The rules and regulations set forth by the Cannabis Act continue to evolve over time, including the way in which individuals gain access to medical cannabis.
The Marijuana Medical Access Regulations
- MMAR enabled individuals to obtain dried marijuana for medical purposes with physician authorization.
The Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations
- MMPR created conditions for a commercial production and distribution of marijuana for medical purposes. Under the MMPR, authorized individuals had access to quality-controlled dried marijuana produced under secure and sanitary conditions.
What are the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR)?
Back on August 24, 2016 the ACMPR replaced the 2013 implementation of the MMPR. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that restricting legal access to only dried marijuana was unconstitutional. The Court decided that individuals with a medical need have the right to use and make other cannabis products. As a result, the Minister of Health issued exemptions to allow licensed producers to cultivate and sell cannabis oil, fresh marijuana buds and leaves in addition to dried marijuana. The regulations also allowed authorized users to possess and alter different forms of cannabis.
What is the Cannabis Tracking and Licensing System (CTLS)?
Under the Cannabis Act, Health Canada established a national Cannabis Tracking System, also known as the Cannabis Tracking and Licensing System (CTLS). The system was enacted in order to track high-level movements of cannabis and prevent supply chain diversion and/or inversion. It is also the system applicants should use to apply for a cannabis license.
Why is ACMPR migrating to CTLS?
Health Canada has established that the CTLS be the primary way to submit application for cannabis licensing. The first step in creating an application is to set up an individual user account. As a reference for more information, the CTLS “Getting Startted Guide” is available on the Health Canada website. If it is not feasible to use CTLS as the primary manner for licensing, contact Health Canada for more guidance.
