Regulatory Initiative: Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations - Forward Regulatory Plan 2012-2014

Title or working title of the regulatory initiative: Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations

Description of the objective:
On December 15, 2012, the proposed Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) were published in Canada Gazette, Part I. The proposed regulation sets out a new, simplified process to access marihuana for medical purposes, in which Health Canada would no longer receive applications from program participants.  A new supply and distribution system for dried marihuana that relies on licensed producers would be established.  These licensed producers would be inspected and audited by Health Canada so as to ensure that they comply with all applicable regulatory requirements.  The production of marihuana for medical purposes by individuals in homes and communities would be phased out.

Enabling Act:
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

Indication of business impacts:
This proposal would establish a regulatory framework for a new industry and thus for new businesses.

Public consultation opportunities:

A public consultation was held between June 17 and July 31, 2011.  Between August and November 2011, targeted meetings were also held with a variety of stakeholder and/or partner groups.  The consultation document used during these consultations and a summary of these consultations can be found on the Health Canada website.

From May 24 to June 31, 2012, a separate consultation was held with physicians, which included a survey for physicians.

The proposed regulations were published in  Canada Gazette, Part I on December 15, 2012, for a 75-day comment period ending on February 28, 2013.

Departmental contact:

Jeannine Ritchot
Director
Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulatory Reform
Controlled Substances and Tobacco Directorate
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada

Telephone number: 613-957-6633

Email address:  consultations-marihuana@hc-sc.gc.ca

For More Information

•  Government-Wide Forward Regulatory Plans
• The  Cabinet Directive on Regulatory Management
• The  Red Tape Reduction Action Plan
• The  Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the  Canada Gazette and  Consulting with Canadians websites.