Criminal networks exploiting Canada’s medical marijuana program: RCMP

OTTAWA – The RCMP says organized criminal networks are taking advantage of Canada’s medical marijuana program to produce the drug and supply it to the illicit market.

A newly released intelligence report by the national police force warns that criminals are using family members and associates with clean police records to get around program safeguards.

The report, completed in May 2012, says screening an applicant through a criminal record check is insufficient to keep undesirable elements from infiltrating the program.

A heavily censored copy of the report was released to The Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act.

The findings follow numerous warnings and reports of illegal activity linked to the program.

Health Canada has announced a complete reworking of the medical marijuana system — in part due to concerns about the risk of criminal exploitation.