On July 30, 2001, the federal government put into effect new regulations that allow more access to marijuana, by far the world's most used illicit narcotic, for 'medicinal' purposes. The health threat to patients, links to organized crime, the gateway to harder drugs that is created by smoking 'pot', and an inevitable weakening on restrictions for recreational use of marijuana and other narcotics present significant reasons for Canadians to be concerned about sanctioning access to marijuana, even for 'medicinal' purposes.
Q. How did we get here?
A. On July 31, 2000, Terrance Parker was successful in gaining support from the Court of Appeal for Ontario to use marijuana to help control his epilepsy. Under Section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), the Minister of Health has the authority to allow exemptions for persons deemed to need access to marijuana for medical purposes. There have been over 250 of these exemptions granted to date.
To strengthen the......
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