THE HISTORY OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Marijuana has been used since ancient time for its seeds in the Chinese culture for both food and medicine. The Scythians cultivated cannabis to weave hemp clothing and in India marijuana was knows as the "Sacred Grass," used medicinally and ritually.

The Marijuana Plant or drug became criminalized in Canada around 1923. In 1937 the first marijuana–related charges were laid in Canada. In 1961 The United Nations made it a violation of international law to legalize marijuana. Since then… things have slowly begun changes for the better again.

1999 – A Canadian report establishing the scientific foundation of medical marijuana

1999 – Health Minister Allan Rock Approves Pot use for 14 More READ MORE

2000–The Five–year contract for Health Canada to develop and cultivate medical marijuana in Flin Flon, Manitoba

2001 – MMAR (Marihuana Medical Access Regulations) are implemented by Health Canada making Canada the first country to allow its citizens to legally possess marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Physicians and scientists begin a One–year pilot study to examine the therapeutic uses of cannabis. The world's first peer–reviewed clinical trial examining the effects of smoked cannabis in a non–HIV or non–multiple sclerosis population.

2002 – The Canadian Senate reports 11 recommendations towards medical marijuana, number eight stating: "The Committee recommends that the Marihuana Medical Access Regulation be amended to provide new rules regarding eligibility, production and distribution of cannabis for therapeutic purposes. In addition, research on cannabis for therapeutic purposes is essential."

2002–2006 – Cannabis Law Reform in Canada READ MORE

2002 – 'Marijuana supply still a puzzle' headlines the News in the MS Canada Newsletter… "People with MS and others who hold permits to possess marijuana for medicinal purposes are apparently still without a legal way to obtain marijuana unless they grow it themselves…"
READ MORE from page 4 of the report

2003 – Canada became the first country to offer medicinal marijuana to medical patients suffering from chronic illness. Health Canada distributed "Lot 1" to approved patients and researchers. THC level of "Lot 1" was approximately 9.63% and was not received well by patients.

Ontario Court of Appeal issued its decision to force changes to the MMAR.

First phase amendments provided an alternative approach that would afford reasonable access to a legal supply of marijuana for authorized persons.

Second phase included a broader review of the MMAR to address issues from stakeholders and incorporate a comprehensive consultative process.

2003 – Health Canada issues 'Information for Health Care Professionals (Revised) Marihuana (marijuana, cannabis) READ MORE

2004 – Health Canada releases "Lot 2". THC levels of 12.06% and consisted of dried flowering heads only.

Health Canada begins distributing "Lot 3". THC levels of approximately 12.87% and consisted of dried flowering heads only.

2006 – Reports of... Cannabis reduces surgery pain' as proved by research trials done by Dr Anita Holdcroft. "Pain after surgery continues to be a problem because many of the commonly used drugs are either ineffective or have too many side effects.... READ MORE