12.1 History of Canadian Medical Cannabis Policy

Beginning in 2000, medical cannabis policy in Canada has been the subject of a number of court cases and Charter challenges that have influenced and impacted Canadian cannabis policy more generally and the origin and evolution of the cannabis industry. In 2013, under the MMPR, a legal commercial cannabis industry to supply cannabis for medical purposes began to take shape. Various policy changes since that time have paved the way for the development of both the legal medicinal and recreation cannabis industry that we see in Canada today. The infographic below provides information on the history of Canadian medical cannabis policies and key court challenges. At the bottom of this page are several additional required readings that provide further important information on this topic.
 

 
Click the links below to learn more about the history of Canadian medical cannabis policies and related court decisions:

Federal court finds that Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations are unconstitutional

Reflections of Stevenson Whelton partner on his role in cannabis legalization – R. v. Parker

Update: R v. Smith – Supreme Court sensibly strikes down arbitrary restrictions in Canada’s regulations on medical cannabis