Pubdate: Mon, 06 Jul 2015
Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)
Copyright: 2015 The Globe and Mail Company
Contact:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/168
Author: Neil Belot
Page: A10

GOING TO POT

Advocates of unregulated marijuana dispensaries argue that these
storefront operations are necessary to meet the needs of medical
cannabis patients, and that the product they sell is safe. Neither
argument is true.

Canada's medical cannabis system, operating under Health Canada
regulation, works well. Patients can order a range of products from
their choice of 19 licensed producers. Legal medical cannabis is
quality controlled and inspected, guaranteed not to contain
contaminants.

Unregulated dispensaries sell cannabis grown illegally, under unknown
conditions, and without any of the protections patients require.

Municipal governments should understand the importance of supporting
the legitimate, regulated market for cannabis as medicine, and not
encourage the spread of illegal operations.

Neil Belot, executive director, Canadian Medical Cannabis Industry
Association, Toronto
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MAP posted-by: Matt