Pubdate: Fri, 12 Aug 2016
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 The Windsor Star
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Author: Dalson Chen
Page: A2

EASING MEDICAL POT HOME-GROWING WELCOMED

Canadians with medical marijuana prescriptions will soon be legally
able to grow their own medicine.

Health Canada announced on Thursday that the new Access to Cannabis
for Medical Purposes Regulations - which come into effect Aug. 24 -
will allow people authorized to use medical marijuana to "produce a
limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, or
designate someone to produce it for them."

The new rules replace Canada's old Marijuana for Medical Purposes
Regulations, and effectively open the door for every medical marijuana
prescription holder in the country to cultivate cannabis plants at
home.

"That's a huge thing," said Jon Liedtke, a medical marijuana user and
proprietor of downtown Windsor's Higher Limits cannabis vapour lounge.
"What we're going to see is a proliferation of homegrown medical marijuana."

Regarding what the government considers "a limited amount" of
cannabis, Liedtke said the formula - as he understands it - works out
to two outdoor plants or five indoor plants for individuals who have
been prescribed one gram of medical marijuana per day.

"All it takes is time and know-how," Liedtke said. "We live in Windsor
and Essex County - a region that's known for agricultural bounty."

Liedtke also believes Thursday's announcement is a good sign of
progress toward fulfilment of the Liberal government's promise to
legalize marijuana in Canada.

On April 20, Health Canada told the United Nations that federal
marijuana legislation will be introduced by spring 2017.

"Anytime the government brings forward expanded access to marijuana,
it's a very positive thing," Liedtke said. "This is the strongest
affirmation we've seen yet from any Canadian government regarding
medical marijuana access."

While the ability to grow at home is welcome news for users, it might
be a different story for the financial interests of the medical
marijuana production industry.

But Liedtke doesn't think that licensed large-scale marijuana
producers need to worry. "People are allowed to grow up to 40
kilograms of tobacco at their own homes. Most people don't. You're
allowed to brew your own beer at home. Most people don't."

"Even people who do home-brew - they still buy cases of beer .... The
majority of (medical marijuana users) are going to want the
convenience and the accessibility of just purchasing, like they do
with every other product in their lives."

That said, Liedtke does anticipate the price of medical marijuana from
licensed producers will decrease dramatically as a result of the new
rules.

"Overall, it means more affordable medical marijuana, and a more
consistent supply of medical marijuana."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt