While many federally authorized patients who are covered by the injunction can continue to grow their own cannabis until a decision is heard next year, many other patients have been thinking about joining or have had to join various licensed producers (LPs) for their supply of medical cannabis. Since the MMPR falls short in many important ways such as price concerns and patient supply, currently, there is serious resistance to this program among patients: a program that still does not really meet the needs of its patients.
Most media coverage currently seems to polarize the issue: the corporate, mainstreamed licensed producers and the “green rush” on the one side, and forgotten patients on the other — particularly patients’ rights to grow being stripped from them after more than a decade. What we’ve heard less about is the possibility that these two sides can actually coexist, and leave patients the choice to grow or access a commercial supply. We also should consider the possibility that its these Licensed Producers that will be at the forefront of a potential recreational market, so they likely aren’t going anywhere.
Health Canada constantly reminds us that dried marijuana is not an approved drug or medicine in Canada. It is the court which requires reasonable access to a legal source of marijuana when authorized by a physician. Its ironic to hear Health Canada reiterate to us that Canadians should remember cannabis isn’t really medicine — they’re only allowing this program because of a court order. But the real proof of Health Canada’s feelings towards medical cannabis is manifested in poor legislation, as well as the lack of sustained funding over the last decade for research and development.
- Read the entire article at The Huffington Post.
The MMPR Isn't Working For Patients Using Medical Marijuana
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