This is a detailed response from MCRCI that I thought I would share if and when you guys decide to to get new permit applications under the new system.
Hi X,
Firstly, I did receive all your emails. I am sorry to hear about what happened to you due to stress, I can relate.
Yes, from what we understand from Health Canada is that "patients covered under the injunction will continue to be covered until it comes to an end". As far as we know from what was announced, MMAR patients will be able to make changes to their license (address changes/production site changes/grower changes) as of the 24th. Whether or not this will mean patients having to cancel/forfeit their MMAR license and submit the changes under the ACMPR, is unknown. For increases to licenses, it is most likely that the patient will have to cancel their MMAR and sign up under the ACMPR with their increase.
Our physicians are very reasonable with dosing. Once we obtain patient's medical records, process the file and determine that they qualify, we will call the patient to do a short intake. This intake goes over the patient's medical condition, symptoms, treatments tried, and their cannabis use. If the patient is thoroughly able to explain how much they are using (ie. smoking, vaporizing, if using edibles- how are they making them? do they make butter? what is the butter recipe? how long does the pound of butter last etc..), our physician will dose appropriately. On a separate note, juicing is not recognized by Health Canada as a form of administration, which means our physicians have to take this into account when dosing (they will not completely dismiss the fact that you juice but again, they have to consider Health Canada's stance on this matter).
We also have to keep in mind, that for the last 3 years under the MMPR program, the average amount patients were using/prescribed was around 3g. Now since the ACMPR announcement it is likely we will see a huge spike in these doses. Is this because patients are using for legitimate reasons or do they have something else in mind? Our physicians will be taking this into account.
Lastly, at MCRCI patients are able to come back throughout the year for follow up appointments. If you see the doctor and are not happy with your initial dose, he will see you again within a couple of months after your first appointment to consider an increase (if reasonable).
Hope this answers all your questions. Let me know if you have anything else to ask!
Also from the sounds of it you have been doing your research, but here are some interesting links if you haven't come across them already:
http://www.tousawlaw.ca/2016/08/11/opinion-health-canadas-acmpr-announcement/
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/cnw/release.html?rkey=20160811C5372&filter=5599
http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/publications/drugs-products-medicaments-produits/medical-security-producing-cannabis-securite-production-fins-medicales/index-eng.php
http://www.johnconroy.com/pdf/ACMPR-Aug-13-2016.pdf
Kindest Regards,
MCRCI
Medicinal Cannabis Resource Centre Inc.
450 Nanaimo St (South) | Vancouver, BC | V5L 4W3
(P) 604.566.9391
(F) 604.909.1890
(E)