Pubdate: Thu, 22 Nov 2012
Source: Northumberland News (CN ON)
Copyright: 2012 by Metroland Printing, Publishing & Distributing, Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.northumberlandnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2373
Author: Paul J. Rellinger

FACTS ON GROWING MEDICINAL MARIJUANA

PORT HOPE -- After 1,824 marijuana plants were found growing inside 
the old file factory on Cavan Street in Port Hope, it was discovered 
the building's tenant had a licence to grow 268 of them.

There are thousands of Canadians who suffer from terminal illnesses, 
pains or severe conditions who are legally allowed to grow the 
cannabis plant to help ease their pain. Illnesses such as multiple 
sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, spinal cord disease, cancer, 
HIV/AIDS, arthritis and epilepsy qualify a person to apply to Health 
Canada to grow medicinal marijuana.

Port Hope police chief Kevin McAlpine said it is rare for officers to 
deal with residents in the municipality who are legally allowed to 
have marijuana in their possession.

"Occasionally we come across more people who have a licence to 
possess marijuana than people who can grow it," Chief McAlpine said. 
"It's definitely not a frequent occurrence."

Chief McAlpine said the Port Hope Police Services investigates 
medicinal marijuana incidents no more than "two or three times a year."

Health Canada reports, as of January 2010, 3,576 Canadians were 
allowed to grow marijuana for medical purposes.

Marijuana remains an illegal drug in Canada, but under the marijuana 
medical access regulations (MMAR) program, Health Canada allows for 
medicinal marijuana access for those suffering from grave and 
debilitating illnesses.

According to Health Canada, those allowed to have medicinal marijuana 
may possess a maximum 30-day treatment supply of marijuana at any 
given time. For example, a patient whose daily amount is three grams 
will be allowed to possess no more than 90 grams at a given time.

Those who hold a personal-use production licence under the MMAR 
program can grow marijuana under one of three options: grow outdoor 
year-round; grow indoor year-round; or grow outdoors during the 
summer and indoors during the winter. Just how much one can grow 
depends on the severity of their condition.

Holders of a licence to possess marijuana can also hold a licence to 
produce and grow their own marijuana, or they can choose to have a 
person grow it for them, which also requires a licence.

Anyone who grows medicinal marijuana must be at least 18 years old 
and a resident of Canada.

Finally, growers must take precautions to protect marijuana plants 
and dried marijuana from loss or theft.

For more information, visit the Health Canada web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom