Pubdate: Tue, 28 Aug 2007 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2007 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n984/a08.html Author: Wendy Little MEDICAL USERS DESERVE CHOICE OF POT SOURCES Re: "Health Canada pot worth every penny," Aug. 23, I have no doubt that Prairie Plant System's marijuana is tested. However, it is important to note that Health Canada policy prohibits the other 1,000 legal, federally licenced marijuana producers and distributors in Canada from testing their marijuana. We sell our certified-organic B.C.-grown cannabis to federally licensed patients for $3.57 per gram, while Prairie Plant Systems sells its non-organic, gamma-irradiated, mine-grown product for $5 per gram. Like the writer, I also have issues with black-market prices. However, perhaps consumers deserve a range of supplier options from which to choose, especially if the product meets their medical needs and they are willing and able to pay for it. Our company, Island Harvest, has produced quality, certified-organic marijuana, inspected under stringent guidelines and consistent crop-production standards administered under B.C. Ministry of Agriculture regulations. We have been operating for more than five years and have the written support of every level of government. Unfortunately, due to a recent change in federal government policy, Canadian medical cannabis producers are now prohibited from supplying more than one customer, while Prairie Plant Systems is able to supply an unlimited number of customers. There are other affordable quality organic options being denied to Canadian medical consumers due to failed government policy and Prairie Plant Systems' current legal monopoly. Wendy Little, president, Island Harvest, Vancouver Island. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake