Canadian pharmacists pleased Marijuana Task Force recommends continued access to medical cannabis

Key role for pharmacy to improve patient care and access

December 13, 2016 (Ottawa): The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) welcomes the report from the Task Force on Marijuana Legalization and Regulation and strongly supports the recommendation to maintain a separate medical cannabis regime. It is an essential first step to ensure that patients have access to necessary clinical support and oversight by licensed health care professionals.

In its submission to the Task Force, CPhA recommended that a dual system be established once recreational marijuana becomes legal. Pharmacists are pleased that the Task Force recognizes that patients’ use of cannabis is different from that of recreational users. We look forward to engaging with the government and the pharmacy community to improve access for medical patients.

CPhA is also encouraged that the Task Force recognizes the important role that pharmacists can play in the management and distribution of cannabis for medical use. We look forward to working with the federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as regulatory and licensing authorities to expedite the necessary changes to the medical access regime.

As health care professionals and drug experts, pharmacists also applaud the Task Force for reflecting our recommendations aimed at protecting the health and safety of recreational users. CPhA has always supported public education, minimum age for legal purchase, clear product warnings, and training for retail staff. We are pleased to see this reflected in the Task Force report.

About the Canadian Pharmacists Association

The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is the uniting national voice of pharmacy and the pharmacist profession in Canada. As pharmacists undertake an enhanced role in the delivery of health care services, CPhA ensures that the profession is recognized as a national leader in health care, influencing the policies, programs, budgets and initiatives affecting the profession and the health of Canadians. More information is available at www.pharmacists.ca.

For more information, contact:

Stefi Proulx
Media and Stakeholder Relations Specialist
sproulx@pharmacists.ca
613-292-6070