Like any document, before it appears, it's a little behind the times. It doesn't capture the last three or four years of research, and clearly it focuses more on potential harms than on actual medical efficacy.
The amount of science that's being presented now on the potential benefits of medical cannabis is remarkable. The chief areas of exploration include cannabis and cannabinoids in the treatment of cancer; in the treatment of mental health issues, as Dr. Walsh has discussed; in the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer's, as well as a number of physical conditions.
There is no doubt that the last 70 years of prohibition have significantly impacted the amount of research that's been available to do in North America and throughout the world. But as those research restrictions seem to be falling away and as we are able to work with more patients throughout Canada and around the world within scientific contexts, we are seeing a growing amount of opportunities to conduct research on the therapeutic potential of cannabis.
It's interesting to note that Dr. Walsh mentioned post-traumatic stress disorder as one of the treatment opportunities for cannabis. I think we can all agree that treating our soldiers, police officers, and correctional workers who have suffered trauma is one of the key goals and challenges of our public health system.
Right now Veterans Affairs Canada pays for the cost of medical cannabis for veterans who need it for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. It's one of the only patient groups in Canada that gets cannabis paid for, and I think it's a step in the right direction to cover the cost of cannabis for those soldiers who've been affected by trauma while serving their country.