Canadian government, family works to free Mississauga man jailed in Dubai [Video]

Maurice Kevin O’Rourke has been imprisoned in Dubai and his health is deteriorating. Detained in Dubai photo.

Family members and activists say there is hope that a Mississauga man held in a Dubai prison will be released with the help of the Canadian government.

Maurice Kevin O’Rourke, 64, is serving a life prison sentence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for possessing cannabis products used to manage a health condition.

O’Rourke was travelling through the Middle Eastern country on his way to South Africa in July when he was detained at the Dubai airport for having cannabis and CBD oil in his luggage.

He uses the products, both legal in Canada, to manage chronic pain caused by Addison’s disease, a rare condition affecting the adrenal glands that can lead to coma if left untreated.

The UAE considers cannabis a controlled narcotic and is prohibited without receiving prior approval to use.

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