MP Dr.  Keith Martin reintroduces Private Members Bill to decriminalize the simple possession of marijuana. 

Dr.  Keith Martin reintroduced his Private Members Bill in the House of Commons on Friday which would amend the Controlled Substance Act to decriminalize a set amount of marijuana being carried on a person or located in someone’s residence. 

A recent media investigation showed that Health Canada charges terminally/chronically ill patients up to 1500 per cent above market price for medicinal marijuana grown at their facility in Flin Flon.  This is an outrageous abuse of the sick. 

“The Government is on one hand wasting police and court resources to pursue small-time offenders, while on the other, criminally overcharging cancer and chronically ill patients for medicinal marijuana.  This Private Members Bill will establish guidelines and limits for possession on the individual.  It will enable resources to be redirected to prevention ( especially for children ), treatment and rehabilitation services.  I hope this bill will push the government to establish a national strategy to address illegal drug use,” said Dr.  Martin. 

Dr.  Keith Martin will stand in the House of Commons on April 20 after Question Period 1200hr EST and introduce his Bill for First Reading.