Sick Ottowans may be allowed to use cannabis

Sick people could soon be allowed to use cannabis in Ottawa.

The federal health department has drawn up proposals which would allow them to possess and smoke the drug. The proposals should become law in 30 days.

People with multiple sclerosis, spinal-cord injuries, epilepsy, Aids, and arthritis to use the drug. They will only be allowed to use it if they can prove they can't be treated with other drugs to relieve the pain.

"We are acting compassionately by allowing people who are suffering from grave and debilitating illnesses to have access to marijuana for medical purposes," Health Minister Allan Rock, is reported as saying.

These new measures will also allow the Government to license third parties to grow marijuana for individual sufferers unable to grow it for themselves.