Pubdate: Thu, 04 Jul 2013
Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 Nanaimo Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608
Author: Jim Bronskill

CRIME GROUPS EXPLOITING MEDICAL POT, SAYS RCMP

Those Without Criminal Records Used As Fronts, Says Report

The RCMP says organized criminal networks are taking advantage of 
Canada's medical marijuana program to produce the drug and supply it 
to the illicit market.

A newly released intelligence report by the national police force 
warns that criminals are using family members and associates with 
clean police records to get around program safeguards.

"Gaining access to or control of a medical marijuana grow operation 
is highly desirable for criminal networks due to the array of 
opportunities it would present for the illicit production and 
diversion of high-grade medical marijuana," says the report, 
completed in May 2012.

It also notes that screening an applicant through a criminal record 
check is insufficient to keep undesirable elements from infiltrating 
the program.

A heavily censored copy of the report was released to The Canadian 
Press under the Access to Information Act.

The findings follow numerous warnings and reports of illegal activity 
linked to Health Canada's Marijuana Medical Access Regulations initiative.

The department has announced a complete reworking of the medical 
marijuana system - in part due to concerns about the risk of criminal 
exploitation.

Under the existing program, to be phased out by April 1, 2014, 
individuals are issued licences to grow marijuana for their personal 
use to help ease the symptoms of their medical conditions.

More than 30,000 people across the country are authorized to use the 
drug for medical purposes.

The Mounties have long advised that the illegal marijuana trade is a 
multibillion-dollar industry in Canada.

Under Health Canada's new medical marijuana program, individuals will 
no longer apply for licences to grow plants at home. Instead, 
licensed producers will cultivate marijuana for distribution to 
individuals whose health-care providers agree it is an appropriate treatment.

The government says the licensed producers will be subject to 
extensive security and quality-control requirements.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom