Oh Canada

Opioid painkillers vs. medical marijuana

April 11, 2017 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Google+ News

According to a new study from the University of California, San Diego, the legalization of medical marijuana in several American states has been linked with a drop in hospital visits due to opioids.

The findings were recently published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence for the university and showed that the legalization of Medical marijuana coincided with a 23% drop in hospitalizations for opioid dependence or abuse.

Hospitalization for opioid overdoses dropped 13%.

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Coming soon to a pharmacy near you: CanniMed signs deal with PharmaChoice to distribute medical marijuana

April 7, 2017 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Google+ News

Medical marijuana producer CanniMed Therapeutics Inc. is getting a head start on distributing cannabis through pharmacies, becoming the first licensed producer to sign an agreement with a national pharmacy chain, even though the model is still illegal.

CanniMed announced Thursday it has signed a letter of intent with PharmaChoice, a member-owned cooperative, that gives CanniMed exclusive distribution privileges at PharmaChoice stores in exchange for CanniMed’s provision of training. Educational training will start soon, but the distribution agreement is on hold indefinitely. It will be completed within 60 days of the first legislation change that allows for pharmacy distribution of marijuana. 

Currently, mail order is the only legal distribution method for medical marijuana but a federal task force report on the legalization of marijuana recommended the government also consider allowing sales at storefront locations. Legislation on marijuana reform, including a legal recreational market, is expected this year. Provincial laws would also need to be changed to allow for pharmacy distribution.

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