Summary of Health Canada's Proposed Reforms

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The Marihuana Medical Access Program (the Program) provides seriously ill Canadians with reasonable and legal access to marihuana for medical purposes.

In response to concerns heard from Canadians, the Government of Canada announced on June 17, 2011 that it is considering improvements to the Program. The proposed improvements would reduce the risk of abuse and exploitation by criminal elements and keep our children and communities safe.

The news release announcing the proposed improvements to the Program is available:

Government of Canada Considers Improvements to the Marihuana Medical Access Program to Reduce the Risk of Abuse and Keep our Children and Communities Safe.

Health Canada would like to hear from physicians about the improvements under consideration. Interested physicians will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed improvements starting May 24, 2012. The comment period will close on June 30, 2012.

These proposed changes are summarized in a document entitled Proposed Improvements to Health Canada's Marihuana Medical Access Program: Summary for Physicians.

How to Get Involved

There are two ways that physicians can provide feedback.

1. Interested physicians are invited to provide feedback on a short discussion document on the proposed improvements to the Program.  Open the "Consultation Document" link below to access the document.
   • Consultation Document - Proposed Improvements to Health Canada's Marihuana Medical Access Program - Summary for Physicians
2. Physicians are also invited to complete this  short survey which will help us understand your experience with the current program and the information and educational needs physicians have regarding the use of marihuana for medical purposes. The survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.