Canada announces new medical marijuana regulations

Canada’s Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq has announced new regulations that will change the way Canadians access marijuana for medical purposes. The new Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) will be published in the Canada Gazette on June 19, 2013.

"While the courts have said that there must be reasonable access to a legal source of marijuana for medical purposes, we believe that this must be done in a controlled fashion in order to protect public safety," said Minister Aglukkaq, adding:"These changes will strengthen the safety of Canadian communities, while making sure patients can access what they need to treat serious illnesses."

Since its introduction in 2001, Health Canada's Marijuana Medical Access Program (MMAP) has grown exponentially, from under 500 authorized persons to over 30,000 today. This rapid increase has had unintended consequences for public health, safety and security as a result of allowing individuals to produce marijuana in their homes. Under the new regulations, production will no longer take place in homes and municipal zoning laws will need to be respected, which will further enhance public safety.