Following is a free preview of a Regulatory Focus feature article, normally exclusively available to RAPS members. For information about becoming a member, visit Join RAPS. This article presents an overview of Canada's medical marijuana regulations regarding individual prescription access and compliance measures for licensed producers.

The narcotic marijuana (spelled "marihuana" in most official Canadian government communications) is not an approved drug or medicine in Canada. The Canadian government does not endorse marijuana's use due to its potential for serious public health, safety and security risks. However, because the courts required reasonable access to a legal marijuana source when authorized by a healthcare practitioner, the Canadian government introducedMarihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations(MMPR)1 in June 2013.

MMPRallows Health Canada-licensed commercial industry to produce, sell and distribute dried marijuana under secure and sanitary conditions to Canadians who have been authorized by healthcare professionals to possess dried marijuana for medical purposes.2 The Controlled Drugs...