Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for raising this matter in the House. We are going to try to reconnect some things that he thinks are disconnected.
Our determination to explore this matter and to make decisions in the best interests of all Canadians illustrates the Government of Canada's concern with the health and well-being of all Canadians.
First, I would like to point out something. Although there are non-scientific data on the benefits of marijuana use for people suffering from serious or debilitating illnesses, marijuana is not presently approved as a medication or therapeutic agent in any country in the world.
As my hon. colleague is no doubt aware, the Government of Canada signed an agreement in December 2000 with Prairie Plant Systems Inc.—which I will refer to as PPS—of Saskatoon. Its role is to provide a reliable source of affordable, standardized research grade marijuana in Canada.
The initial plan was to use seeds from the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse. These were characteristic, standard seeds needed to make the standardized research grade product.
As negotiations progressed, it became increasingly clear that we would not receive the seed on time for our research projects. Consequently, we had to turn to another source, that is, seed confiscated by the police.
You can certainly appreciate that the seed came from unknown products. The PPS had to produce quality or consistent seed in order to grow, with the help of good production practices, research grade plants.
Unfortunately, this unplanned additional work extended the development period considerably.
I am pleased to inform the House that so far the company has produced a large number of plants from different seeds with the goal of determining the best strain for research purposes. PPS is conducting other tests to make a final selection and to develop a standard growing and treatment procedure that will yield a standard quality product.
The procedure will also be such that the product will meet strict regulatory standards for human consumption. We will be informed of the product's quality, safety and effectiveness.
As the hon. member is aware, PPS, like any other drug manufacturer, must meet stringent quality requirements. Our inspectors have made a number of visits to their premises since the contract was signed, and we are satisfied with the process in place.
Now, as for the availability of this product, the manufacturing and control processes are over. A supply of research grade product will, therefore, be available in sufficient quantity before long.
I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to stress the importance of having a supply of standardized research grade marijuana. To put it simply, any research carried out without such a product would be virtually worthless.
More important still, Health Canada has a responsibility to promote and protect the health of Canadians and to help the people of Canada maintain and improve their health. In every area in which we intervene, whether regulation, research programs or product accreditation, the most stringent standards we can apply must be adhered to.
We know that this potential supply is good news for researchers. Canadians, however, wonder, and are entitled to ask, “What about people who feel they need it now?”
In future, Canadians suffering from severe and debilitating illnesses will be provided access to this research grade product as part of clinical trials.
This kind of research is underway at McGill University and in Toronto. Open clinical trials are also planned, which will certainly promote wider access to this research grade product for all Canadians.
In addition, those who cannot wait to qualify to participate in a clinical trial have the option of applying for the authorization to possess marijuana, and even for a licence to grow their own plants. If they are too ill, they may ask that a person be designated to do it for them.
To conclude, the government believes that it is not only meeting the expectations of Canadians, but that it is doing so in a responsible fashion, by limiting the risks while contributing to the general well-being of Canadians.