Medical marijuana injunction appealed by federal government

The Government of Canada has announced it will appeal a court ruling that granted an injunction for medical marijuana users who grow their marijuana at home.

Under new rules, users were to stop growing the plants and use commercial growers starting April 1.

But a Federal Court judge in Vancouver granted a last-minute reprieve on March 21 for medical marijuana users who say they need to be able to grow their own pot at home.

The injunction allows those who have a personal production licence to grow medical marijuana to continue for now, until the court issues a final decision. Monday morning's news release announcing Ottawa's intention to appeal doesn't change that.

The Health Canada statement reinforces the government's intention to press ahead with new rules for medical marijuana production and distribution, which is being turned over to government-approved commercial growers.

"After April 1st, Health Canada will no longer be in the business of providing marijuana. We will not be issuing further licences to individuals, and we will no longer be subsidizing marijuana use," the release said.

And it also makes clear that while the federal government has legislated rules around the use of medical marijuana, it is has done so reluctantly.

"We want to remind Canadians that marijuana is not an approved drug or medicine in Canada. Health Canada does not endorse its use," the brief statement concludes.