The text of the Convention appears clear: signatory governments must penalize marijuana as a Schedule IV substance. Some clauses of the treaty, however, allow for the medicinal and scientific use of restricted drugs. This paper was published in 1998. Cannabis Control Policy highlighted Canada’s commitments in 1979:

“In general, international drug treaty clauses requiring Canada to criminalize some cannabis-related acts provide Canada a lot of leeways. If Canada chooses to continue criminalizing consumption-oriented activity, it is not compelled to convict or punish those who have committed these offenses.

Though it may involve seizure of cannabis held without authorization, it does not obligate Canada to criminalize such possession.” Marijuana’s therapeutic benefits are still being studied. The Institute of Medicine started reviewing marijuana and cannabinoids in August 1997. The 1999 report states:

“The evidence suggests that cannabinoids may be useful in treating symptoms such as pain alleviation, nausea and vomiting management, and hunger stimulation. THC, one of the two most abundant cannabinoids in marijuana, has the greatest known medicinal benefits of all cannabinoids.”

As a result of the MMRP, Canada’s medical marijuana legislation started to alter.

-An April 1999 poll found 78% favor the plant’s therapeutic usage.

-Judge Jim Wakeford gives him a temporary constitutional exemption for possession and cultivation

In addition to scientific research and suitable standards for medical usage, the government should immediately take efforts to provide access to a safe medicinal supply.

-June 9th: Minister of Health launches clinical trials program; applicants are free from criminal punishment.

-October 6th – 14 additional people get medical marijuana exemptions.

A federal minister of health declares the government will cultivate medical marijuana and federal laws will be enacted.

the legislation prohibiting the growing of medical marijuana is unconstitutional.

-April 2001 – Health Canada announces proposed rule for medical marijuana access

-August 2001 – With the MMAR (Marijuana Medical Access Regulations), Canada becomes the first nation to legalize medical marijuana.

Illnesses

Since 2001, chronic and terminal disease patients have improved. The Canadian Senate campaigned for MMAR reform a year after medical marijuana became legal. Patients with illnesses like MS are unable to nurture the plant.

In 2003, the Ontario Court of Appeal imposed MMAR changes. Fair access to legal marijuana through sanctioned providers was one of the measures.

Experts have examined medicinal marijuana’s healing potential for seven years. They may be able to cure certain previously incurable diseases. Medicinal marijuana and cannabinoids have been studied for cancer, MS, RA, and Crohn’s disease.

Medical marijuana is legal in Canada for serious conditions and chronic disorders, Order weed online. A legal source of medical marijuana in Canada, MMJ.ca links patients with