Canada has become the first country in the world to sell marijuana to patients suffering from serious illnesses.

Today, Ottawa announced that, due to a court order, it will be providing medical marijuana to those who qualify.  The drug will be sold for $3.70 per 0.04 ounce – about half the street value – and will be administered to patients by their doctors.

Last January a court order gave the government six months to change laws which forced legal marijuana users to buy the substance from criminal underworld sources.  This new plan serves as Ottawa’s response to that ruling.

Marijuana advocates in Canada are rejoicing over the move.  Alison Myrden, a sufferer of multiple sclerosis, told Canadian CTV Television, “I want a source.  I don’t want to have to buy it from the Compassionate Centers or from the black market.”

U.S. government officials are decrying Canada’s moves toward drug liberalization, insisting that new marijuana laws will increase cross-border trafficking and crime.  U.S. officials have previously threatened to cease trade between the countries and this week White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) officials will visit Ottawa to warn of stricter boarder controls.

Canada’s move follows last year’s approval of Proposition S by Californian voters, allowing the city of San Francisco to explore growing its own medical marijuana for eligible patients.  Voters approved the measure in response to ONDCP’s continuous crackdown on legal marijuana farms throughout the state. Drug Policy Alliance is currently working to implement Proposition S.