MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAWS TOO LOOSE: UN

Justice Minister Robert Nicholson said yesterday the government's
medical marijuana regulations are under review after the United
Nation's drugs watchdog warned Canada needs to tighten up the system.

The Vienna-based International Narcotics Control Board said Canada is
operating outside international treaty rules aimed at minimizing the
risk that criminals will get hold of cannabis grown under the program.

"The whole question of medical marijuana is being looked at by the
minister of health with respect to the options that she has," said
Nicholson, whose ministry serves as the umbrella agency for the
government's anti-drug efforts.

The warning in the INCB's annual report accompanies praise for the
government's National Anti-Drug Strategy, which the board said it
notes "with appreciation."

Nicholson said he took heart from that, adding it "plays very well"
into the government's efforts to push through a crime bill containing
tougher drug-offences sentencing provisions that has been held up in
the Senate.

Public Safety Minister Vic Toews also argued the report "provides
further proof that Canada is recognized internationally as a leader in
crime prevention."

Canada increased the number of cannabis cultivation licences a person
can hold last year after court decisions stated patients' earlier
access had been too restricted.