The Medicinal Cannabis (R)evolution

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The Medicinal Cannabis industry requires a regulatory and supervisory authority. Their duties, powers and functions should be mandated in the Act to give the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (“the Authority”) the autonomy needed. Part II makes provisions for the powers, duties and functions of the Authority, which includes, among other things: • Developing policies, procedures and guidelines regarding availability of medicinal cannabis to patients in a safe and efficient manner; • Regulating the medicinal cannabis industry; and • Issuing licences and other authorisation regarding cultivation, supply, use and possession of medicinal cannabis. The purpose of the Authority is to allow the medicinal cannabis industry to develop into a sustainable industry for persons with qualifying conditions, while not affecting citizens who do not require or may be opposed to medicinal cannabis. Additionally, the Authority has the mandate to develop policies, procedures and guidelines that ensure that the Medicinal Cannabis Industry has the ability to benefit citizens as a new viable industry for economic growth. The Medicinal Cannabis Advisory Council (“the Council”) is dealt with in Part III of the Act and comprises medical doctors, pharmacists and other persons with the expertise of controlled substances for medicinal use. The Council will advise the Medicinal Cannabis Authority on: medicinal symptoms or conditions that may be added to the list for qualifying medicinal conditions; research and related resources; the maximum period for which a qualifying condition can be treated by medicinal cannabis; among other things. The Council provides an additional layer of responsible governance for the medicinal cannabis industry.