Pubdate: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 Source: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN) Copyright: 2014 The Leader-Post Ltd. Website: http://www.leaderpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/361 Page: B6 MEDICAL POT USERS TOLD TO DUMP HOMEGROWN STASH OTTAWA - Health Canada says it will tell police if medical marijuana users fail to declare that they have disposed of their homegrown stashes - a requirement of strict new federal rules. The department says it will share relevant information - including the names and addresses of those who flout the new system - with law enforcement. Under the existing federal program, thousands of people have licences to cultivate marijuana for personal use to help ease painful symptoms. Starting April 1, the government plans to allow only select commercial producers to grow marijuana under "secure and sanitary conditions" for postal distribution to medically approved patients. Health Canada says anyone other than a licensed producer growing marijuana as of that date is breaking the law. Those who now possess or grow marijuana under the old rules must dispose of plants, seeds and dried pot by March 31. The Health Department recommends breaking up plant material, blending the marijuana with water, mixing it with cat litter to mask the odour, and putting it out with the trash. It is sending letters to those enrolled under the old rules to say they must submit a signed form by April 30 confirming they have stopped growing pot. Users are required to list the number of plants - and the number of grams of dried marijuana and seeds - they have destroyed. The threat to involve police amounts to criminalizing patients, said Legalize Canada, a group that plans to support federal electoral candidates who endorse legalization of marijuana. The Conservative government recently floated the prospect of allowing police to ticket - instead of criminally charge - people for simple pot possession, the group noted. "The hypocrisy is astounding." On Tuesday, several British Columbia residents will ask the Federal Court of Canada for an injunction that would allow them to continue producing their own pot or have a designated person do so. They argue the new system would deny them an affordable supply of the strain of marijuana that meets their medical needs. The number of people authorized to possess - and often grow - marijuana under the federal program has risen to 37,000 this year from fewer than 100 in 2001. - - The Canadian Press - --- MAP posted-by: Matt