Information Update - Marijuana for Medical Purposes - Advertising and Licensed Producers

Starting date:

November 25, 2014

Posting date:

November 25, 2014

Type of communication:

Public Communication

Subcategory:

Drugs

Source of recall:

Health Canada

Issue:

Important Safety Information

Audience:

General Public

Identification number:

RA-42677

Issue

OTTAWA – On November 25, 2014, Health Canada issued warning letters to 20 licensed producers regarding their advertising practices.

These warning letters are in follow-up to an advertising bulletin sent to all licensed producers on June 30, 2014, that outlined the general prohibitions against the advertising of Cannabis contained in the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR), the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) and the Narcotic Control Regulations (NCR).

As a result of these prohibitions, the information provided by licensed producers to the public should be limited to basic information for prospective clients such as the brand name, proper or common name of the strain, the price per gram, the cannabinoid content, and the company’s contact information.

Licensed producers have been given until January 12, 2015 to come into compliance with the advertising prohibitions following which Health Canada will take enforcement action, as appropriate.  Health Canada will update this list as licensed producers become compliant.

Clients should be aware licensed producers who do not comply with the provisions in the FDA or the NCR can be subject to compliance and enforcement action, including suspension and possible revocation of the licence or prosecution.

Media Inquiries:

Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Public Inquiries:

(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709