Pubdate: Fri, 04 Mar 2016
Source: Stony Plain Reporter, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2016 The Grove Examiner & The Stony Plain Reporter
Contact: http://www.stonyplainreporter.com/letters
Website: http://www.stonyplainreporter.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3370
Author: Marcia Love
Page: A20

RIGHT TO GROW

Medical marijuana patients are once again free to grow their own cannabis.

Last week a federal court judge struck down federal regulations put 
in place by the former government which restricted patients from 
growing their own product for medical use.

Judge Michael Phelan ruled on Feb. 24, in Vancouver, that the 
Conservative government's Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations 
infringed on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He stated it is an 
arbitrary legislation that goes overboard.

The judge's declaration has been suspended for six months to allow 
the federal government time to develop new rules.

Four British Columbia residents challenged the legislation in court, 
stating that it would effectively cut off their access to affordable medicine.

Established in 2013, the government's regulations required patients 
to buy cannabis from licensed producers, but many home-growers argued 
buying from a government-licenced growing operation would cost them 
tens of thousands of dollars each year.

The judge heard the federal government's argument that regulations 
ensured patient safety, guarding users against the potential hazards 
of home operations.

Phelan ordered a previous injunction remain in effect, which allows 
those with prior licences to use medical marijuana to continue 
growing it in their homes.

The plaintiffs' lawyer called on Ottawa to allow new patients the 
ability to grow their own medical marijuana as well.

Across the country, about 28,000 people held licences under the 
previous system and were covered by the injunction. Two of the 
plaintiffs were not covered.

Spruce Grove RCMP reported they haven't dealt with any issues of 
home-growing operations since the regulations were introduced, but 
since the new ruling there will be regulations individuals will have to follow.

The ruling still doesn't make it legal for individuals to use 
marijuana for recreational purposes.

While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has voiced legalizing 
recreational marijuana as a priority, little has been addressed 
regarding medical marijuana since the new government was elected.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom