2014-037
April 2, 2014
When a doctor writes a prescription, or makes a recommendation on treatment, it is as a result of a conversation between a doctor and a patient.
Earlier articles have been misrepresenting Health Canada's role under the previous Marihuana Medical Access Program, which was purely administrative and consisted mostly of verifying forms were fully completed.
Under the new regime, the fundamental role of healthcare practitioners remains the same. The determination as to whether the use of dried marijuana for medical purposes is appropriate for a particular individual is best made through a discussion with the patient's healthcare practitioner.
To that end, Health Canada's website includes summaries of peer reviewed scientific and medical literature concerning marijuana, and its harmful effects.
Health Canada does not endorse the use of marijuana. Indeed, Health Canada shares the concerns expressed by healthcare professionals about the fact that marijuana is not an approved drug or medicine in Canada and has not gone through the necessary rigorous scientific trials for efficacy or safety.
Over the last several months, Minister Ambrose has been reaching out to the medical community to work together to address common concerns around the use of marijuana as a treatment.
Health Canada is also working with provincial and territorial medical and nursing licensing bodies, along with licensed producers, to increase the information shared between them regarding how doctors and nurse practitioners are authorizing marijuana and in what quantities.
We expect these new measures, including information on recommended daily amount, educational material and increased oversight, will address concerns under the old program regarding public health and safety.
Health Canada will continue to work with all members of the medical community to address common concerns around the use of marijuana as a treatment.
Sincerely,
Robert Ianiro
Director-General,
Controlled Substances and Tobacco Directorate
Health Canada
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