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Roll it. Light it. Smoke it. Vaporize it. But don’t cook with it.

Despite Canada’s strides to regulate medical marijuana, in some ways, this country trails other jurisdictions.

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Parts of the United States and Israel have gone further in making cannabis products, such as oils and foods, legally available as medication.

Under the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations, the new regulatory framework implemented April 1, only dried marijuana that is smoked or vaporized has been approved for therapeutic use in Canada. However, some contend that for children and adults with asthma or lung problems who can’t smoke or inhale vapour, derivative products are a better option.

The obstacle? Clinical trials. Health Canada says the alternative cannabis products haven’t gone through adequate testing.

“Clinical trials represent the best mechanism through which patients can have access to drugs which have not yet been approved for general marketing in Canada,” the department said in a statement. “Clinical trials ensure that the best interests of patients are protected and that the drug is administered in accordance with national and international ethical, medical, and scientific standards.”