The way Canadians access cannabis for medical purposes has changed as of August 24, 2016. The Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) replaced the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR).
From Health Canada: Understanding the New Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations
“The way individuals access cannabis for medical purposes is changing. As of August 24, 2016, the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) will replace the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR).
Legal access to dried cannabis for medical purposes was first provided in 1999 using unique section 56 exemptions under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). The decision in R. v. Parker in 2000 held that individuals with a medical need had the right to possess cannabis for medical purposes. This led to the implementation of the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) in 2001…
The ACMPR is Canada’s response to the This decision found that requiring individuals to get their cannabis only from licensed producers violated liberty and security rights protected by section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Court found that individuals who require cannabis for medical purposes did not have “reasonable access”.
The ACMPR are designed to provide an immediate solution required to address the [Federal Court of Canada’s February 2016 decision in Allard v. Canada.] …
OVERALL, THE ACMPR CONTAIN FOUR PARTS.
Part 1 is … a framework for commercial production by licensed producers responsible for the production and distribution of quality-controlled fresh or dried cannabis or cannabis oil or starting materials (i.e., cannabis seeds and plants) in secure and sanitary conditions.
Part 2 … sets out provisions for individuals to produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes or to designate someone to produce it for them.
Parts 3 and 4 include: Transitional provisions, which mainly relate to the continuation of MMPR activities by licensed producers... As of August 24, 2016, Health Canada will accept applications from individuals who wish to register to produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes or to designate someone to produce cannabis for them. Under the ACMPR, Health Canada will continue to accept and process applications to become a licensed producer ... which means that licensed producers can continue to register and supply clients with cannabis for medical purposes. New applicants can continue to apply for licences to produce under the ACMPR."