New laws for medicinal marijuana
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New medical marijuana regulations took effect Tuesday. Under the new rules, licensed users can no longer grow their own supply of marijuana and must purchase it from licensed providers. It also limits the amount that users can have in their possession.
Right now there is a temporary court injunction that lets patients continue to grow their own marijuana until their case can be heard. But the government said Monday it will make a request to the federal court of appeal to overturn the injunction. Tuesday activists gathered at Parliament Hill in Ottawa to challenge the new laws and the governments stance.
The medical marijuana program was first introduced by Health Canada in 2001. To be licensed, a patient must have a declaration signed by their doctor. As of Tuesday any remaining plants still in a patient’s possession must be destroyed or they could face charges. Activists say the government is not concerned about their health.
Matt Mernagh inhales then exhales marijuana from a bag. As he does this the pain from a rare brain tumour, fibromyalgia, scoliosis and depression subsides.
Matt is a pot grower and activist: “So the pain comes out the whole left side of my body and goes out my foot.
Unlike many medical marijuana patients, he agrees with the licensed provider model: “Privitization works as it allows better access to medication.”
However he is concerned about no longer being able to personally grow marijuana under the new rules: “People can afford it because they can spend 2 hours on growing their own medicine.”
When licensed, medical marijuana users grow their own plants. It can cost pennies a gram. Purchasing from providers will see that cost rise anywere from $3 to $13 per gram.
Tracey Curley is a medical marijuana user: “My mom’s offered to cover stuff if it get to that point. But I’m kinda hoping it wont get to that point.” Tracey suffers from diabetic neuropathy. Under the new regulations her medication cost will will go from $350 to $750 per month.
Debbie Stultz Giffin, a medical marijuana user with chronic progressive MS said: “What Health Canada has done is forced patiens to worry about our basic health maiteneance versus our liberty. It’s simply unconscionable.”
Many activists protested the new regulations in Ottawa Tuesday, and it is clear they worry they may have no choice but to break the new rules.
Alison Mydren suffers from MS: “Patients in Canada will continue to grow their own cannibis as long as our health and the constitution dictate. Although as a former corrections officer, I deeply fear arrest.”
Many of the people who do use medical marijuana are also on disability and a fixed income. Affording food and paying bills is a huge concern, let alone now paying double even triple the cost for their medication. Some of the licened providers promise to offer compassionate pricing for those who can’t afford the new costs.
Matt Mernagh says he hopes more people enroll with the licensed providers so as demand goes up the costs go down.
