Taxpayer-funded medical marijuana for veterans: by the numbers

OTTAWA – The cost to federal taxpayers of providing medical marijuana to injured soldiers increased by 10 times in the current budget year to $4.3 million, according to figures released by the Veterans Affairs department.

Here is a look at some of the facts and statistics:

—601: veterans enrolled in 2014-15.

—116: veterans enrolled in 2013-14.

—64: veterans enrolled in 2012-13.

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—$4.3-million: cost of the program 2014-15 (to March 1, 2015).

—$416,784: cost of the program in 2013-14.

—$353,000: cost of the program in 2012-13.

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—$9-$15: current cost per gram of medical marijuana from licensed producers.

—$5: cost per gram under the Health Canada guaranteed system, which was abolished on April 1, 2015.

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—2008: Veterans Affairs approves new policy allowing it to cover the costs of meducal marijuana for eligible veterans approved by Health Canada.

—2007: Veterans Affairs approves payment of medical marijuana for one client in exceptional case.

Source: Veterans Affairs Canada and public accounts records.