Statement from the Minister of Health - Minister Philpott confirms Canada's way forward on marijuana for medical purposes

OTTAWA, March 24, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, issued the following statement regarding the matter of Allard v. Canada:

Following a careful review of the Federal Court's decision in the matter of Allard v. Canada, the Government of Canada has decided not to appeal the decision. In the coming months, the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) will be amended to give effect to the Court's judgement.  The Government's intention is to have completed the amendment process by August 24, 2016, which is the timeframe set by the judgement.

In the meantime, I would like to remind authorized medical marijuana users that the MMPR remain in full effect.  Unless one is covered by a Court injunction, Licensed Producers are the only legal way to obtain marijuana for medical purposes.

At the same time, our Government will be moving forward with the legalization, strict regulation and restriction of access to marijuana. In the near future, a Task Force will be established that will consult broadly with experts in public health, substance abuse and law enforcement in order to examine and report on all of the issues related to legalization.

The Honourable Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health

 

SOURCE Health Canada

Andrew MacKendrick, Office of Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, [phone]; Media Relations: Health Canada, [phone]