The Canadian government last Friday decided not to appeal a July 31st Ontario Court of Appeals decision that declared Canada’s prohibition of marijuana “unconstitutional” and said that if Parliament did not amend the law to allow for medical use within a year, marijuana possession in Ontario (for any purpose) would be legal.
Two weeks ago, Canadian Health Minister Allan Rock announced he would change regulations to allow patients access to marijuana. Until the new regulations are approved Canadians can continue to apply for a medical exemption under Section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. To date, 71 Canadians are allowed to legally smoke marijuana.
“We want to bring greater clarity to the process for those Canadians who may request the use of this drug to alleviate symptoms,” Rock said. “We want to do so in recognition of a need for a more defined process for those in pain and suffering.”
“Progress towards legalizing marijuana in Canada is bound to have a positive impact on U.S. policy,” said Keith Stroup, NORML Executive Director. “It is impossible for the U.S. to ignore the positive changes occurring with our neighbors to the north.”
For more information, please contact Keith Stroup, NORML Executive Director at (202) 483-5500.
