The Report on the Use of Marijuana for Medical Purposes

Following up on a commitment made last March, Health Minister Allan Rock tabled today a status report entitled Health Canada's Research Plan for the Use of Marijuana for Medicinal Purposes.

This report clearly demonstrates that our government is sensitive to the needs of Canadians who are suffering from terminal or degenerative illnesses.

At the same time, we are determined to establish a scientific foundation for the claimed benefits of the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

The report indicates that Health Canada is developing a business plan for the creation of a government-approved domestic source of research-grade marijuana in Canada.

This supply will be necessary to provide Health Canada with the flexibility and security of supply to conduct ongoing research in Canada.

In the meantime, Health Canada will be working with Canadian researchers to obtain access to the supply of research-grade marijuana cigarettes held by the U.S. National Institute of Drug Abuse.

The report also references other mechanisms that exist in Canada for access to drugs, such as the exemption for medical purposes under Section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Minister Rock announced that he has granted two individuals exemptions for the possession and cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes, using his authority under Section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Canadians who wish to apply for an exemption should use Health Canada's Interim Guidance Document, which outlines the information to be provided by applicants. The Department will review each application within 15 working days of receiving all the necessary information.

In addition, the report gives details on the three components of the research planrelating to clinical trials:

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. These trials are intended to start before the end of the year, provided researchers can access the U.S. National Institute of Drug Abuse supply of marijuana.

The Medical Research Council of Canada will receive funding to sponsor a variety of research activities. Research will probably begin early in the new year, after an appropriate evaluation of the proposals.

Health Canada is negotiating with a firm from the United Kingdom to develop clinical trials using a non-smoked form of marijuana, using a inhalation device. These trials would be undertaken in Canada.