Veterans Affairs Committee on Nov. 20th, 2018

[Darrell Samson, Liberal, Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS]

With all due respect, Doctor, in other provinces, specialists do so. I'm sure they feel that they are doing the right thing for the veterans. That's my only question. It's unfair for certain provinces to not have access. It's not pushing for or against; I'm saying it's unfair to those veterans.

What type of research would we do? I don't know how I feel, because veterans are sharing their stories. I'm not saying that everybody is right, but I would like to believe that, if I'm getting 100 veterans telling me stories of how it's successful, we are at least trying to analyze, maybe, what is successful and why marijuana is having an effect or not. I get this feeling that their stories are not being considered.

[Dr. Cyd Courchesne]

We have heard their stories. That's why we have taken anecdotal evidence into account. Even though we know that anecdotal evidence is not scientific evidence, the lack of evidence in the literature right now does not mean there is no evidence.

[Darrell Samson, Liberal, Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS]

That's correct. So—

[Dr. Cyd Courchesne]

That's why, with the anecdotal evidence and the best scientific evidence available, we landed on three grams, which is twice the amount of what Canadians are using now for medical purposes, as released in today's Health Canada report, the survey on cannabis—

[Darrell Samson, Liberal, Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS]

We're heading in the same direction now. That's very good.

What research do you foresee where we could take what's there and the testimony to try to dig deeper?

[Dr. Cyd Courchesne]

Right now we have the best with the evidence we have. If good, solid clinical research comes about that looks at any positive effect of ingesting cannabis in any form you want, and a change in symptoms or positive outcome, we will take that into consideration. But that will need to be done by the scientific, academic, clinical community.

[The Chair, Liberal, Neil Ellis]

Thank you.

[Dr. Alexandra Heber]

We are looking at having that research done. We are collaborating actively. I'm going to give you a list of three scientists working in this field who have great reputations and receive no funding from cannabis producers. This is going to be very important. When you interview people, the first thing you should find out is whether or not they're receiving funding or have some connection to the cannabis industry.

[The Chair, Liberal, Neil Ellis]

Doctor, thank you, and if you could get those names and that information back to us, it would be appreciated.

On behalf of the committee, I'd like to thank both of you for coming today, and for all you do for the men and women who have served.

We need to break and clear the room quickly. We have about two minutes of committee business.

[Proceedings continue in camera]