Pubdate: Tue, 09 Jul 2013 Source: Observer, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2013, Sarnia Observer Contact: http://www.theobserver.ca/letters Website: http://www.theobserver.ca Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1676 Author: Liz Bernier REPORT SPARKS MEDICAL POT USE CONTROVERSY Organized Crime Co-Opting Medical Marijuana Debate over medical marijuana usage is heating up after an RCMP report outlined incidents of misuse of the medical pot program. The RCMP are reporting that, in some cases, criminal groups are using the medical marijuana system to obtain and distribute the drug. The Canadian Press recently obtained a censored copy of an RCMP intelligence report that discussed the issue. Reports state there are several methods in use for co-opting the medical marijuana system. In some cases, individuals may use a friend or family member with a clean criminal record to apply for a license. In other cases, individuals may obtain their own producers license and produce much greater quantities of the drug than Health Canada regulations allow. Health Canada recently introduced new regulations designed to crack down on misuse of the medical marijuana program. The new program regulations will operate together with the old program until March 31, 2014. But some medical pot users expressed concern when the new regulations were first introduced, arguing they will make it more expensive and more difficult to get the drug. According to Health Canada, licensed producers of medical marijuana must obtain 'security clearance' and must ship dried marijuana directly to their clients. They are also required to notify their local government, local police force, and local fire officials of their intention to become a licenced marijuana producer. Misuse of medical cannabis has not presented a problem for Sarnia police in recent months. Police said Health Canada closely scrutinizes the licensed users and producers. Lambton OPP Const. Chrystal Jones said that, while Health Canada is the primary government body that tracks medicinal marijuana use, medical marijuana can still become a concern for police forces. "Our biggest point about it is (that) it doesn't matter whether it's for medical purposes or other illegal (purposes), it's always a concern for us locally, because it impacts the safety of our community," she said. "Any improper use or abuse of controlled substances can lead to increased violent acts and property crime." Dr. Sudit Ranade, Medical Officer of Health for Sarnia-Lambton, said that medical marijuana can be prescribed for symptoms like chronic pain, spasticity and nausea and is used to help manage a number of different conditions. "Typically it is used in pain management for end-of-life care, or for people with complications from untreatable chronic diseases like cancer and HIV," he told The Observer in an e-mail interview. It varies between doctors how easy it is to get a prescription, Ranade said. "I think that depends on how willing the doctor is, how comfortable the doctor is with the use of this treatment, and the trust between the doctor and patient that the medicine or prescription will only be used as intended for the patient alone," he said. But, Ranade added, the College of Family Physicians of Canada suggests that some doctors may feel uncomfortable prescribing medical marijuana because when they write a "declaration," it does not include a dosage amount, directions for usage or duration of use. But misuse of medical marijuana is not the only concern some health professionals raise. The possibility of "physical and psychotropic side-effects" of the drug are also a concern, according to a study in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. In regards to the recent RCMP report, Ranade said that there will likely always be some who attempt to misuse the drug. "I think there will always be people who try to get around the system, no matter how tough the regulations are or how strictly they are enforced," he said. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom