MEDICAL MARIJUANA RULES MAY BE TIGHTENED

Canadians who have permission from the federal government to smoke
marijuana for medicinal purposes may face new restrictions about
where they can light up.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said yesterday in the House of Commons
that the government is concerned about the issue of smoking medical
marijuana in public.

"That's why I have instructed my officials to examine this issue and
develop options," said the health minister.

The existing regulations, which came into force in 2001, do not
stipulate where patients can use their marijuana.

Users must simply abide by any federal or provincial legislation and
local bylaws that restrict smoking cigarettes in public places.