News Release
2003-54
July 9, 2003
For immediate release
Government of Canada adopts interim policy on the provision of marihuana for medical
purposes
OTTAWA - The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Health, today announced
that in response to the decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Hitzig
et al. v. Her Majesty the Queen, the Government of Canada is adopting an interim policy
on the provision of marihuana for medical purposes. This will ensure that the Marihuana
Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) remain in effect, pending clarification by the Courts
of the Government of Canada's roles and responsibilities with respect to the provision
of marihuana for medical purposes.
Under a form of cost recovery, this interim policy will:
- make marihuana seeds available to persons authorized to produce marihuana for medical
purposes and who do not currently have plants at any stage of production; and,
- provide a legal source and supply of dried marihuana to individuals authorized to use
marihuana for medical purposes who are unable to produce it themselves or find a person
who can produce on their behalf under the MMAR.
The marihuana seeds and product will come from Prairie Plant Systems Inc., the company
currently under contract with Health Canada to produce marihuana for clinical trials.
At the same time that these steps are being taken, the Government of Canada remains committed
to the original purpose of its contract with PPS to supply marihuana: the conduct of clinical
trials to determine the safety and efficacy of marihuana for medical purposes, and will
continue to move forward in this area.
"As Minister of Health, my first obligation is to ensure the safety and efficacy of this
product. Marihuana is not a proven therapeutic product. Therefore, I remain committed to
the Government of Canada's medical marihuna research program, which promotes research on
the medical value of marihuana while taking a compassionate approach to Canadians who suffer
from serious medical conditions," said Minister McLellan.
The interim policy announced today ensures that both the MMAR and prohibitions related
to marihuana in Ontario will remain in effect.
Although this interim policy can be amended or suspended at any time, it is anticipated
that it will remain in effect until such time as the Government of Canada's roles and responsibilities
with respect to a supply of marihuana for medical purposes have been clarified by the Courts
and the Government of Canada has had time to review and assess such clarification.
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Media Inquiries:
Farah Mohamed
Office of Anne McLellan
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-1694
Jirina Vlk
Health Canada
(613) 957-2988
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