A feud has broken out between the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and medical cannabis advocates across Canada. The reason? A rather outlandish cry from the organization to scrap Canada's existing medical marijuana program once recreational cannabis becomes legal.
The proposal has been met—quite obviously—with a lot of anger from the opposition.
Why Does the CMA Want to Scrap the Program?
The CMA—which is a voluntary association of physicians—believes that there isn't enough scientific evidence to back claims of the medical worth and therapeutic effects of cannabis. As a result, in its opinion, there shouldn't be a different regulatory framework for medical cannabis once recreational cannabis is legalized.
The organization is now calling on Ottawa to endorse a single regulatory system for both.
According to the CMA, if an individual wants cannabis for medical purposes it should get it at a dispensary much like someone who wants it for recreational use.
Spearheading
Spearheading the argument is vice-president of medical professionalism with the CMA, Dr. Jeff Blackmer, who let his feelings be known back in April at a conference investigating cannabinoids. He was met with much disdain from the audience and the feud began.
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And now earlier this month, Blackmer reiterated the CMA's position to CBC Calgary in early August saying:
"If anyone can go down to the local dispensary and get cannabis, there's really no need for a separate medical authorization system [...] You really don't need to have people going to their doctors because anyone who has a medical condition and thinks they might benefit from it can go ahead and try it."
The Reality Is...
The current medical regulatory system, which would be abolished if the CMA got its way, actually provides discounts for patients who are living off social assistance or disability pay. The Government also covers the costs for military veterans suffering from PTSD.
There is also consistent and valid research always undertaken to better understand the medical benefits of cannabis, so to say that its therapeutic effects cannot be backed up when there is an abundance of clinical evidence showing the contrary, showcases—in the opinion of many advocates—that "the CMA, are on the wrong side of history."
Join the debate! What are your thoughts? Should Canada have two separate frameworks for marijuana?
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