TORONTO — An HIV-infected man who has been legally approved by Health Canada to smoke medicinal marijuana expressed relief Tuesday as he headed to his doctor to pick up the pot.

"This is very important, I've been working for it for some time," said Jari Dvorak, who received a call on Monday saying the government-grown weed was ready.

Dvorak, who says marijuana helps him combat nausea, is one of about 500 Canadians who have been legally approved to use the drug.

Critics have frequently questioned Health Minister Anne McLellan's commitment to the medical marijuana program set up by her predecessor Allan Rock.

She has said she doesn't believe Health Canada should be in the business of distributing cannabis, and has indicated the distribution will end if her department wins its appeal of an Ontario ruling currently before the courts.

The approved marijuana comes from an underground lab in Flin Flon, Man., where it is being grown by Prairie Plant Systems under contract to the federal government.

Dvorak says he's pleased to have easier access to the drug.

"I don't want to be a criminal when I'm buying the medication from dealers," he said.

"It's no big deal to get pot these days, but it's costing a lot of money."

Dvorak said he expected to pay $150 for an ounce - about $100 cheaper than street prices.

He still had questions Tuesday, however, about the quality of the drug his doctor was to administer.

"I'm still mystified about what I'm getting," said Dvorak, who was to hold a smoking party later Tuesday to test the product.