Many Canadians do not know the origin of Cannabis in Canada. Some believe the only legal route to obtain Cannabis happened during legalization in October 2018. But, Canadians had legal access much earlier than that.
Canada first prohibited Cannabis in 1923, it was added to the Schedule of the Opium and Narcotic Control Act as a Schedule 2 substance. However, during that time there was already evidence that Cannabis could be an effective treatment for specific medical conditions. Prohibition still proceeded even with the evidence.
Thanks to the efforts of Canadian, Terrance Parker, and his multiple Cannabis possession charges. He made it no secret and was open about his use of Cannabis for his epileptic seizures. He suffered physical injuries, psychological trauma, depression, and side effects of his pharmaceutical medication and condition. In 1996 his legal team challenged the courts and stated it was violating his charter of rights, forcing Parker to choose between health or imprisonment. On December 10, 1997, a judge ruled that people must be able to access necessary medical treatment without fear of arrest. This was only the beginning of a long uphill battle for other Canadians.
Fast forward to four years later, and on July 30, 2001, Canada became one of the first countries to legalize medical Cannabis for individuals’ specific medical conditions under the Medical Marihuana Access Regulations.
The first medical Cannabis prescription was provided to Terrance for his Seizure Disorder.
It is now 2022 and this year marks the 21st year as being one of the leading countries to legalize medical Cannabis. What started with only two patients, has now led to over 265, 000 Canadians having access to Cannabis for medical purposes, for multiple conditions, and the number continues to grow even through legalization.
According to Statista, Canadian medical consumers are treating anxiety, depression, insomnia, arthritis, PTSD, and other medical conditions with research demonstrating strong clinical evidence for efficacy. We can thank the medical industry for providing us with the information we know about Cannabis today. We went from only knowing cannabinoids THC and CBD to now having access to CBN, CBG, THCa, CBDa, and more. Terpene content is being utilized in patient care plans, we now know of 200 terpenes in the Cannabis plant, which is 100 more than what we were aware of when we started!
Our knowledge continues to expand, thanks to those actively working on research and to those who are participants. We are developing even stronger symptom management for many other ailments. We have come a long way from the initial start of medical Cannabis legalization.
This week we honor those who put up the fight, the companies who are pioneers in the industry, the progress we have made since 2001 and so much more. Visit the Seven30 website for more information.
If it were not for the founders, advocates, and every single one of you today who have contributed to this market. Hundreds to thousands of Canadians would still be struggling to find symptom management for their medical condition. We continue to fight and still have only scratched the surface of what this amazing plant can offer us medically.
2021 was the busiest year yet with Cannabis research, with 2022 planning to be busier. The only thing we have to gain is improving and perfecting what we have had the entire time.
Thank you to those who have, who are, and who will be continuing to contribute to the medical Cannabis industry and
HAPPY Seven30!
Canadian Medical Cannabis Timeline
1923 – Canada added Cannabis to the Schedule of the Opium and Narcotic Control Act as a Schedule 2 substance.
The 1960s – Popularity with Cannabis grows. The federal government forms Royal Commission, and Le Dain Commission to study its use.
1972- The commission recommends decriminalizing simple Cannabis possession and cultivation for personal purposes. This was overlooked for many years.
1999 – Two Canadian patients get the Federal OK to smoke Cannabis.
2000 – Court rules Canadians have a constitutional right to use Cannabis as a medicine
JULY 30, 2001 – The government of Canada introduces the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) grant legal access to Cannabis to individuals with HIV/AIDS and other illnesses. Authorized patients can grow their Cannabis, designate a producer, or from Health Canada.
2002 – 477 individuals could legally possess Cannabis for medical purposes.
2012 – 22, 000 individuals could legally possess Cannabis for medical purposes. The demand was higher than anticipated, pushing the government to re-evaluate the program.
June 2013 – The federal government replaces the MMAR regulations. With Marijuana Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR). Shifting to licensed commercial growers for supply and away-from-home growing patients. This is how the Licensed Producer system was developed. The decision to use medical Cannabis was solely between you and your health practitioner.
October 31, 2013 -Peace Naturals becomes Canada’s first Licensed Producer. Followed by FINAL BELL, Tweed Inc., Canna Farms, Emerald, and Aurora Cannabis.
2014 – Patients and producers authorized under the old regulations are required to destroy stocks of Cannabis and Cannabis seeds.
July 2015 – Supreme Court of Canada found restricting dried flowers only was unconstitutional. They implement a new system called Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes (ACMPR).
2016 – Licensed producers were provided responsibilities and roles, including the production of other Cannabis products such as oil.