The MMAR (Marihuana for Medical Access Regulations) was enacted in July 2001. Prior to a federal injunction, the MMAR program was to end on March 31, 2014. The MMAR program was intended to clearly define the circumstances and the manner in which access to marihuana for medical purposes would be permitted. It contained three main components: 1) authorizations to possess dried marihuana; 2) licences to produce marihuana, which include Personal-Use Production Licences and Designated-Person Production Licences; and 3) access to supply of marihuana seeds or dried marihuana.

The MMPR was introduced in response to concerns from stakeholders that the MMAR was open to abuse.

The transition from the MMAR to the MMPR program represents a substantial change in direction for the supply and acquisition of medical marihuana in Canada. It has not gone without controversy. The MMAR DPL/PPL Coalition Against Repeal is a coalition of over 6,000 members fighting for the preservation of the MMAR.