MEMORANDUM
TO: MINISTER OF HEALTH, THE HONOURABLE JANE PHILPOTT
FROM: PARLIAMENT SECRETARY, SANDRA CERVANTES
SUBJECT: MEDICAL MARIJUANA REGULATION IN CANADA
DATE: NOVEMBER 27, 2015
Statement of the Problem: Although the current Federal legislation in Canada permits the usage of medical cannabis to aid in the treatment of various illnesses and diseases, smoking it continues to be illegal . Furthermore, various medical studies have proven that the ingestion of medical marijuana is far more beneficial than any other form of consumption . Additionally, many medical cannabis patients happen to be children suffering from extreme epilepsy, seniors who are constantly struggling due to severe Alzheimer’s or those with severe arthritis and smoking
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This became a problem as the law was now being enforced after being disregarded for so long. As a result, a government inquiry was made to examine the issues surrounding cannabis to try to find a solution. The Le Dain commission that began in 1969, set out to do extensive research regarding the consumption of cannabis. They consulted experts, doctors and the general public to gather information and opinions. They concluded their inquiry in 1972, with the recommendations of removing the penalties for the possession of cannabis; however, their conclusion was largely rejected by the federal government and the consumption of cannabis continued to be illegal regardless of whether it was for recreational or medicinal …show more content…
Although the government did not take any actions from the pressure the case of Terrance Parker was the one that changed everything. Terrence Parker, a man that suffered from severe epileptic seizures had been charged with multiple counts of drug possession. His lawyers defended him by stating that the chargers violated Mr.Parker’s charter rights . During his trial, the judge found that the chargers did in fact violate his charter rights of liberty and security of the person as people should have access to the necessary medical treatments without the fear of being charged. Mr. Parker was the first Canadian to be exempt from being charged for the possession or cultivation of medical