McGill University researchers have opened a registry for medicinal marijuana use – that will allow doctors to determine the drug’s safety and effectiveness – in treating a variety of diseases.

The project will store clinical data collected directly from patients who use medical cannabis.

Any licensed Quebec physician who wants to prescribe cannabis for their patients –  can enrol them in the registry.

In Quebec, marijuana can be prescribed only as part of a research project.

Principal researcher Dr. Mark Ware says the database is needed – to track the type of patients who are using medical cannabis – for what conditions and at how large a dose.

Health Canada estimates that more than 40,000 Canadians legally consume cannabis – to relieve symptoms from such diseases as multiple sclerosis, HIV, cancer and epilepsy.