–Health Canada, Government of CanadaInformation on the new Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes RegulationsOn August 11, 2016, Health Canada announced the new Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR).
These new regulations will replace the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) as of August 24, 2016, and are being implemented as a result of the Federal Court ruling in the case of Allard v. Canada. The ACMPR will allow for reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes for Canadians who have been authorized to use cannabis for medical purposes by their health care practitioner.Please refer to the statement released by Health Canada and supporting Fact Sheet for additional information.Upcoming Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes RegulationsUnder the ACMPR, Canadians who have been authorized by their health care practitioner to access cannabis for medical purposes will continue to have the option of purchasing safe, quality-controlled cannabis from one of the 34 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.For more information on the content of the new regulations, please see our guide:Â 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 will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on August 24, 2016.Current Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations
The MMPR came into force in June 2013 and remain in effect until August 24, 2016. The regulations created conditions for a commercial industry that is responsible for the production and distribution of marijuana for medical purposes. They also make sure that Canadians with a medical need can access quality controlled marijuana grown under secure and sanitary conditions.Individuals who have the support of a licensed health care practitioner may consult Procedures for Accessing Marijuana for Medical Purposes for further information on how to access marijuana for medical purposes under the MMPR.Regulations no longer in effectThe Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) were repealed on March 31, 2014. However, as a result of a Federal Court Order granted on March 21, 2014, individuals who were previously authorized to possess and/or produce marijuana 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.
Health Canada
