OTTAWA, Aug. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - Cannabis Canada Association, the leading organization of Canada's Licensed Producers of Medical Cannabis, is supportive of the government's attempt to meet the court's demands through its recently announced Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). The Association is also supportive of increased access to medical cannabis for all Canadians but is concerned that this policy will only serve to increase the supply of untested, unregulated product to the black market, including illegal dispensaries.
"We are supportive of the Government's decision to address the need for constitutionally protected access to medical cannabis, and are pleased to see some improvements that we pro-actively suggested included in the announcement," said Colette Rivet, the Association's Executive Director. "While Cannabis Canada Association is supportive of the right to access, the Association, like the Government, recognizes that home cultivation and designated growing are complicated and costly to implement and to oversee."
According to the Government's own analysis, issues with cultivation at home include increased risks to the growers and their families from mould, pesticides, fire and home invasion. Communities too are acknowledged to be at risk, with negative impacts on neighbours, landlords, local services and law enforcement. All of these issues also apply to designated growers. Moreover, the Government has also acknowledged that Health Canada inspectors were unable to provide effective oversight of home cultivation and of designated growers when the practices were allowed in the past.
"While growing at home may be right for some, it is important for our Association to reiterate that Canada's Licensed Producers provide production facilities that are state of the art, sanitary, secure and professionally operated," added Rivet. "Our members' products are tested, consistent, high quality and protected from contamination. An exceptional variety of products is produced at a range of competitive prices - all this, while ensuring no diversion to the illegal market and full traceability of products. The system here is the envy of the world."
About Cannabis Canada Association
Cannabis Canada is the leading organization of Canada's Licensed Producers of Medical Cannabis under Health Canada's Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations.
The Association's mission is to act as the national voice for our members in their promotion of industry standards, and to support the development, growth and integrity of the regulated cannabis industry. The Association serves as a trusted resource on issues related to the safe and responsible use of cannabis for medical and non-medical purposes.
Members of Cannabis Canada share a philosophy of both patient-centric care and improved public health, and are committed to product safety and quality, secure and reliable access and the promotion of the safe and effective use of cannabis. www.cann-can.ca
SOURCE Cannabis Canada Association
Image with caption: "Logo: Cannabis Canada Association (Groupe CNW/Association Cannabis Canada) (CNW Group/Cannabis Canada Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160812_C6023_PHOTO_EN_752036.jpg
Colette Rivet, Executive Director, Cannabis Canada Association, [email protected], 613.407.1080
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