The Hamilton Spectator

Send a letter to the Editor: letters@thespec.com

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Ottawa tightening rules on medical marijuana

OTTAWA - The federal government is poised to tighten the rules on growing medical marijuana.

CP has learned that Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq wants to take individuals and Health Canada out of the business of growing pot.

Instead, she wants to tender licences to grow marijuana to third parties.

The move is in response to complaints from mayors, police and firefighters â?" mainly in British Columbia â?" who say people allowed to grow marijuana for medical purposes often grow far more than they need and attract criminals.

The government will announce within days the start of consultations on how best to implement the changes.

The Canadian Press