MLA questions access to medical marijuana

Pat Dunn brought up concerns about access to medical marijuana during an exchange in the provincial legislature this week.

Dunn, who is the MLA for Pictou Centre, addressed his concerns about the lack of funding for transportation to see a specialist to access medical marijuana to Kelly Regan, the minister of community services.

“As we are all aware, recreational marijuana is now legal in Canada. When speaking with a few constituents, they claim the benefits of medical marijuana help them manage chronic conditions,” he said. “However, if you are a recipient of income assistance in our province and require financial support to provide you the opportunity and ability to see your medical specialist outside your immediate area, the policy does not permit any support due to the fact that the matter involves marijuana.”

He asked Regan if she was aware of the situation.

“I am not aware of that,” she said. “What I will say is that under Department of Community Services policy for a number of years — it first began under the New Democratic Party and has continued under us — there is no plan that, in fact, covers medical marijuana. I’m not aware of any private plan that does that as well as the Pharmacare Plan.”

Dunn said a constituent he knows is experiencing incredible success in the use of medical marijuana in treating his severe epilepsy and he claims it has resulted in a reduction in seizures with little to no side effects.

“We are aware that perhaps changes may be coming within our Department of Community Services. In the meantime, what would the minister have us tell our constituents who are so negatively impacted by this outdated policy when it comes to the eligibility of this medical travel allowance to seek medical care when dealing with marijuana?” Dunn questioned.

Regan thanked him for his question and said, “I would note that members of the community can order marijuana online and have it delivered directly to their home.”

“In the meantime, what would the minister have us tell our constituents who are so negatively impacted by this outdated policy ...?”

Pat Dunn

MLA for Pictou Centre