News Release
1999-80
June 9, 1999
Minister Rock tables status report on medicinal marijuana research plan
OTTAWA - To follow up on a commitment made in March 1999, Health Minister Allan Rock today tabled, in the House of Commons, a status report entitled Health Canada's Research Plan for the Use of Marijuana for Medicinal Purposes. In addition to moving forward on the development of clinical trials, Health Canada is developing a business plan for the creation of a government-approved domestic source of supply of research-grade marijuana in Canada. The Minister also announced that he has exercised his authority under Section 56 of the  Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (PDF Version) and has granted two individuals exemptions for the possession and cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes.
"Moving forward on a research plan that includes establishing a quality Canadian supply of medicinal marijuana and a process to access it, is significant," said Health Minister Allan Rock. "The Plan reflects compassion and will also help build the evidence base needed regarding the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes."
The status report outlines the Department's actions on a number of fronts. Because most of the evidence supporting the medicinal use of the drug is anecdotal, Health Canada is supporting clinical trials to explore the scientific foundation for the claimed benefits. The clinical trial components of the Plan will allow those who are suffering from terminal and degenerative illnesses, and who believe that marijuana could alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life, to have access to marijuana under controlled circumstances.
Research
There are three components of the research plan relating to clinical trials:
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Funds have been committed to The Community Research Initiative of Toronto in association with the Canadian HIV Trials Network to conduct short-term clinical trials in which marijuana is smoked. The U.S. National Institute of Drug Abuse is the only supplier of research-grade marijuana cigarettes available for researchers. Health Canada will be working with Canadian researchers to obtain access to this supply over the course of the summer with the intention of having these trials, which could involve several sites, started before the end of the year.
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The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) will receive funding to sponsor a variety of research activities, including clinical trials pertaining to marijuana, marijuana extracts and related products. Requests for proposals will be posted later in June with research proposals due by September 15. Research will begin as soon as possible following appropriate evaluation of the proposals, which is anticipated early in the new year.
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Health Canada is negotiating with a firm from the United Kingdom to develop clinical trials using a non-smoked form of marijuana (using an inhalation device). These trials would be undertaken in Canada using the research grade product being developed.
Domestic Supply
Health Canada is currently finalizing plans for a business plan to develop a government-controlled growing operation in Canada. A reliable, high quality Canadian source of research-grade supply will be necessary to provide Health Canada with the flexibility and security of supply to conduct ongoing research in Canada, directly related to this country's requirements.
Exemptions
In addition to clinical trials, the Research Plan references other mechanisms that exist in Canada for access to drugs. This includes exemption for medical purposes under Section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act through which individuals may be allowed to possess and cultivate marijuana for personal medical use. On May 6, Health Canada released an Interim Guidance Document that outlines the information to be provided by applicants seeking an exemption. To date, Health Canada has received indications of interest from some 30 potential applicants. Sufficient information has been provided by two individuals and, based on that information, the decision was taken to grant them access to marijuana for their own personal medical use. Further applications under Section 56 will be considered as they are received. The Department will review each application within 15 working days of receiving all the necessary information.
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