Pubdate: Thu, 29 Aug 2002
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2002 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: A. Anne McLellan
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)

LETTER FROM MCLELLAN

Re: Medical Marijuana Plan Still on Track, Health Minister Says, Aug. 27.

The government of Canada has not backed away from its medical marijuana 
program, as earlier reports suggested. If we were doing so, I can assure 
you that we would not be spending the time, energy and money that we are on 
moving ahead with the program, and with significant stakeholder 
involvement. This includes the establishment of the Stakeholder Advisory 
Committee on Marijuana for Medical Purposes, expected to meet for the first 
time in October, 2002.

I know that many Canadians suffering from terminal or grave illnesses 
strongly and genuinely believe, with the support of their physicians, that 
smoking marijuana helps them live more comfortably and in less pain. In my 
role as Health Minister, I must balance those beliefs with the need to 
carry out research into the safety and effectiveness of marijuana as a 
medicine.

That is why our policy has two components. The first is the Marihuana 
Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) which allows people with authorizations 
to possess and cultivate marijuana for medical purposes. At present over 
800 people in Canada are permitted by Health Canada to possess marijuana 
for medical purposes. The MMAR remains in effect and people continue to apply.

The second component of our approach is research. These are two parallel 
tracks.

Unlike heroin and morphine products, marijuana is not approved as a 
medicine in any country in the world. Marijuana cannot be approved in 
Canada without scientific evidence proving its benefits and defining its 
risks. At present, while there are anecdotal reports of the value of smoked 
marijuana, the scientific studies about its safety and effectiveness are 
inconclusive.

Conducting research will allow us to better understand whether and for 
which medical conditions marijuana is an effective medicine, and better 
understand the risks in relation to those benefits.

Health Canada continues to pursue the research plan initiated in 1999. This 
will include broad-based clinical trials (which will accommodate large 
numbers of participants) and controlled clinical trials (involving smaller 
groups of patients). These clinical trials will use research grade 
marijuana, including that produced for Health Canada by Prairie Plant Systems.

It is our hope that these clinical trials will include many of the people 
permitted by Health Canada to possess marijuana for medical purposes.

People who do not participate in this research can continue to apply for a 
license to cultivate marijuana or for a designate to cultivate it for them, 
under the existing regulations.

Let me reassure all Canadians that the federal government remains committed 
to our medical marijuana program. This program takes a compassionate 
approach to Canadians who suffer from serious medical conditions while, at 
the same time, pursuing a sound research agenda.

A. Anne McLellan; Minister of Health, Ottawa.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Tom