first time in a long time I feel well enough to go on living, but not in jail.

The reason I decided to go through the process and get my MMAR exemption was fairly simple. I needed to be able to grow my own medicine in the safety and privacy of my own home for very little money. I went on to our government web site to find out how I can get legal so I don’t have to live in fear. What a joke to find anything on that web site. They can’t even spell marijuana correctly (Marihuana). I did find out some terrible statistics from various sources. There are an estimated 400,000 Canadians using marijuana for chronic pain/pain related illnesses and less then 3000 are legally exempt. There are many reasons why these numbers are so out of whack. The biggest obstacle remains there are not many doctors willing to sign the MMAR exemption for various reasons.

There are many forms needed to be filled out in order to submit an application for the approval process. I have asked Green Passion to upload these to the site in order for easy access to those who need them.

This is the application process guide
http://greenpassion.org/MMJPDF/appli...andeur-eng.pdf

These are all the forms available
http://greenpassion.org/MMJPDF/form_a-eng.pdf

http://greenpassion.org/MMJPDF/form_b1-eng.pdf

http://greenpassion.org/MMJPDF/form_b2-eng.pdf

http://greenpassion.org/MMJPDF/form_c-eng.pdf

http://greenpassion.org/MMJPDF/form_d-eng.pdf

http://greenpassion.org/MMJPDF/form_e1-eng.pdf

http://greenpassion.org/MMJPDF/form_e2-eng.pdf

http://greenpassion.org/MMJPDF/form_f-eng.pdf

http://greenpassion.org/MMJPDF/form_r-eng.pdf
*Not all forms are needed please read guide or post specific questions for further info.

This is a Medical Practitioners Release form
http://greenpassion.org/MMJPDF/com_r...itioners-e.pdf

This is the Daily Dosage form
http://greenpassion.org/MMJPDF/daily...dienne-eng.pdf
*This is used and doctors are directed by Health Canada to review this with patients for recommended daily consumption, although I found the info outdated and one sided.

I am still waiting for my submission to be accepted. When the mail gets here I check to see if my card is there. Until I get it I still live in fear of being arrested. We need to help more sick people get this MMAR exemption in Canada. This process is too cumbersome and too lengthy a wait for most sick folks.

jangel · #2 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 03:28 PM

Thank you so much for doing this, Lucky. I applaud you. Way ta go buddy!

You will help many with this.

Peace

I8ntLucky_UR · #3 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jangel

Thank you so much for doing this, Lucky. I applaud you. Way ta go buddy!

You will help many with this.

Peace

Thanks jangel I hope it helps someone as I've been helped through Green Passion.

blackpantherparty · #4 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 08:11 PM

Great post Lucky. It's a shame it took so long to get it, but in the end you did, and that's all that matters right?

I8ntLucky_UR · #5 (**permalink**) 05-31-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackpantherparty

Great post Lucky. It's a shame it took so long to get it, but in the end you did, and that's all that matters right?

Thanks bpp I suppose you are correct in the end I will get it. The thing is I was lucky enough to have a doctor sign the forms. Most folks that need it can't get a doctor to sign the forms. And so many of them have been waiting alot longer.

How did your doctor visit go? I remember you were going a little while back to check out the MMAR yourself.

I8ntLucky_UR · #6 (**permalink**) 06-03-2009, 08:17 PM

I got a knock at my door this morning and it was a loud knock at that. I asked my wife to grab the dog and I opened the door. It was my mailman delivering an express post from Health Canada. I got my MMAR card today!!!

What a relief to get that I have to tell you. I was very nervous starting up this grow without having it first. But I had no choice and that's what's wrong with the whole crap system. Can't buy it I don't have the money. I can get all the pharmaceuticals to choke a freakin horse but no mj.

So I figured why not grow it until I get the card right? Anyway, the battle goes on for so many others. I hope they all get the same help. They all deserve it too!

Lumix · #7 (**permalink**) 06-03-2009, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I8ntLucky_UR

I got a knock at my door this morning and it was a loud knock at that. I asked my wife to grab the dog and I opened the door. It was my mailman delivering an express post from Health Canada. I got my MMAR card today!!!

What a relief to get that I have to tell you. I was very nervous starting up this grow without having it first. But I had no choice and that's what's wrong with the whole crap system. Can't buy it I don't have the money. I can get all the pharmaceuticals to choke a freakin horse but no mj.

So I figured why not grow it until I get the card right? Anyway, the battle goes on for so many others. I hope they all get the same help. They all deserve it too!

Congrats!
What's the story with Jason Wilcox's struggle ?

I8ntLucky_UR · #8 (**permalink**) 06-03-2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munchies

Congrats!
What's the story with Jason Wilcox's struggle ?

There is much about this story here Going up in smoke: Health Canada owed over $500,000 for pot

The system in Canada is very broken.

Lumix · #9 (**permalink**) 06-03-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I8ntLucky_UR

There is much about this story here Going up in smoke: Health Canada owed over $500,000 for pot

The system in Canada is very broken.

Wow what a broken mess, almost looks like to me a way to destroy the system with the bottom line.... money.

I wish I had a 1/2 Million to get it working again but the system would break again.

Seems to be a similarity in world governments throwing good money away to bad systems.

O my god, let me off at the next planet with air.

I8ntLucky_UR · #10 (**permalink**) 06-03-2009, 10:05 PM

In Nov 2008 I was so sick after 6-7 yrs I got to the point where my wife and I thought why not try med mj. When we asked my doctor he didn't know how or where to get it. He asked if I knew anyone (wink wink) I said I know lots of people but why would I try and get it illegally? Why not through him? I hadn't smoked for 20 years.

So the system is flawed. How can I get it? He found a compassion centre and I filled out the forms. I could buy it but quietly and if I got caught with it 50/50 I'd lose it or get busted? I was taking 100's of mg/day of morphine. I'm thinking trying to get off the morphine is better but getting busted sucks. Some one told me sell the pills for the mj I can't do that. The pills are poison they are killing me I said.

That's why I went for the MMAR even though I was faced with most doctors not wanting to sign the forms. I bought what I could when I could and the rest of the time I got worse again. In the meantime the doctor saw I was getting better and signed it.

So from Nov 2008 to now June 2009 that's rediculous time wise and for some it is not in time at all. As bad as some say about the states it seems their system in those states seem a bit better in terms of numbers anyway. In Canada there are only about 3000 card holders in the whole country. That's a low number for all that need it.

The rest are stuck with high prices or facing prosecution if arrested for growing. I want to try Rick Simpsons Oil treatment as soon as I can get enough grown to do it. I'm hoping it cures me. This has been a long journey for me and my family something I would not wish on my worst enemy. I would like to have my life back.

Lumix · #11 (**permalink**) 06-03-2009, 10:14 PM

Sorry for your struggle and terrible pain, Rick Simpson's Oil treatment really works and I wish the government would get off there duffs and truly step up and do the right thing.

I8ntLucky_UR · #12 (**permalink**) 06-03-2009, 10:27 PM

Thanks Munchies I'm close so I will get there. I wish it was easier that's all. Like you said the government's could all do better by us but probably wont ever.

I'm just glad I found this site and you people. This was self help with help for me. It sure gets sick people motivated to help themselves and others to start getting better just for them. Not to get some rich pharmaceutical company richer.

I followed medicine to my own stupid path. I'm the one that said yes to another needle once a week worth $500.00 a needle. I saw the ad on T.V. that said I would be better after I take it. I even listened to every one of those side effects. I figured 50/50 chance this gives me cancer but I won't be able to walk in 2 years so why not try it. I'm not mad I'm disappointed more that it took me so long to realize it.

I just didn't think someone could trade a human being for cash and that's what is being done. I know people would screw there own brother and sell him a bum car but they are giving us poison for false promises and that aint right. Thx.

Lumix · #13 (**permalink**) 06-03-2009, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I8ntLucky_UR

Thanks Munchies I'm close so I will get there. I wish it was easier that's all. Like you said the government's could all do better by us but probably wont ever.

I'm just glad I found this site and you people. This was self help with help for me. It sure gets sick people motivated to help themselves and others to start getting better just for them. Not to get some rich pharmaceutical company richer.

I followed medicine to my own stupid path. I'm the one that said yes to another needle once a week worth $500.00 a needle. I saw the ad on T.V. that said I would be better after I take it. I even listened to every one of those side effects. I figured 50/50 chance this gives me cancer but I won't be able to walk in 2 years so why not try it. I'm not mad I'm disappointed more that it took me so long to realize it.

I just didn't think someone could trade a human being for cash and that's what is being done. I know people would screw there own brother and sell him a bum car but they are giving us poison for false promises and that aint right. Thx.

In natural as man, we all want to survive, but man is more ruthless in back stabbing and greasing the palms of who ever will promote there personal life’s.

This is where most of the fault lie, in payoffs that lead to sells of there wears.

Representing leadership, corporations, right down to the street thug.

I remember being in the union and how members would grease the palms of the dispatcher for first crack at jobs, something with politicians and corporations.

Take “Halliburton + Dick Chaney” and you get the picture.

All comes down to individuals and then the masses.

fightdiseases · #14 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 11:10 PM

I seen on the forms posted you can grow 15 plants,,but in something else I read where people weren't paying the government and they are stopping this, is this fact or do people with cards still get to grow?

I8ntLucky_UR · #15 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fightdiseases

I seen on the forms posted you can grow 15 plants,,but in something else I read where people weren't paying the government and they are stopping this, is this fact or do people with cards still get to grow?

Hi there fight thanks for having a look. As far as the amount of plants you could grow would depend upon how many grams per day needed. For instance my license is for 5 gr/day. This allows me to grow 25 plants in or outside of my residence. I can also carry 150 gr on me if I were traveling within Canada.

When you are referring to people not paying the government and will this prevent a cardholder from growing. No this does not effect people who grow their own medicine.

Some folks up here in Canada were buying it from the government grower. The stuff (from what I have read) is not very good. It's been irradiated chopped up and contains stems and all kinds of leaf matter. Again from articles I've read no first hand experience people were set up to receive a certain amount billed to them and they just couldn't afford to pay it. So now there are many people being cut off and sent to collection agencies in order to collect the debt.

Are you going to apply for your license? If you have any other questions please ask. I will try and get the answer to help you.

fightdiseases · #16 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 01:42 PM

I would like to get those forms filled out and take them to a doctor (whom I haven't seen i about 4 years). I would like my doc to be so informed before I leave the office so she can make an informed decision without to much research on her end. Would it be a good idea to give her some of these sites to read? Im not a MJ user now but was a rec user in my teens, I guess it's not addicting as some seem to think LOL.......but to get these pages filled out I need to get a printer, I am working on that, as I'm typing my mum is asking questions, lol...15 pills of meds a day she takes., she is telling me of her friend (not her ailments) needs this oil, my mum is a GEM

...thinking of others while she stuggles in a wheelchair with CCD. So to end my babble thank you every one on this site for the reading and support, I am here every day reading posts, and praying for those who are in need.

I8ntLucky_UR · #17 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 01:53 PM

Hi there fights can you get to a Business Depot or Kinkos they have printers and it would be fairly cheap to print. I would suggest having all forms filled in prior to the appointment. They are quite detailed and take some time to fill in. Just leave the space for the doctor to sign.

Also you will need to get a passport type photo and the doctor needs to sign it as well. These can be taken in different camera shops all over Ontario.

Some doctors may want to look at this site or others but it might complicate the process. Remember the K.I.S.S. method (keep it simple stupid) No offense to anyone just a term. This is often the best approach.

I was the same like you rec smoker as a teen and now I am using this herb to help me.

If you have any other questions please feel free to ask. Take care.

fightdiseases · #18 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 02:07 PM

thank you did not know about the photo.....I will have that on hand when I see the good ole doc lol..............family, support and weed.....god bless us all