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Proposed Cannabis Act changes step in the right direction, advocates say

Proposed Cannabis Act changes step in the right direction, advocates say

By Bryan Passifiume

OTTAWA — Proposed changes to Canada’s cannabis regulations are being met with cautious optimism from those within the industry, who say more still needs to be done to make the marketplace fair for everyone.

The proposed changes, published late last week in Canada Gazette, deal with everything from industrial hemp to growing rules to packaging regulations and are intended to make life a little easier for sellers while maintaining public health concerns.

“Health Canada recognizes that there may be regulatory measures that could be made more efficient and streamlined without compromising the public health and public safety objectives in the (Cannabis) Act,” read a synopsis from the Department of Health.

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Proposed Cannabis Act changes step in the right direction, advocates say

Thailand unveils rules to classify cannabis as narcotics again

By Patpicha Tanakasempipat, Bloomberg News

Thailand has issued a draft regulation to reclassify cannabis as narcotics from next year as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s government seeks to clamp down on rampant recreational use of marijuana.

The Ministry of Public Health will re-list cannabis buds as a “category five” narcotic from Jan. 1, according to the draft rules published on Tuesday. But the use of various other parts of the plant, including roots and leaves, will however remain legal.

Read the full story here.

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Everything You Need To Know About CBN

Everything You Need To Know About CBN

According to data, roughly 70 percent of young adults who casually use cannabis do so to help them sleep. This is unsurprising, considering studies have shown cannabis can help with sleeping problems in the short term. [1]

However, what many people don’t realize is that there is a specific cannabinoid called cannabinol (CBN), which is the chemical cannabinoid that is the potentially most beneficial when it comes to alleviate sleeping issues like insomnia

The ‘sleepy cannabinoid’ has been discussed to help you learn everything you need to know about it, including its benefits, potential hazards, and how it’s used today. 

What Exactly Is CBN, And How Is It Used?

So, what exactly is CBN? This cannabinol was first discovered in 1940 by a team of researchers at the University of Illinois. 

CBN is a cannabinoid that is found within cannabis plants. It can only be produced from the oxidation of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Usually, cannabis that has been aged or exposed to environmental factors such as light, heat, etc. for longer periods of time, produces higher concentrations of CBN as a degradation product of THC.

Since its discovery in 1940, CBN has been closely studied by numerous physicians to determine its benefits – for which there are many. These benefits have led CBN to be infused in numerous products like edibles, tinctures, oils, gummies, vapes, and balms. 

Additionally, it’s important to note that CBN can be infused with other like cannabidiol (CBD) or even nutraceuticals like melatonin without the incurrence of adverse health effects. 

What Are The Benefits Of CBN? 

To understand the benefits of CBN, you need to first know what the endocannabinoid system is. Essentially, the ECS is a system composed of endogenous cannabinoid receptors. [2] 

Within this system, CBD, THC, CBN, and other cannabinoids attach to cannabinoid receptors to exert their action. 

For example, CNB attaches to cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) mainly present in the central nervous system and CB2 receptors expressed in the immune tissues. This allows this cannabinoid to help alleviate insomnia, sleep-related issues, pain, and inflammation within the body:

  • Seizures: Since CBN provides a sedative effect, it has shown promise as an anti-epileptic, helping individuals who suffer from seizures. 
  • Pain: It has been proven that CBN is a mild anti-inflammatory and painkiller that helps people with chronic and acute medical conditions. [3]
  • Appetite: Those who suffer from appetite loss from chemotherapy-induced nausea and other appetite-reduction illnesses and procedures can benefit from CBN since it can potentially act as an appetite stimulant.
  • Neuroprotective properties: recently, some research has shown that CBN could be beneficial in delaying the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is a disease that negatively affects the spinal cord and brain.
  • Illnesses and viruses: Some studies have shown CBN to have antibacterial properties. This could help with treating viruses and illnesses – including superbugs like MRSA. 

Can CBN induce the “high” sensation?

There has been much debate in the medical community surrounding whether CBN can be psychotropic . The general consensus is that it can be mildly psychoactive and psychotropic when taken in large doses since it is derived from the oxidation of THC

Luckily, those interested in trying CBN for its benefits can buy products that contain CBN in its isolated form without other cannabinoids present, like CBD and THC. Although it might provide a high, it will be moderate, which is why it’s best used for its sleeping capabilities. 

What Are The Drawbacks Of CBN? 

Although CBN has become more popular, it’s still unknown what the side effects of this cannabinoid are, which is why caution when using it is necessary. There is currently insufficient research, so scientists cannot completely day that CBN has similar side effects to CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids. 

However, one of the known benefits of CBN is also one of its drawbacks, as it can cause excessive sleepiness, which can impede an individual’s daily life. Besides, excessive sleepiness CBN could potentially cause heart malformations – as it has in zebrafish embryos – and it may negatively interact with certain over-the-counter medications and prescriptions. [4] Nevertheless more studies should be done in order to completely understand the potential adverse effects of this cannabinoid.

The Wrap-Up

Ultimately, CBN is a powerful cannabinoid with numerous potential benefits for humankind. Unfortunately, its drawbacks are not yet known in their entirety, which is why caution is needed when using CBN-infused products. 

Current studies show promise with CBN proving useful for sleep disorders, pain, and inflammation. However, further research is needed into this cannabinol to learn how it can safely benefit people. 

References:

  1. Cannabis use in patients with insomnia and sleep disorders … (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9067069/ 
  2. Review of the endocannabinoid system – PMC – National Center for … (n.d.-b). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7855189/ 
  3. BE; W. H. (n.d.). Cannabidiol, Cannabinol and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain. Archives of oral biology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31158702/ 
  4. Cannabinol. Cannabinol – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/cannabinol 
Psychedelic Stocks Fall as Advisory Panel Tells FDA Not to Approve MDMA

Psychedelic Stocks Fall as Advisory Panel Tells FDA Not to Approve MDMA

A number of companies involved in the psychedelic space saw their stocks plummet during premarket trading earlier this week after an advisory panel counseled the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) against approving the use of MDMA as a treatment for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

MDMA, commonly known as molly or ecstasy, is a stimulant and psychedelic drug that comes in powder or pill forms. Currently, the drug is classified under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, together with drugs such as LSD, marijuana, heroin and peyote. Drugs under this classification are said to have no accepted medical use and a high abuse potential. However, numerous studies and trials conducted in the last couple of years have determined that the drug may be useful in treating PTSD.

It appears this wasn’t enough to convince the 11-member advisory panel, as nine of them voted against the drug’s use in managing the condition. Their decision was based on concerns that available evidence doesn’t demonstrate that the drug’s benefits outweigh its risks or that it was effective. The panel members also cited flawed research conduct and trials as part of their reasoning, noting that there wasn’t enough follow-up data on patient outcomes as well as diversity in trial participants.

While the panel’s advice doesn’t dictate the agency’s final decision on the matter, it is known that the agency has a lot of confidence in the advice it gets from its experts.

This announcement marks a huge setback for clinicians and companies in the United States who were hoping to exploit the therapeutic potential of psychedelics such as MDMA. Companies such as Mind Medicine, based in New York; Cybin, a Canadian company; atai Life Sciences, based in Berlin; and Compass Pathways, a British biotech company, have seen their stocks drop between 10–15% this week.

Lykos Therapeutics, the drug’s sponsor, has observed investor confidence reduce following the announcement. One of the trials demonstrated that MDMA therapy reduced many PTSD symptoms with minimal serious side effects.

Other companies that have been affected include GH Research, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing new treatments of neurological and psychiatric disorders, which saw a 3.5% drop in its stocks. Relmada Therapeutics, a biotechnology company that targets conditions of the central nervous system, also saw its shares fall by about 5%.

Surprisingly, some companies had their shares go up during this same period. Seelos Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: SEEL), a biopharmaceutical company evaluating the use of psychedelics in treating neurological illnesses, saw its shares rise by almost 2%.

The FDA is slated to make a final decision on the matter in August 2024.

About PsychedelicNewsWire

PsychedelicNewsWire (“PNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on all aspects of psychedelics and the latest developments and advances in the psychedelics sector. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, PNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, PNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. PNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

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420 with CNW — Study Says Cannabis Terpenes Equal to Morphine in Pain Management

420 with CNW — Study Says Cannabis Terpenes Equal to Morphine in Pain Management

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A new study exploring the potential of marijuana terpenes as treatments for chronic neuropathic pain suggests that these compounds could be as effective as morphine for pain relief, showing similar reductions in pain markers when administered via injection. Interestingly, when terpenes were combined with morphine, they enhanced the drug’s effectiveness as well.

The study found that, unlike morphine, none of the terpenes triggered a significant reward response, implying that they might be effective pain relievers without the risk of addiction or dysphoria. However, vaporized or orally administered terpenes did not show much impact on pain relief.

The authors highlighted that while major marijuana components, such as CBD and THC, have shown moderate effectiveness in managing severe pain, THC often has undesirable psychoactive effects. This limitation has led to a focus on other potential therapeutic compounds in marijuana, including terpenes, flavonoids and minor cannabinoids.

Terpenes, naturally occurring in many plants, such as rosemary, pine trees and oranges, are particularly abundant in marijuana, which contains about 150 different terpenes. The study suggests that this chemical diversity might contribute to the varied effects of various marijuana strains.

The research specifically investigated five terpenes: linalool, alpha-humulene, geraniol, beta-caryophyllene and beta-pinene, found in significant quantities in marijuana. The terpenes were tested on mice to evaluate their effects on inflammatory and peripheral neuropathic pain. The substances were injected into the mice’s hind paws and induced by chemotherapy medications, respectively. The terpenes were also administered orally and through vaporization.

Tests were conducted on a per-terpene basis, with 200 mg/kg of terpenes and 10 mg/kg of morphine being used for comparison. The study aimed to not only assess pain relief but also understand the mechanisms behind it. This included behavioral observations and cellular analyses, such as mRNA evaluation from flash-frozen mouse skin.

Results showed that all tested terpenes reduced neuropathic pain markers, except pinene, which did not significantly affect inflammatory pain.

Combining lower doses of terpenes with morphine appeared to enhance pain relief, indicating a potential for combination therapies that might offer better pain management while reducing the risk of opioid addiction. Regarding the potential for addiction, the study found that linalool and geraniol did not produce either an aversion or a preference in mice, suggesting they do not cause dysphoria or reward. Conversely, beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene showed a substantial aversive response, indicating they might be dysphoric, while beta-pinene had possible aversive side effects.

The method of administering terpenes mattered significantly. Injected terpenes were effective in reducing pain markers, whereas oral and vaporized terpenes had limited impact and sometimes caused side effects such as hypothermia. This indicates that terpenes might have restricted bioavailability when taken orally or inhaled, which could explain why some people might not experience their pain-relieving effects through these methods.

The study also explored the mechanisms behind terpene-induced pain relief, suggesting that terpenes might act as anti-inflammatory agents and interact with specific nervous system receptors. The research indicated that terpenes could act as A2AR agonists, potentially interacting with receptors in a complex manner that requires further investigation.

Overall, while the findings are promising, the authors emphasized the need for more research to fully understand how these results translate to human pain management.

This study, in a way, provides validation for companies such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) that have heavily invested in developing medical cannabis products to help patients manage their symptoms.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

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420 with CNW — Study Says Cannabis Terpenes Equal to Morphine in Pain Management

College Enrolment Increases in States with Legal Marijuana, Graduation Rates Remain Unaffected

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New research has determined that recreational cannabis legalization in some states has led to an increase in enrolments by roughly 9%, without compromising rates of graduation or degree completion. The research was carried out by Ahmed El Fatmaoui, a graduate student at the University of Oklahoma.

For the study, El Fatmaoui built on previous research such as one study that determined which legal states saw bigger application pools with no observed decline in student-applicant quality. He then obtained data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data system as well as the county for his analysis.

His findings showed that the legalization of recreational cannabis increased enrolment by between 4% to 9%, with the researcher noting that this was observed in both women and men. The report explained that enrolments rose after the fourth year of the first dispensary in a state launching, highlighting that the delay could be because of various factors, including the moderate development of a cannabis consumption culture.

El Fatmaoui also recognized that another possible explanation could be the fact that states sometimes used supplementary tax revenue generated from cannabis sales to subsidize their higher-education sector. This, he posited, could also increase enrollment numbers.

Regarding student performance, the research centered on Colorado and Washington, primarily because they are the only states that have legalized recreational cannabis for a long enough period. El Fatmaoui determined that the legalization of recreational cannabis had a positive impact on rates of graduation, contributing to increases of more than 5% and 2.7% points for associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees respectively.

The researcher explained that the increase in the graduation rate for bachelor’s degrees reflected growing student transfers, adding that rising out-of-state enrollments also suggested that the shift in policy boosted competitiveness in colleges by providing positive amenities.

He underscored that there was no evidence that the legalization of recreational cannabis affected in-state enrollment, quality or college prices. He then added that his findings didn’t negate results of past studies, explaining that lack of data on grade point average data in the dataset he used prevented him from evaluating the impact of recreational cannabis legalization on overall student scores.

In his conclusion, El Fatmaoui wrote that his analysis revealed that the legalization of recreational cannabis did not diminish overall student success.

He also called attention to the need for additional studies on how this change in policy impacted student choice when it came to choosing majors. The study’s findings were reported in the “Economic Inquiry” journal.

This study sheds additional light on the unexpected benefits that can accrue when a robust cannabis market is launched and licensed companies such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) are allowed to operate.

About CannabisNewsWire

CannabisNewsWire (“CNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on cannabis news and the cannabis sector. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, CNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. CNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

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Manitobans still waiting for right to grow cannabis at home

Manitobans still waiting for right to grow cannabis at home

Although Manitoba recently passed legislation to allow people to grow cannabis at home, they could be waiting several months before the law actually comes into force. 

A source with the Manitoba government tells StratCann that the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba are currently formulating legislation with the LGCA that will allow people in the province to grow up to four cannabis plants at home, and expects that this will be in place “within the next six months”. 

The bill was passed on June 3, but the specific details of the law are still unknown.

Bill 34, The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Amendment Act, which repealed Manitoba’s ban on growing up to four cannabis plants at home, passed on June 3, but the specific details of the new law are still unknown.

A media representative with the Manitoba government tells StratCann via email that no information on the new law is currently available due to a media blackout related to a current bylaw election, but says the bill itself has not yet received Royal Assent. Government documents online, however, do show it received royal assent on June 4. This does not mean the law is in effect, though. 

Jesse Lavoie, who spearheaded a lawsuit targeting Manitoba’s home grow ban, but says he would be disappointed by a long delay in implementing the law.

“We appreciate the progressive update to our archaic homegrown prohibition,” Lavoie tells StratCann. “Implanting this policy immediately will allow Manitobans to take advantage of the summer and grow as nature intended, in the sunshine. Any delay just means our status as second class citizens compared to the rest of Canada persists.”

Lavoie’s organization, TobaGrown, has now suspended their lawsuit following the government’s move to repeal the home grow ban, but he says they can still move forward with the lawsuit if the law takes too long to implement.


Our Top 5 Crop Picks For Buckets And Grow Bag Gardens

Our Top 5 Crop Picks For Buckets And Grow Bag Gardens

We’ve noticed a trend here at Garden Culture: people love growing in buckets, containers, and bags. Some of the articles on the subject are among our most popular, and we’re not surprised. More people live in urban areas, and grow bags and container gardens are perfect for small spaces. So here’s a look at our top five picks for edible crops that do well in containers, buckets, and grow bags.

You’ve got the stuff; now, what vegetables are best for growing bags? 

Potatoes

Our blog article on growing potatoes in buckets never seems to get old and is one of our most searched and read topics. Growing potatoes in buckets works incredibly well; I’ve been doing it for years with excellent yields and results. Although tempting, it’s critical not to plant too many seed potatoes in your buckets. The rule of thumb is two in a 5-gallon container, three in a 7-gallon, and five in a 10-gallon. I typically get five to ten new potatoes per seed, sometimes more. Fabric grow bags are great for growing potatoes in bags because you don’t have to worry about drainage, but if growing in buckets or other containers, be sure they have holes for moisture to escape (and if they don’t, drill some). One last thing: mulch your potato buckets well. If the tubers are exposed to sunlight, the potatoes will turn green, and you won’t be able to enjoy your harvest.

growing in small spaces

growing in small spaces

Pumpkins

I love growing pumpkins for Halloween and delicious soups, stews, and healthy muffins. I live in an area with a short growing season, so I always select a small variety for my 25-gallon grow bags, such as Cinnamon Girl, Baby Boo, or Sugar Pie. Pumpkins are heavy feeders; be sure to use excellent quality soil enriched with compost. One of the downfalls of grow bag gardens is nutrients and moisture leach out quickly, so be on top of watering and fertilize regularly. I’ve had a lot of success growing this seasonal squash in bags; one year, I had at least a dozen gourds in my Halloween display and then got to enjoy them in some healthy meals throughout November.

soil impacts quality of growth

soil impacts quality of growth

Ginger

Sometimes, your geographical location will dictate how you grow, and anyone who wants to grow ginger in Canada or the Northern USA, for example, has no choice but to grow this medicinal crop in a container. All you need to get started is a ginger rhizome that has begun to send out little green shoots. Garden Culture’s president, Eric Coulombe, has written an excellent article in our Mushrooms and Alternative Medicine magazine edition about his ventures growing ginger and turmeric indoors using Autopots. Autopots are a gravity-fed bottom watering system. Yes, you can use conventional containers. However, after experimenting with both, Eric says he’s had faster growth and better yields with his Autopots. After about eight to ten weeks, he harvested three and a half pounds of medicine from his garden, adding it to his home apothecary.

Tomatoes

I enjoy growing many varieties of tomatoes in grow bags and containers. I’ve had a lot of fun growing the Micro-Tom, Orange Hat, and Tiny Tim mini tomato plants in a small pot on my kitchen counter. The yields are impressive, and the plant is a conversation starter! Outdoors, I’ve experimented with several different determinant tomato varieties, including Roma and Campbell’s 33, and they’ve always done incredibly well. I once grew some indeterminate cherry tomatoes in a 25-gallon and didn’t love it. I suggest sticking to the determinant varieties when growing tomatoes in containers or bags. They’re more compact and are a lot tidier than those unruly indeterminates. We’re highlighting our top five crops, but let’s lump peppers and eggplant into the same category as tomatoes; they do fantastic in pots. Remember to water and fertilize more often than you would in-ground gardens, and plant some nasturtiums and marigolds at the base to help with pest control.

pumpkins in grow bags

pumpkins in grow bags

Carrots

There’s nothing more delicious than a carrot straight out of the garden –they taste so much better than anything you’ll find at the store. Carrots prefer it if you give them a dedicated space, so it’s best not to plant them with other food crops. If you’ve struggled to grow this root veggie in your raised beds or the ground, it could be because the soil conditions aren’t right. Carrots need loose, sandy soil to do well, and grow bag and container gardening allows you to play with various soil mixes for different crops. Consider a 10-gallon bag for standard-sized carrots. You can try something smaller, but select shorter varieties such as Danvers Half Long, which tolerates shallow soil.

How long until Canadians can access medical cannabis in pharmacies?

How long until Canadians can access medical cannabis in pharmacies?

Earlier this year, the federal government’s expert panel called for pharmacy access to medical cannabis. Specifically, the panel’s report recommended expanding the existing model, which permits online sales, to allow for in-person cannabis access at pharmacies.

This common-sense recommendation resulted from the panel’s recognition that pharmacies have the infrastructure to dispense cannabis and that in-person access could address delays related to mail or courier delivery while also providing the all-important opportunity for counsel from pharmacists.

However, given the recommendation and broad consensus within the industry that pharmacy access makes sense, the question remains: what’s the timeline?

“It’s difficult to say when this will happen, as we may be heading into a federal election, which usually involves a cooling down period,” says Max Monahan-Ellison, Chairperson of Medical Cannabis Canada. “Ultimately, the process would likely involve Health Canada reviewing the findings, developing policy proposals, and potentially consulting further with stakeholders and potentially drafting amendments which could be subject to public comment. There would then be a legislative process to move the changes forward into law.”

A federal election has to be held before October 20, 2025, with some political observers believing that the government may want to go to the polls later this year. In either case, it’s unlikely that Canada will be seeing pharmacy access to medical cannabis before 2026.

Even that might be optimistic, given that access also has to be addressed at the provincial level.

“We support the report’s view that we need a regulatory pathway for cannabis access in pharmacies, and this is a critical first step, but there’s still a lot to happen at the provincial level because that’s where pharmacy scope is legislated,” says Shelita Dattani, Senior Vice President, Pharmacy Affairs and Strategic Engagement at the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada. 

The Benefit of Pharmacy Oversight

Given the public health and harm reduction role pharmacy can produce for therapeutic products, the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, which has significant membership representation across Canada, supports the Scientific Committee’s recommendation that cannabis health products be accessible through pharmacies.

“Given the importance of ensuring public health and safety, it’s important that associations like ours are aligned with regulators,” says Dattani. “We support the idea of pharmacists being able to authorize and dispense cannabis.”

Pharmacists are also uniquely qualified to assess and manage potential drug interactions.

“If you’re taking cannabis for a medical condition, there’s a good chance that you’re on other medications,” says Glen Doucet, CEO of the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA). “Adjustments might need to be made in terms of dosage, with pharmacists able to provide timely monitoring for performance and health.” 

Given the shortage of family physicians, and the fact that most Canadians live within five kilometres of a pharmacy, with some locations open until midnight—or even 24 hours—allowing for in-person access could dramatically improve healthcare delivery across Canada.

“Pharmacists see their patients 12 to 20 times a year. There’s a lot of opportunity to make adjustments, and to recommend other products,” says Doucet. “Our concern now is that many Canadians might not be benefitting from appropriate medical oversight. While physicians are amazing at diagnosing, their level of understanding of medications is not at the same level as pharmacists. As a result, pharmacists represent an important check and balance, and bring a lot of value.”

Waiting on Ottawa

Though the process of getting medical cannabis into pharmacies might be slow, at this point, its arrival seems almost inevitable, given that industry, the medical community, and government are all now on the same page. 

The challenge is with regard to political will. As with other cannabis-related issues, such as excise tax reform, the problem is that governments at all levels are distracted by higher-priority issues.

“Healthcare moves fast, but governments move slowly, and pharmacy dispensing won’t happen any time soon,” says Monahan-Ellison from Medical Cannabis Canada. “All the players involved in dispensing, particularly at the provincial level, have to get together to establish an ideal pathway. Individual pharmacies will also likely need to prepare for dispensing by establishing security measures and training set out by applicable provincial and federal regulations.” 

As it stands, the process has benefitted from the panel’s suggestion that cannabis be integrated into standard drug approval pathways, heavily informed by the Medical Cannabis Access Survey (MCAS).

This pathway also supports the increasing role that pharmacists are already playing in healthcare delivery.

“Across all ten provinces, pharmacists can already assess for minor ailments, urinary tract infections, gastroesophageal reflux, and some dermatological conditions,” says Dattani from the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada. “In BC, assessment for birth control is allowed, and in Alberta and Nova Scotia a pilot is in place to broaden the scope further. We would like to see this advance with cannabis, too, and for healthcare access not to be dependent on a patient’s postal code.”

The Ontario College of Pharmacists has mandated that members complete a cannabis course. With pharmacy access across the country a near certainty, it’s likely that such requirements will extend to other provinces. 

The transition for the pharmacists themselves should be reasonably straightforward. 

“The CPhA has created a monograph to aid pharmacists,” says Doucet. “I don’t see it as a huge learning curve for them.” 


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PreveCeutical Commences Litigation Against Former Legal Counsel in the British Columbia Supreme Court Alleging Professional Negligence

PreveCeutical Commences Litigation Against Former Legal Counsel in the British Columbia Supreme Court Alleging Professional Negligence

Published: June 10, 2024

PreveCeutical Medical Inc. announces that it, along with certain others, filed a Notice of Civil Claim (the “Claim”) in the British Columbia Supreme Court on June 5, 2024 against its former legal counsel (the “Defendants”). The Claim alleges that the Defendants were negligent in the provision of legal advice in relation to the Company’s issuance of a news release and material change report in connection with a previous private placement which resulted in the issuance of a Notice of Hearing by the Executive Director of the British Columbia Securities Commission on February 14, 2022. The Notice of Hearing was dismissed by the British Columbia Securities Commission on May 2, 2024.

The plaintiffs, which include Stephen Van Deventer and Asterion Cannabis Inc., are seeking damages, which include losses for reputational harm, financial losses, loss of financing and other business opportunities as well as losses for legal expenses in relation to proceedings arising from the Notice of Hearing.

Due to uncertainties inherent in litigation, it not possible for the Company to predict the timing or final outcome of the legal proceedings against the Defendants or to determine the amount of damages, if any, that may be awarded.

About PreveCeutical
PreveCeutical is a health sciences company that develops innovative options for preventive and curative therapies utilising organic and nature identical products. PreveCeutical aims to be a leader in preventive health sciences and currently has five research and development programs, including: dual gene therapy for curative and prevention therapies for diabetes and obesity; the Sol-gel Program; Nature Identical peptides for treatment of various ailments; non-addictive analgesic peptides as a replacement to the highly addictive analgesics such as morphine, fentanyl and oxycodone; and a therapeutic product for treating athletes who suffer from concussions (mild traumatic brain injury). For more information about PreveCeutical, please visit www.PreveCeutical.com, follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/PreveCeuticals and Facebook: www.facebook.com/PreveCeutical.