What Is The ACMPR of Canada?
The ACMPR (Access to Medical Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations) is Health Canada’s latest version of the governing set of regulations which guide and control the medical cannabis industry in Canada.
The regulations were originally created and implemented in 2001. The original version of the regulations was known as the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) and enabled individuals with the authorization of their health care practitioner to access dried marijuana for medicinal use by way of Health Canada or by growing their own plants.
The regulations, however, were not bulletproof, and have since undergone 2 notable revisions.
MMPR
In 2013, The Government of Canada updated the MMAR by introducing the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR). The main difference between the two sets of regulations was the creation of conditions for a commercial industry responsible for the production, testing, packaging and distribution of marijuana in Canada (Licensed Producers). This meant that home grown marijuana was once again banned. In 2015, an amendment was made to the MMPR to allow Licensed Producers to produce and sell additional cannabis products, namely cannabis oil, fresh marijuana buds and cannabis leaves.
ACMPR
In 2016, a court ruling in the Allard v. Canada case found that the MMPR violated liberty and security rights protected by section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This conclusion was based on an individual’s requisite to source their marijuana from a Licensed Producer, which was not deemed to be “reasonable access” to the drug. As such, the Access to Medical Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) was created, re-introducing the ability for patients to grow, or designate someone to grow medical marijuana for personal use.
Who Governs ACMPR?
The ACMPR was created by Health Canada. In order to control the production and distribution of medical cannabis in Canada, Health Canada set forth the guidelines for what is now a blossoming industry. While licensed producers now manage the production and distribution of pot in Canada, Health Canada still plays an active role in the industry. In order to become a licensed producer, a company must apply to and be accepted by Health Canada. Additionally, individuals who wish to grow or designate someone to grow medical marijuana for personal use must also apply to Health Canada directly. Once approved, all growing materials are provided by a licensed producer.