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Canada Investigates Medical Use of Marihuana

Wed, 11/08/2000 - 1:00am — Karen Stevenson
Description: 

Health Minister Allan Rock announced Health Canada's intention to develop a new regulatory approach for Canadians to access marihuana for medical purposes. This will address some of the issues relating to transparency of the process and a clear definition of medical necessity that stemmed from the decision by the Court of Appeal for Ontario in the case of R. v. Parker, rendered on July 31, 2000. The new regulatory approach will define the circumstances, and the manner in which the use of marihuana for medical purposes will be authorized.

The matter of an appeal on the narrow legal issues raised by the Parker decision is still under consideration. Whether or not leave to appeal the case is sought, the move to establish this new regulatory approach will go ahead. Issues raised by key stakeholders will be considered as the regulatory process is developed.

Until the new regulatory approach is in place, Canadians can continue to apply for an exemption for medical purposes under Section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with the support of their medical practitioner. An interim guidance document and application form are available online.

To date, marihuana is not approved as a drug in any country in the world. Health Canada is funding research activities which will lead to the scientific data necessary to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of marihuana for medical purposes in the future.

Health Minister Allan Rock announced Health Canada's intention to develop a new regulatory approach for Canadians to access marihuana for medical purposes. This will address some of the issues relating to transparency of the process and a clear definition of medical necessity that stemmed from the decision by the Court of Appeal for Ontario in the case of R. v. Parker, rendered on July 31, 2000. The new regulatory approach will define the circumstances, and the manner in which the use of marihuana for medical purposes will be authorized.

The matter of an appeal on the narrow legal issues raised by the Parker decision is still under consideration. Whether or not leave to appeal the case is sought, the move to establish this new regulatory approach will go ahead. Issues raised by key stakeholders will be considered as the regulatory process is developed.

Until the new regulatory approach is in place, Canadians can continue to apply for an exemption for medical purposes under Section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with the support of their medical practitioner. An interim guidance document and application form are available online.

To date, marihuana is not approved as a drug in any country in the world. Health Canada is funding research activities which will lead to the scientific data necessary to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of marihuana for medical purposes in the future.