Cannabis-oil advocate to talk cancer-cures

PENTICTON – A cannabis crusader will make his pitch about marijuana's cancer curing powers this Tuesday but another advocate expressed caution about making such claims.

Rick Simpson has been advocating for cannabis and its oil as a cure for certain illnesses including different forms of cancer since 1997. He was inspired to spread his claims after coming down with a medical condition and treated himself with medicinal hemp oil. He is on a speaking tour across B.C. to talk about medical benefits, the legalization of marijuana and how to produce his particular product of hemp oil.

The event's Facebook page has many commenters stating they will go or that they support Simpson's viewpoint.

Cannabis legalization activist Dana Larsen runs a medical dispensary in Vancouver and he said Simpson has spent years in the marijuana legalization movement and "he's absolutely correct" cannabis can treat certain medical issues.

"I'm a little more cautious when it comes to making claims to curing cancer," Larsen said.

Simpson's 6 to 9 p.m. presentation will be at the Seniors Drop-In Centre at 2965 South Main St. Tickets are $15 at the door with the proceeds covering Simpson's travel costs and charitable efforts.

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