Pubdate: Sat, 13 Aug 2016 Source: Barrie Examiner (CN ON) Copyright: 2016, Barrie Examiner Contact: http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/letters Website: http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2317 Author: Cheryl Browne Page: A1 TANGLED UP IN POT RULES Medical marijuana dispensaries and users getting mired in new regulations Growing your own dope just got a little easier. Sure, there's all kinds of legal mumbo-jumbo, fire and zoning codes and doctor's notes to obtain, but technically, the federal government just gave medical-marijuana users the green light to grow their own pot. After federal court Judge Michael Phelan struck down the previous Marijuana for Medical Purposes (MMPR) legislation in February, which barred medical marijuana patients from growing their own cannabis (which they could under the previous Marijuana Medical Access Regulations), he gave the newly-elected Liberal government six months to create new medical marijuana laws. This week, Health Canada released new regulations governing Canada's medical cannabis program, now under the new Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulation (ACMPR) moniker that come into effect Aug. 24. The only problem is the legal grey area local dispensaries and users now find themselves mired in. "I could grow it if I want to, but I don't want to," said John Wilson. Diagnosed with hepatitis C 18 years ago, the 52-year-old Barrie man said he's been prescribed all sorts of strong pharmaceutical products to deal with his illness. "I don't want strong pharmaceuticals. Pot helps with the inflammation of my spleen, and doesn't damage my liver like the other pharmaceutical drugs do," Wilson said. Wilson said he doesn't want the hassle of growing pot in his condominium because he's worried about heat lamps starting fires and excess moisture causing mould. But others who have a doctor's prescription to use marijuana to quell the symptoms of their various diseases; which includes everything from Crohn's disease to epilepsy to PTSD, can now either grow their own, or designate someone to produce it for them. Under the ACMPR, growers must apply for a Health Canada registration certificate and abide by maximum plant limits, storage and possession requirements based on the amounts prescribed by their physician. However, the feds say the 34 licensed producers who currently supply close to 70,000 Canadians with the buds are still considered the prime source of safe, quality-controlled cannabis and will be the only legal source of starting materials, i.e. seeds or plants, for medical marijuana users or their designates. Health Canada states the current storefront medical marijuana dispensaries that are popping up across Canada are not considered legitimate marijuana dealers. In its release, Health Canada states, "Storefront operations selling marijuana, commonly known as "dispensaries" and "compassion clubs" are not authorized to sell cannabis for medical or any other purposes. These operations are illegally supplied and provide products that are unregulated and may be unsafe. Illegal storefront distribution and sale of cannabis are subject to law enforcement action. The only legal commercial source of safe, quality-controlled cannabis for medical purposes in Canada is through purchase directly from one of the 34 producers licenced by Health Canada." But Barrie dispensary co-owner Caleb V. at Med West on Dunlop Street West, believes there's a void in the system that needs to be addressed. "I'm slightly confused about the new model. It hasn't allowed for dispensing medical marijuana locally. The judge (Phelan) did say we are fulfilling a need, so this new ruling leaves us a little confused," Caleb said. Ward 2 Coun. Rose Romita said the new laws are very clear about who can grow and sell and who can't. "I don't have a problem with dispensaries but I want them to be legal," Romita said. "I don't care if you're selling water, milk or butter. There are regulations for all of those products and you have to sell them legally. There's no doubt in my mind that dispensaries are not getting their product legally because legal producers are not selling to them. "This new regulation, takes out the grey area. It kills the storefront dispensaries and closes that loophole." Under the the new ACMPR, Health Canada promises to work closely with provincial authorities to share data including the quantities of cannabis authorized to be grown in their jurisdiction, as well as keep a phone-line open 24/7 so law enforcement can ensure individuals are authorized to possess or produce pot for medicinal purposes. For more information, visit - ------------------------------------- [sidebar] Health Canada Marijuana Production Tips: Outdoor production Under the ACMPR, if you are producing outdoors, the boundary of the land where you are authorized to produce cannot have any points in common with the boundary of the land where a school, public playground, or other public place frequented mainly by persons under 18 years of age is located. You may want to consider installing a tall fence with a locking gate or an alarm system to help keep your production area secure. Indoor production If you are growing plants indoors, ensure that there is enough ventilation to remove excess moisture and humidity to stop mould from building-up on your plants or in the building. If you decide to make changes to the structure of your home or your electrical system, you should seek the advice of a licensed professional to ensure that you are in compliance with municipal and provincial/territorial building codes. Storage You may want to consider installing strong locks on the doors to all areas where you produce or store cannabis and/or installing a home monitoring or alarm system. You should also store your cannabis in a safe or equally protected location that you can secure with a lock (e.g., cabinet, closet, or trunk). If you have children, or have children who visit your home regularly, you may also want to ensure that cannabis and cannabis products are stored in childproof containers to avoid accidental ingestion. Health Producing cannabis can pose certain risks to your health and safety. Please consider the following: If you plan to use chemical products, such as pesticides, ensure that these products are safe for use on a plant that you plan to eat or vaporize. If you are making a cannabis product, such as oil or butter, you are not permitted to use an organic solvent such as butane, benzene, methyl chloride, or chlorinated hydrocarbons. Using organic solvents to make cannabis products poses significant safety risks, such as fire and explosion, and health risks if the product contains residue from the production process. Source: Health Canada - --- MAP posted-by: Matt