Information on the new Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations

Author: Rachelle D’Souza

On August 11, 2016, Health Canada announced the new Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) which came into force on August 24, 2016. These new regulations were intended to replace the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) as of August 24, 2016, and be implemented as a result of the Federal Court ruling in the case of Allard v. Canada. The ACMPR allows for reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes for Canadians who have been authorized to use cannabis for medical purposes by their healthcare practitioner.

Under the ACMPR, Canadians who have been authorized by their healthcare practitioner to access cannabis for medical purposes, will continue to have the option of purchasing safe and  quality-controlled cannabis from one of the producers licensed by Health Canada. Canadians will also be able to produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, or designate someone to produce it for them.Individuals who have the support of a licensed health care practitioner may consult Accessing Cannabis for Medical Purposes for further information on how to access cannabis for medical purposes under the ACMPR.

Please refer to the statement released by Health Canada and supporting Fact Sheet for additional information.

For more information on the content of the new regulations, please see our guide: Understanding the New Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations.

The following information bulletin is also available: Safety and security when producing cannabis for your own medical purposes.

The full text of the new regulations was published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on August 24, 2016.

Regulations no longer in effect
The Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) were repealed on August 24, 2016. The MMPR created conditions for a commercial industry that would be responsible for the production and distribution of marihuana for medical purposes. They also made sure that Canadians with a medical need, could access quality-controlled marihuana grown under secure and sanitary conditions.

In addition, on March 31, 2014, the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) were repealed. However, as a result of a Federal Court Order granted on March 21, 2014, individuals who were previously authorized to possess and/or produce marihuana under the former MMAR and who meet the terms of the Federal Court injunction order may continue to do so until the Court orders otherwise. Individuals covered by the injunction who wish to change the terms of their license, such as a change in address or designated producer, will be able to do so by registering with Health Canada under the new ACMPR.

Reference:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/marihuana/about-apropos-eng.php