Feds defend new medical marijuana laws as public safety issue

The federal government says the unforeseen growth of itsmedical marijuana program has "seriously compromised" the goal ofproviding the drug to patients while ensuring public safety.

The number of people authorized to possess marijuana under thefederal program has risen to 37,000 this year from fewer than 100 in2001.

In a court document defending planned changes to the program, thegovernment says growing marijuana at home poses hazards includingmould, fire, toxic chemicals and the threat of home invasion bycriminals.

It says the number of licensed users could climb as high as400,000, adding it is not possible for Health Canada to effectivelyinspect tens of thousands of production sites across the country.

Under the existing program, to be eliminated April 1, people are issued licences to grow marijuana for their personal use to helpease painful symptoms.

Several British Columbia residents are asking the Federal Courtof Canada for an injunction that would allow them to continueproducing their own pot.