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Law Canada MJ News
- Thread starter Baron23
- Start date
Meanwhile in Canada..... betcha it won't cost $32,000 a year..........
Health Canada approves clinical trials for cannabis-laced pet food to treat animal anxiety
VANCOUVER—One of Canada’s largest cannabis companies announced Wednesday it has received Health Canada approval for clinical trials of the effectiveness of cannabis-derived compound cannabidiol as a treatment for anxiety in animals.
Dana M. Vaughn, executive vice-president and chief scientific officer for Canopy Animal Health, said while CBD is becoming an increasingly common folk remedy for pets’ ailments, Canopy’s clinical trials represent the first time a company has sought federal regulatory approval for the practice of adding the substance to pet food.
A worker packages cannabis oil at Canopy Growth Corporation's Tweed facility in Smiths Falls, Ont. Canopy announced Thursday it has received approval from Health Canada for clinical trials to prove the effectiveness of cannabis-derived chemical cannabidiol in the treatment of animal anxiety. (SEAN KILPATRICK / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
“There has been very little (research) done with CBD or other phytocannabinoids in pets up until now,” Vaughn said in an email. The addition of phytocannabinoids (naturally occurring, plant-derived cannabis compounds like CBD) to pet foods has so far been done “without regulatory approval, with the exception of hemp seed oil products that contain fatty acids. But not CBD to any extent.”
A spokesperson from Health Canada said in an email that the potential use of cannabis as veterinary medicine had been a consideration during the development of cannabis regulations, and confirmed that, to date, “no drugs containing cannabis have been authorized for veterinary use in Canada.”
Vaughn said Canopy’s hope is to provide a concrete body of evidence demonstrating how CBD affects different animal species and how it affects different sizes of animal within those species.
Canopy’s announcement comes on the heels of preclinical dosing and safety studies of its “proprietary CBD-enriched oil formulation.” Vaughn said very few anti-anxiety remedies exist for pets and believes that CBD — a compound proven to “bind to specific serotonin receptors and … ion channels in nervous tissues that collectively lessen anxiety” — can help fill that market gap.
As with other cannabis-derived drugs such as tetrahydrocannabinol — the primary chemical responsible for the psychoactive “high” sought by some cannabis users — scientific research around CBD has been slow to emerge. This is primarily because researchers have long been hamstrung by federal regulations such as the requirement that a “Section 56” exemption be obtained to legally possess cannabis for research purposes. This is the same exemption required to possess cocaine, heroin and other Schedule 1 substances for scientific research.
The Section 56 exemption requires that a research facility in possession of cannabis have a security apparatus that includes an intrusion-detection system and video cameras, paired with round-the-clock human observers to respond to potential breaches of security. And with a legal cannabis market only now emerging from a miasma of illegality, semilegality and scattershot municipal law enforcement policies, financial incentives to undertake the task of meeting such criteria have been scarce. Only since legalization was squarely on the horizon has there been a more widespread investment in scientific research exploring the therapeutic possibilities of cannabis and its derivatives.
This also means the majority of evidence for the effectiveness of cannabis-derived chemicals has so far been largely anecdotal.
Although as Holly Newman, owner of Vancouver dog daycare Wagababa reports, anecdotal endorsements have made many a convert out of pet owners to whom she’s spoken.
“People are pretty open-minded and are willing to try it,” Newman said in an interview in May. “It’s becoming a pretty normal thing to find in a pet shop now.”
Newman uses a CBD ointment for her own aging hounds, whom she describes as “huge dogs,” to keep their joints fluid and free from arthritic pain.
And Newman said that many of the pet owners to whom she’s spoken view the approval of CBD by fellow animal lovers as proof enough to give the stuff a go when it comes to the health of their own four-legged companions.
Her one concern was the challenges many pet owners face in understanding how to safely determine dosages for different sizes of different animals.
But Vaughn said providing information on this very subject is one of Canopy’s goals, with the intention of providing its findings to pet owners and veterinarians once the study is complete.
Health Canada approves clinical trials for cannabis-laced pet food to treat animal anxiety
VANCOUVER—One of Canada’s largest cannabis companies announced Wednesday it has received Health Canada approval for clinical trials of the effectiveness of cannabis-derived compound cannabidiol as a treatment for anxiety in animals.
Dana M. Vaughn, executive vice-president and chief scientific officer for Canopy Animal Health, said while CBD is becoming an increasingly common folk remedy for pets’ ailments, Canopy’s clinical trials represent the first time a company has sought federal regulatory approval for the practice of adding the substance to pet food.
A worker packages cannabis oil at Canopy Growth Corporation's Tweed facility in Smiths Falls, Ont. Canopy announced Thursday it has received approval from Health Canada for clinical trials to prove the effectiveness of cannabis-derived chemical cannabidiol in the treatment of animal anxiety. (SEAN KILPATRICK / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
“There has been very little (research) done with CBD or other phytocannabinoids in pets up until now,” Vaughn said in an email. The addition of phytocannabinoids (naturally occurring, plant-derived cannabis compounds like CBD) to pet foods has so far been done “without regulatory approval, with the exception of hemp seed oil products that contain fatty acids. But not CBD to any extent.”
A spokesperson from Health Canada said in an email that the potential use of cannabis as veterinary medicine had been a consideration during the development of cannabis regulations, and confirmed that, to date, “no drugs containing cannabis have been authorized for veterinary use in Canada.”
Vaughn said Canopy’s hope is to provide a concrete body of evidence demonstrating how CBD affects different animal species and how it affects different sizes of animal within those species.
Canopy’s announcement comes on the heels of preclinical dosing and safety studies of its “proprietary CBD-enriched oil formulation.” Vaughn said very few anti-anxiety remedies exist for pets and believes that CBD — a compound proven to “bind to specific serotonin receptors and … ion channels in nervous tissues that collectively lessen anxiety” — can help fill that market gap.
As with other cannabis-derived drugs such as tetrahydrocannabinol — the primary chemical responsible for the psychoactive “high” sought by some cannabis users — scientific research around CBD has been slow to emerge. This is primarily because researchers have long been hamstrung by federal regulations such as the requirement that a “Section 56” exemption be obtained to legally possess cannabis for research purposes. This is the same exemption required to possess cocaine, heroin and other Schedule 1 substances for scientific research.
The Section 56 exemption requires that a research facility in possession of cannabis have a security apparatus that includes an intrusion-detection system and video cameras, paired with round-the-clock human observers to respond to potential breaches of security. And with a legal cannabis market only now emerging from a miasma of illegality, semilegality and scattershot municipal law enforcement policies, financial incentives to undertake the task of meeting such criteria have been scarce. Only since legalization was squarely on the horizon has there been a more widespread investment in scientific research exploring the therapeutic possibilities of cannabis and its derivatives.
This also means the majority of evidence for the effectiveness of cannabis-derived chemicals has so far been largely anecdotal.
Although as Holly Newman, owner of Vancouver dog daycare Wagababa reports, anecdotal endorsements have made many a convert out of pet owners to whom she’s spoken.
“People are pretty open-minded and are willing to try it,” Newman said in an interview in May. “It’s becoming a pretty normal thing to find in a pet shop now.”
Newman uses a CBD ointment for her own aging hounds, whom she describes as “huge dogs,” to keep their joints fluid and free from arthritic pain.
And Newman said that many of the pet owners to whom she’s spoken view the approval of CBD by fellow animal lovers as proof enough to give the stuff a go when it comes to the health of their own four-legged companions.
Her one concern was the challenges many pet owners face in understanding how to safely determine dosages for different sizes of different animals.
But Vaughn said providing information on this very subject is one of Canopy’s goals, with the intention of providing its findings to pet owners and veterinarians once the study is complete.
Legal Marijuana Sales in Canada’s Largest Province to be Delayed Six Months
Legal marijuana sales in Canada were slated to begin in October. Now, Ontario is saying recreational dispensaries won’t be open until April.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 18: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends a meeting at the National Cyber Security Centre on April 18, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor via Getty Images)
Legal marijuana sales in Canada’s largest province, Ontario, will be delayed by six months, the province’s newly-elected government announced on Tuesday (Aug 14). The government will not be ready to allow for retail sales of legal cannabis in time for the October 17 deadline set by Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and will instead aim for a launch date of April 1, 2019.
The delay comes as the new government makes changes to the previous government’s regulations in order to allow for private businesses to participate in legal marijuana sales in Canada.
Late last month, rumors began circulating that Ontario’s newly-elected conservative government, led by Doug Ford—the brother of Toronto’s late ‘crack-smoking’ Mayor Rob Ford—would scrap the previous Liberal government’s plan to sell marijuana exclusively in government-run stores and allow for private sales.
“The system we’re proposing marks a significant departure from the approach of the previous government,” Ontario Finance Minister Vic Fedeli told reporters at a press conference. “Implementing this new approach will take time.”
TORONTO, ON- JUNE 29 – Caroline Mulroney, attorney general and minister responsible for francophone affairs takes her oath. Doug Ford is sworn in as the 26th Premier of Ontario by The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, at Queen’s Park in Toronto on June 29, 2018. Legal marijuana sales in Canada were slated for October, but Mulroney recently explained to reporters that recreational brick-and-mortars won’t be open in the province until April. (Photo by Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
As it takes its time, the Ontario government will launch consultations with consumers, businesses, and law enforcement as well as other provinces to hammer out the details of their new regulatory framework, Ontario Attorney General Caroline Mulroney told reporters.
Ontario was the first province to release and pass its full regulatory framework last fall—a plan which was extremely unpopular among members of the industry who were hoping that private retail licenses would be made available.
Under the previous plan, the province was to exclusively operate 40 retail locations across the province for 2018 with the eventual goal of having 150 stores by 2020. Critics of the plan argued that the government was being too restrictive and offered too few locations for legal marijuana sales in Canada to effectively compete with the black market.
No details have been released about the new plan, except that the government will still act as a middle-man between wholesalers and retailers.
Until further details emerge, consumers who want to buy their weed legally will have to purchase online through a website operated by the government-run Ontario Cannabis Store. Purchases will be limited to 30 grams, the legal possession limit under the federal government’s legalization law.
Legal marijuana sales in Canada were slated to begin in October. Now, Ontario is saying recreational dispensaries won’t be open until April.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 18: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends a meeting at the National Cyber Security Centre on April 18, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor via Getty Images)
Legal marijuana sales in Canada’s largest province, Ontario, will be delayed by six months, the province’s newly-elected government announced on Tuesday (Aug 14). The government will not be ready to allow for retail sales of legal cannabis in time for the October 17 deadline set by Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and will instead aim for a launch date of April 1, 2019.
The delay comes as the new government makes changes to the previous government’s regulations in order to allow for private businesses to participate in legal marijuana sales in Canada.
Late last month, rumors began circulating that Ontario’s newly-elected conservative government, led by Doug Ford—the brother of Toronto’s late ‘crack-smoking’ Mayor Rob Ford—would scrap the previous Liberal government’s plan to sell marijuana exclusively in government-run stores and allow for private sales.
“The system we’re proposing marks a significant departure from the approach of the previous government,” Ontario Finance Minister Vic Fedeli told reporters at a press conference. “Implementing this new approach will take time.”
TORONTO, ON- JUNE 29 – Caroline Mulroney, attorney general and minister responsible for francophone affairs takes her oath. Doug Ford is sworn in as the 26th Premier of Ontario by The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, at Queen’s Park in Toronto on June 29, 2018. Legal marijuana sales in Canada were slated for October, but Mulroney recently explained to reporters that recreational brick-and-mortars won’t be open in the province until April. (Photo by Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
As it takes its time, the Ontario government will launch consultations with consumers, businesses, and law enforcement as well as other provinces to hammer out the details of their new regulatory framework, Ontario Attorney General Caroline Mulroney told reporters.
Ontario was the first province to release and pass its full regulatory framework last fall—a plan which was extremely unpopular among members of the industry who were hoping that private retail licenses would be made available.
Under the previous plan, the province was to exclusively operate 40 retail locations across the province for 2018 with the eventual goal of having 150 stores by 2020. Critics of the plan argued that the government was being too restrictive and offered too few locations for legal marijuana sales in Canada to effectively compete with the black market.
No details have been released about the new plan, except that the government will still act as a middle-man between wholesalers and retailers.
Until further details emerge, consumers who want to buy their weed legally will have to purchase online through a website operated by the government-run Ontario Cannabis Store. Purchases will be limited to 30 grams, the legal possession limit under the federal government’s legalization law.
I've said many times that my fear is that all the strides we've made making cannabis a medical alternative will be thrown aside if/when cannabis becomes recreational......
Backlash After Canadian Medical Association Calls to End Canada’s Medical Marijuana Program
The Canadian Medical Association has sparked a feud with medical cannabis advocates across the country—including many of the organization’s own members—by proposing that Canada’s existing medical marijuana program be scrapped once recreational cannabis becomes legal.
The CMA is proposing that Canada’s existing medical marijuana program be scrapped once recreational cannabis becomes legal.
The CMA, a national, voluntary association of physicians, believes there shouldn’t be a separate regulatory framework for medical cannabis once recreational cannabis is available, and it’s calling on Ottawa to endorse a single regulatory system for both.
The organization says there isn’t enough scientific evidence backing up claims that cannabis has therapeutic value, and it says individuals interested in using it for medical purposes should get it at dispensaries that sell it for recreational use.
Dr. Jeff Blackmer, vice-president of medical professionalism with the CMA, ignited a firestorm in April, when he articulated this position at a conference organized by the Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids, a non-profit that promotes research on medical cannabis.
Several physicians in the audience stood up and took Blackmer to task. One demanded to know if Blackmer believed a child with epilepsy should seek cannabis at a dispensary. Another physician announced that she was ashamed of the organization.
One physician demanded to know if the CMA believed a child with epilepsy should seek cannabis at a dispensary.
Blackmer was booed and soon left the conference. He then took to Twitter, bemoaning what he described as a “lost opportunity for an important conversation.” He also said he was “embarrassed and ashamed” for the physicians behind the “name calling, personal attacks, jeering and booing.”
Unbowed, Blackmer reiterated the CMA’s position to CBC Calgary in early August. “If anyone can go down to the local dispensary and get cannabis, there’s really no need for a separate medical authorization system,” Blackmer told the CBC. “You really don’t need to have people going to their doctors because anyone who has a medical condition and thinks they might benefit from it can go ahead and try it.”
He said there is nothing stopping individuals from asking their doctors for input.
Widespread Blowback
Blackmer’s comments have outraged many physicians and other cannabis advocates.
“I feel his statements are unfortunate and I wholeheartedly disagree,” Dr. Christopher Blue, a doctor in Windsor, Ontario who prescribes medical cannabis, told Leafly. “As clinicians, we’re seeing a shift in medicine in that patients are now pursuing alternative and adjuvant treatments” for conventional diseases and for their overall health and well-being.
“A single system for both medical and non-medical cannabis would erode the ability of health care providers to ensure patients receive adequate supply and proper dosages.”
Jonathan Zaid, director of advocacy and corporate social responsibility for Aurora Cannabis
“By refusing to accept cannabis as a form of medical treatment [the CMA] would continue to separate patients even further from their medical doctors as they seek out newer, alternative, natural remedies.”
Dr. Vahid Salimpour, a cannabis specialist at Apollo Cannabis Clinics in Ontario, told Leafly that the current medical regulatory system provides discounts for patients who are living off social assistance or disability pay—a benefit that would likely disappear if the medical system were eliminated.
Salimpour also said that, if the medical framework were eliminated, the government would likely stop covering the cost of cannabis for military veterans who suffer from PTSD and other disorders—which would “create a huge barrier to their continued recovery and wellness.”
“A single system for both medical and non-medical cannabis would erode the ability of health care providers to ensure patients receive adequate supply and proper dosages,” added Jonathan Zaid, director of advocacy and corporate social responsibility for Aurora, a Calgary-based licensed producer.
Eliminating the medical cannabis system wouldn’t eliminate the use of medical cannabis, he said. “It would simply push patients away from speaking with their doctor about its use.”
Patient, Heal Thyself?
What does Zaid think about Blackmer’s suggestion that individuals hoping to treat medical conditions buy it at dispensaries that sell recreational cannabis?
Seeking medical guidance from a dispensary budtender would be “no different than pursuing cognitive behavioural therapy from a local bartender—no offence to bartenders.”
Dr. Christopher Blue
“I find it deeply concerning that a medical doctor, let alone a doctor speaking for many of the 13,000 providers who already prescribe cannabis, can have such a narrow and misguided view of a treatment that has widely reported success in managing patients’ symptoms,” he told Leafly.
In his view, Blackmer’s comments are “not only ignorant of the patient and healthcare provider experience, they also encourage self-diagnosis, self-medication, and experimentation by limiting physician oversight.”
Dr. Blue is equally critical of Blackmer’s suggestion. Seeking guidance from a dispensary budtender, he said, would be “no different than pursuing cognitive behavioural therapy and counseling from a local bartender—no offence to bartenders — rather than a clinician who is experienced and clinically trained in treating such conditions.”
“I never thought I’d see the day when doctors would be asking for them to be less involved in a patient’s health than more, and suggesting patients self-medicate rather than consult with their doctors,” James O’Hara, president and CEO of Canadians for Fair Access to Medical Marijuana (CFAMM), told Leafly. “It’s not only astonishing, it’s disheartening to say the very least.”
Stigma Stifles Scientific Research
Many cannabis advocates also take issue with Blackmer citing a lack of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of medical cannabis.
Dr. Blue, for one, noted that there has been continued growth in scientific studies that prove its therapeutic value—some of which indicate cannabis is sometimes more effective than conventional treatment—and added that the abundance of clinical evidence should not be discounted.
He and other advocates are confident there would be even more scientific evidence that cannabis has therapeutic value if not for the stigma surrounding it.
Dr. Salimpour told Leafly that the “demonization” of cannabis has prevented more studies from being undertaken. He said he would like to see more research on dosing, strain selection, and interactions.
The consensus among cannabis advocates in the medical community and beyond is that Blackmer and the organization he represents, the CMA, are on the wrong side of history.
Said Blue: “It’s my opinion that it would be a disservice to patients to continue to stick one’s head in the sand and ignore the benefits of cannabis rather than educate oneself and work towards integrating cannabinoid medicine into conventional medicine.”
Backlash After Canadian Medical Association Calls to End Canada’s Medical Marijuana Program
The Canadian Medical Association has sparked a feud with medical cannabis advocates across the country—including many of the organization’s own members—by proposing that Canada’s existing medical marijuana program be scrapped once recreational cannabis becomes legal.
The CMA is proposing that Canada’s existing medical marijuana program be scrapped once recreational cannabis becomes legal.
The CMA, a national, voluntary association of physicians, believes there shouldn’t be a separate regulatory framework for medical cannabis once recreational cannabis is available, and it’s calling on Ottawa to endorse a single regulatory system for both.
The organization says there isn’t enough scientific evidence backing up claims that cannabis has therapeutic value, and it says individuals interested in using it for medical purposes should get it at dispensaries that sell it for recreational use.
Dr. Jeff Blackmer, vice-president of medical professionalism with the CMA, ignited a firestorm in April, when he articulated this position at a conference organized by the Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids, a non-profit that promotes research on medical cannabis.
Several physicians in the audience stood up and took Blackmer to task. One demanded to know if Blackmer believed a child with epilepsy should seek cannabis at a dispensary. Another physician announced that she was ashamed of the organization.
One physician demanded to know if the CMA believed a child with epilepsy should seek cannabis at a dispensary.
Blackmer was booed and soon left the conference. He then took to Twitter, bemoaning what he described as a “lost opportunity for an important conversation.” He also said he was “embarrassed and ashamed” for the physicians behind the “name calling, personal attacks, jeering and booing.”
Unbowed, Blackmer reiterated the CMA’s position to CBC Calgary in early August. “If anyone can go down to the local dispensary and get cannabis, there’s really no need for a separate medical authorization system,” Blackmer told the CBC. “You really don’t need to have people going to their doctors because anyone who has a medical condition and thinks they might benefit from it can go ahead and try it.”
He said there is nothing stopping individuals from asking their doctors for input.
Widespread Blowback
Blackmer’s comments have outraged many physicians and other cannabis advocates.
“I feel his statements are unfortunate and I wholeheartedly disagree,” Dr. Christopher Blue, a doctor in Windsor, Ontario who prescribes medical cannabis, told Leafly. “As clinicians, we’re seeing a shift in medicine in that patients are now pursuing alternative and adjuvant treatments” for conventional diseases and for their overall health and well-being.
“A single system for both medical and non-medical cannabis would erode the ability of health care providers to ensure patients receive adequate supply and proper dosages.”
Jonathan Zaid, director of advocacy and corporate social responsibility for Aurora Cannabis
“By refusing to accept cannabis as a form of medical treatment [the CMA] would continue to separate patients even further from their medical doctors as they seek out newer, alternative, natural remedies.”
Dr. Vahid Salimpour, a cannabis specialist at Apollo Cannabis Clinics in Ontario, told Leafly that the current medical regulatory system provides discounts for patients who are living off social assistance or disability pay—a benefit that would likely disappear if the medical system were eliminated.
Salimpour also said that, if the medical framework were eliminated, the government would likely stop covering the cost of cannabis for military veterans who suffer from PTSD and other disorders—which would “create a huge barrier to their continued recovery and wellness.”
“A single system for both medical and non-medical cannabis would erode the ability of health care providers to ensure patients receive adequate supply and proper dosages,” added Jonathan Zaid, director of advocacy and corporate social responsibility for Aurora, a Calgary-based licensed producer.
Eliminating the medical cannabis system wouldn’t eliminate the use of medical cannabis, he said. “It would simply push patients away from speaking with their doctor about its use.”
Patient, Heal Thyself?
What does Zaid think about Blackmer’s suggestion that individuals hoping to treat medical conditions buy it at dispensaries that sell recreational cannabis?
Seeking medical guidance from a dispensary budtender would be “no different than pursuing cognitive behavioural therapy from a local bartender—no offence to bartenders.”
Dr. Christopher Blue
“I find it deeply concerning that a medical doctor, let alone a doctor speaking for many of the 13,000 providers who already prescribe cannabis, can have such a narrow and misguided view of a treatment that has widely reported success in managing patients’ symptoms,” he told Leafly.
In his view, Blackmer’s comments are “not only ignorant of the patient and healthcare provider experience, they also encourage self-diagnosis, self-medication, and experimentation by limiting physician oversight.”
Dr. Blue is equally critical of Blackmer’s suggestion. Seeking guidance from a dispensary budtender, he said, would be “no different than pursuing cognitive behavioural therapy and counseling from a local bartender—no offence to bartenders — rather than a clinician who is experienced and clinically trained in treating such conditions.”
“I never thought I’d see the day when doctors would be asking for them to be less involved in a patient’s health than more, and suggesting patients self-medicate rather than consult with their doctors,” James O’Hara, president and CEO of Canadians for Fair Access to Medical Marijuana (CFAMM), told Leafly. “It’s not only astonishing, it’s disheartening to say the very least.”
Stigma Stifles Scientific Research
Many cannabis advocates also take issue with Blackmer citing a lack of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of medical cannabis.
Dr. Blue, for one, noted that there has been continued growth in scientific studies that prove its therapeutic value—some of which indicate cannabis is sometimes more effective than conventional treatment—and added that the abundance of clinical evidence should not be discounted.
He and other advocates are confident there would be even more scientific evidence that cannabis has therapeutic value if not for the stigma surrounding it.
Dr. Salimpour told Leafly that the “demonization” of cannabis has prevented more studies from being undertaken. He said he would like to see more research on dosing, strain selection, and interactions.
The consensus among cannabis advocates in the medical community and beyond is that Blackmer and the organization he represents, the CMA, are on the wrong side of history.
Said Blue: “It’s my opinion that it would be a disservice to patients to continue to stick one’s head in the sand and ignore the benefits of cannabis rather than educate oneself and work towards integrating cannabinoid medicine into conventional medicine.”
There are a couple short videos that couldn't be embedded included with this article...
Elderly woman on medical cannabis initially denied from Toronto long-term care home
Linda Moreal believes medical cannabis changed her mother’s life.
Before Maria Moreal, 87, began taking medicinal cannabis for her chronic pain, she had been taking Percocets daily for eight years. Five years ago, her family doctor started her on morphine as well, which she’s been taking every day since.
Since starting on medical cannabis back in March, she’s reduced her intake of pills from four per day, down to two.
Kipling Acres Long-Term Care Home, in Etobicoke, Ont. Ben Jonah, Global News
When it came time for the family to place Moreal in a long-term care facility however, Kipling Acres, a city of Toronto-owned facility denied her, citing her prescription for medicinal cannabis.
“First, it was very shocking, because it’s a prescribed medication,” said her daughter Linda. “Arbitrarily, this home just decided they can’t do this.”
But after questions from Global News, Kipling Acres reversed Moreal’s rejection.
“In an effort to avoid this situation from occurring in the future, all home administration staff will be reminded that an applicant’s prescription for cannabinoid oil is not a restriction to being admitted to a LTCHS home,” the facility said in a statement.
Degenerative discs in Moreal’s back mean she’s in constant pain, and simple movements have become more and more challenging. In addition, Moreal’s daughter Linda says her medication made her “dopey,” and depressed. She had almost entirely stopped eating.
“She’s been suffering with this for six years. She was taking Percocets, then she was taking morphine, and [the amount of medication] was just increasing,” Linda said. Moreal’s dosage for some of these medications quadrupled over the years.
Her family doctor referred her to Dr. Michael Verbora, the chief medical officer of the Toronto-based cannabis clinic Aleafia Total Health. He suggested starting Moreal on a small, daily dose of cannabinoid oil, just 1.5 millilitres per day.
Vial through which Maria Moreal consumes cannabinoid oil medication. Ben Jonah, Global News
Her family quickly began noticing improvements.
“It’s gradually decreased her dependency on the narcotics, so she was taking three, sometimes four pills a day. Now, she’s taking two, maybe three on really bad days,” explained Linda.
In addition, they soon discovered other beneficial side effects of cannabis as well.
“The cannabinoid oil has alleviated some of that pain, but more importantly, it’s really enhanced her mood,” said Linda. “Before, I found she was chronically depressed, and her dementia was getting worse, quickly.”
Linda Moreal (left) and her mother, Maria Moreal (right). Ben Jonah, Global News
“Her family reported that she slowly starting to reduce her opiates. It sounds like there’s been a between 20 and 40 per cent reduction already, in just one or two months,” said Verbora.
“She’s actually feeling substantially better, and there are a lot of side benefits. There’s a lot of sleep benefits and mood benefits since she’s been using this product, and this is still the early stages,” he explained.
Medicinal cannabis has been legal in Canada, with every licensed physician in the country being able to prescribe, since 2001. Recreational cannabis is on track for legalization this coming October.
Because of this, Moreal’s family was surprised when one of the three home -care facilities they’d applied to rejected her application this past June solely due to her use of cannabinoid oil, as no one at the facility was willing to administer it.
According to Linda and Verbora, Moreal’s medication is consumed orally through a small vial three times per day. The administrator of the product needs to measure out 0.05 millilitres of the product, and deliver it to Moreal through an eye-dropper.
Linda Moreal giving her mother, Maria Moreal, her cannabinoid oil medication. Ben Jonah, Global News
“If you were giving a cough syrup, or antibiotic in a liquid, it would be no different than giving the cannabis oil. It just comes in an oil, it comes with a syringe, it’s extremely easy to measure. You measure the dose, and let the patient swallow it,” said Verbora.
The family received no further communications from the home in regards to Moreal’s rejection for three months, despite Linda consistently asking for a written copy of the rejection letter.
According to Verbora, cannabis is one of many herbal remedies that’s frequently used by care facilities and is approved by insurance companies for coverage. He explained that many of his patients have been admitted to care facilities upon providing a letter from him explaining the use of the drug.
“Usually, these people would reach out to me, ask for clarification. I would write letters to support the patient, I would answer any questions that the facility had. And then usually, what we find is that they would be agreeable to it, and amenable to their policies,” said Verbora.
“These types of facilities should already have these policies, rules and understandings and education in place. I can understand if an organization that’s not really entwined in the health-care system doesn’t understand anything, but for an organization run by the City of Toronto that has physicians and pharmacies involved, this is a bit upsetting,” he explained.
On Aug. 9, the family received an official letter of rejection from the facility claiming that Moreal was rejected from Kipling Acres because none of the home’s physicians were licensed to dispense cannabis.
But, all licensed physicians in Canada are legally allowed to prescribe cannabis to their patients, according to the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations.
On Monday afternoon, a representative from the home told Global News that Moreal was rejected because staff of the facility assumed the cannabinoid oil was to be smoked, rather than consumed orally as cannabinoid oil.
In the meantime, Moreal’s dementia continues to accelerate, making it more difficult for Linda and her partner to care for her at home.
“Right now, I can’t leave her home alone. I can’t leave her alone at night, we can’t go anywhere at night. It’s like leaving a toddler home by themselves. As I said, right now, she’s fine during the day if I have to leave to go to work. We would never think of going away for a weekend. And, it’s a progressive disease. We don’t know how quickly her dementia could change,” Linda explained.
Despite the home’s reversal of Moreal’s rejection, Verbora still harbours concerns about the stigma against medical cannabis across the country, and especially in the medical community.
“We look to them as experts. And we look to them as knowledgeable, informed, and to have the patient’s best interests at heart.”
There are currently almost 300,000 people registered with medicinal cannabis dispensaries across Canada, according to data from the Canadian government.
The Canadian Medical Association has cited ongoing concerns with the health impacts of medical cannabis, which they state can include anything from cardiovascular and pulmonary impacts to mental illness.
However, Verbora believes that cannabis can “work wonders” for the right patients, though there are still several barriers to educating the medical community on the benefits of cannabis in addition to the potential harms.
“Cannabis is such a disruptor. Some of the oldest systems are fearful of the revolution that’s coming.”
“There’s so many other industries and organizations that are built around existing things that aren’t necessarily people and patients’ best interest that they’re doing everything they can to maintain the status quo.”
However, Verbora is insistent that physicians comfortable with using cannabis for medical purposes need to act as advocates for their patients’ access to a product that may change their lives.
“The truth will eventually prevail,” he resolves.
Elderly woman on medical cannabis initially denied from Toronto long-term care home
Linda Moreal believes medical cannabis changed her mother’s life.
Before Maria Moreal, 87, began taking medicinal cannabis for her chronic pain, she had been taking Percocets daily for eight years. Five years ago, her family doctor started her on morphine as well, which she’s been taking every day since.
Since starting on medical cannabis back in March, she’s reduced her intake of pills from four per day, down to two.
Kipling Acres Long-Term Care Home, in Etobicoke, Ont. Ben Jonah, Global News
When it came time for the family to place Moreal in a long-term care facility however, Kipling Acres, a city of Toronto-owned facility denied her, citing her prescription for medicinal cannabis.
“First, it was very shocking, because it’s a prescribed medication,” said her daughter Linda. “Arbitrarily, this home just decided they can’t do this.”
But after questions from Global News, Kipling Acres reversed Moreal’s rejection.
“In an effort to avoid this situation from occurring in the future, all home administration staff will be reminded that an applicant’s prescription for cannabinoid oil is not a restriction to being admitted to a LTCHS home,” the facility said in a statement.
Degenerative discs in Moreal’s back mean she’s in constant pain, and simple movements have become more and more challenging. In addition, Moreal’s daughter Linda says her medication made her “dopey,” and depressed. She had almost entirely stopped eating.
“She’s been suffering with this for six years. She was taking Percocets, then she was taking morphine, and [the amount of medication] was just increasing,” Linda said. Moreal’s dosage for some of these medications quadrupled over the years.
Her family doctor referred her to Dr. Michael Verbora, the chief medical officer of the Toronto-based cannabis clinic Aleafia Total Health. He suggested starting Moreal on a small, daily dose of cannabinoid oil, just 1.5 millilitres per day.
Vial through which Maria Moreal consumes cannabinoid oil medication. Ben Jonah, Global News
Her family quickly began noticing improvements.
“It’s gradually decreased her dependency on the narcotics, so she was taking three, sometimes four pills a day. Now, she’s taking two, maybe three on really bad days,” explained Linda.
In addition, they soon discovered other beneficial side effects of cannabis as well.
“The cannabinoid oil has alleviated some of that pain, but more importantly, it’s really enhanced her mood,” said Linda. “Before, I found she was chronically depressed, and her dementia was getting worse, quickly.”
Linda Moreal (left) and her mother, Maria Moreal (right). Ben Jonah, Global News
“Her family reported that she slowly starting to reduce her opiates. It sounds like there’s been a between 20 and 40 per cent reduction already, in just one or two months,” said Verbora.
“She’s actually feeling substantially better, and there are a lot of side benefits. There’s a lot of sleep benefits and mood benefits since she’s been using this product, and this is still the early stages,” he explained.
Medicinal cannabis has been legal in Canada, with every licensed physician in the country being able to prescribe, since 2001. Recreational cannabis is on track for legalization this coming October.
Because of this, Moreal’s family was surprised when one of the three home -care facilities they’d applied to rejected her application this past June solely due to her use of cannabinoid oil, as no one at the facility was willing to administer it.
According to Linda and Verbora, Moreal’s medication is consumed orally through a small vial three times per day. The administrator of the product needs to measure out 0.05 millilitres of the product, and deliver it to Moreal through an eye-dropper.
Linda Moreal giving her mother, Maria Moreal, her cannabinoid oil medication. Ben Jonah, Global News
“If you were giving a cough syrup, or antibiotic in a liquid, it would be no different than giving the cannabis oil. It just comes in an oil, it comes with a syringe, it’s extremely easy to measure. You measure the dose, and let the patient swallow it,” said Verbora.
The family received no further communications from the home in regards to Moreal’s rejection for three months, despite Linda consistently asking for a written copy of the rejection letter.
According to Verbora, cannabis is one of many herbal remedies that’s frequently used by care facilities and is approved by insurance companies for coverage. He explained that many of his patients have been admitted to care facilities upon providing a letter from him explaining the use of the drug.
“Usually, these people would reach out to me, ask for clarification. I would write letters to support the patient, I would answer any questions that the facility had. And then usually, what we find is that they would be agreeable to it, and amenable to their policies,” said Verbora.
“These types of facilities should already have these policies, rules and understandings and education in place. I can understand if an organization that’s not really entwined in the health-care system doesn’t understand anything, but for an organization run by the City of Toronto that has physicians and pharmacies involved, this is a bit upsetting,” he explained.
On Aug. 9, the family received an official letter of rejection from the facility claiming that Moreal was rejected from Kipling Acres because none of the home’s physicians were licensed to dispense cannabis.
But, all licensed physicians in Canada are legally allowed to prescribe cannabis to their patients, according to the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations.
On Monday afternoon, a representative from the home told Global News that Moreal was rejected because staff of the facility assumed the cannabinoid oil was to be smoked, rather than consumed orally as cannabinoid oil.
In the meantime, Moreal’s dementia continues to accelerate, making it more difficult for Linda and her partner to care for her at home.
“Right now, I can’t leave her home alone. I can’t leave her alone at night, we can’t go anywhere at night. It’s like leaving a toddler home by themselves. As I said, right now, she’s fine during the day if I have to leave to go to work. We would never think of going away for a weekend. And, it’s a progressive disease. We don’t know how quickly her dementia could change,” Linda explained.
Despite the home’s reversal of Moreal’s rejection, Verbora still harbours concerns about the stigma against medical cannabis across the country, and especially in the medical community.
“We look to them as experts. And we look to them as knowledgeable, informed, and to have the patient’s best interests at heart.”
There are currently almost 300,000 people registered with medicinal cannabis dispensaries across Canada, according to data from the Canadian government.
The Canadian Medical Association has cited ongoing concerns with the health impacts of medical cannabis, which they state can include anything from cardiovascular and pulmonary impacts to mental illness.
However, Verbora believes that cannabis can “work wonders” for the right patients, though there are still several barriers to educating the medical community on the benefits of cannabis in addition to the potential harms.
“Cannabis is such a disruptor. Some of the oldest systems are fearful of the revolution that’s coming.”
“There’s so many other industries and organizations that are built around existing things that aren’t necessarily people and patients’ best interest that they’re doing everything they can to maintain the status quo.”
However, Verbora is insistent that physicians comfortable with using cannabis for medical purposes need to act as advocates for their patients’ access to a product that may change their lives.
“The truth will eventually prevail,” he resolves.
Police will be able to toke, but must be fit for duty
While members of the Canadian Armed Forces must refrain from using cannabis in the eight hours before they report for duty and for 24 hours before handling a firearm, regulations for police officers don't appear to be as tight.
Provided they show up at work fit for duty, your local police officers will be free to smoke a joint with the neighbours when recreational cannabis becomes legal under federal law on Oct. 17.
While members of the Canadian Armed Forces must refrain from using cannabis in the eight hours before they report for duty and for 24 hours before handling a firearm, regulations for police officers don’t appear to be as tight.
The Vancouver Police Department won’t apply any specific time restriction between using cannabis and reporting for duty, which is consistent with the department’s policy concerning alcohol and prescription drugs.
The VPD will add cannabis to its current human resources language concerning prescription drugs and alcohol, a policy change that is in the final stages of approval, according to spokesman Const. Jason Doucette.
“Training around the VPD’s impairment at the workplace policy will contain information on the latest research on the use of cannabis,” said Doucette in a written statement. “We want to provide our officers with the latest information so they can make an informed decision when it comes to cannabis use and being fit for duty.”
Police officers across the country will take a series on online classes on the new federal cannabis legislation, which includes the effects of the drug’s psychoactive compounds and their effect on the ability to drive.
The RCMP — with 127 detachments and 7,100 sworn members in B.C. — has not yet finalized its policy on the use of cannabis by its members, but hinted that prohibition is not in their plans either.
“Once finalized, the policy will provide direction to employees and their supervisors surrounding work standards on the non-medicinal use of cannabis,” according to a statement from Sgt. Marie Damian.
When it is implemented, its goals will be to “maintain public safety and a safe workplace.”
“All RCMP officers must be fit for duty when reporting for work, which includes not being impaired by alcohol or any other type of drug,” she said.
In the United States, many police forces in states that have legal recreational cannabis forbid their members from using cannabis, as it remains illegal under federal law.
Other municipal police forces in B.C. report a mixed bag of mainly incomplete policy reviews.
“We have been reviewing West Vancouver Police policies about fitness for duty in preparation for the legalization of cannabis,” said department spokesman Const. Jeff Palmer. “That review included consultation with agencies such as the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police and the West Vancouver Police Association, which is our union.”
The proposed revisions will be considered for approval by the department’s civilian employer, the West Vancouver Police Board, by Oct. 17, he said.
The Abbotsford Police Department has not finalized a policy concerning recreational cannabis.
While members of the Canadian Armed Forces must refrain from using cannabis in the eight hours before they report for duty and for 24 hours before handling a firearm, regulations for police officers don't appear to be as tight.
Provided they show up at work fit for duty, your local police officers will be free to smoke a joint with the neighbours when recreational cannabis becomes legal under federal law on Oct. 17.
While members of the Canadian Armed Forces must refrain from using cannabis in the eight hours before they report for duty and for 24 hours before handling a firearm, regulations for police officers don’t appear to be as tight.
The Vancouver Police Department won’t apply any specific time restriction between using cannabis and reporting for duty, which is consistent with the department’s policy concerning alcohol and prescription drugs.
The VPD will add cannabis to its current human resources language concerning prescription drugs and alcohol, a policy change that is in the final stages of approval, according to spokesman Const. Jason Doucette.
“Training around the VPD’s impairment at the workplace policy will contain information on the latest research on the use of cannabis,” said Doucette in a written statement. “We want to provide our officers with the latest information so they can make an informed decision when it comes to cannabis use and being fit for duty.”
Police officers across the country will take a series on online classes on the new federal cannabis legislation, which includes the effects of the drug’s psychoactive compounds and their effect on the ability to drive.
The RCMP — with 127 detachments and 7,100 sworn members in B.C. — has not yet finalized its policy on the use of cannabis by its members, but hinted that prohibition is not in their plans either.
“Once finalized, the policy will provide direction to employees and their supervisors surrounding work standards on the non-medicinal use of cannabis,” according to a statement from Sgt. Marie Damian.
When it is implemented, its goals will be to “maintain public safety and a safe workplace.”
“All RCMP officers must be fit for duty when reporting for work, which includes not being impaired by alcohol or any other type of drug,” she said.
In the United States, many police forces in states that have legal recreational cannabis forbid their members from using cannabis, as it remains illegal under federal law.
Other municipal police forces in B.C. report a mixed bag of mainly incomplete policy reviews.
“We have been reviewing West Vancouver Police policies about fitness for duty in preparation for the legalization of cannabis,” said department spokesman Const. Jeff Palmer. “That review included consultation with agencies such as the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police and the West Vancouver Police Association, which is our union.”
The proposed revisions will be considered for approval by the department’s civilian employer, the West Vancouver Police Board, by Oct. 17, he said.
The Abbotsford Police Department has not finalized a policy concerning recreational cannabis.
Here’s a Running List of Canada’s Dumbest New Weed Laws
Recreational weed will be legal in Canada in less than a month but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be a free for all. Just the opposite, in fact.
The federal government has laid out rigorous restrictions on things like buying, selling, and growing weed, but individual provinces have also come up with their own sets of rules, some of which make more sense than others.
Since it’s all a bit of a chaotic mess, we’ve put together a handy guide of some of the dumbest regulations to look out for next month:
Quebec banning the sale of anything with a cannabis leaf on it
The law: In Quebec, weed will be sold only through government-run shops. But according to the province’s Cannabis Regulation Act, cannabis leaves and other logos or images associated with weed won’t be allowed to be used on products that aren’t legal cannabis.
“No name, logo, distinguishing guise, design, image or slogan that is not directly associated with cannabis, a brand of cannabis, the SQDC or a cannabis producer may be used on a facility, vehicle, poster or an object that is not cannabis but that could imply an indirect link. In Québec, it will not be permitted, for example, to sell T-shirts with the printed picture of a cannabis leaf,” the regulations state.
Punishment: Fines ranging from $2,500 $62,500 for first offence and up to $125,000 for repeat offenders.
Why it’s dumb: To be honest, I have no idea why they would make this a law in the first place. It seems hysterical. Like, are kids going to see a t-shirt with a leaf on it and run out to hit the bong? Are Japanese maple leaves also going to be banned in Quebec?
BC banning at-home cannabis plants that can be seen by the public
The law: BC is allowing its residents to grow the federally allotted four plants per household, but with a big caveat. “The plants must not be visible from public spaces off the property.”
Punishment: A $5,000 fine and a maximum of three months in jail for first-time offenders, which doubles for repeat offenders.
Why it’s dumb: People grow things outside—on their porches and balconies, and in their yards. This law seems overly harsh and emphasizes the existing stigma on cannabis, which is after all, a plant. As pot activist Dana Larsen wrote in the Georgia Straight, “If you are rich you can put up a big fence on a big property, but if you live in an apartment it’s virtually impossible to keep it completely out of sight.”
Nova Scotia is selling weed with liquor
The law: Rec weed in Nova Scotia will be sold through the province’s liquor board and will be available at the same stores where people buy booze. The cannabis stores will be located inside the liquor stores—a store within a store kinda deal.
Why it’s dumb: Generally speaking, weed and liquor are not a great mix. It’s very easy to do overdo it, get the spins, and vomit. Anyone who has consumed weed for a while knows this, but newbies may not be as familiar and placing these two substances so close together could give the wrong impression that they’re good bedfellows. Also, sometimes people who have substance abuse issues, including alcoholism, use cannabis to reduce their intake of other drugs. It doesn’t make sense to force someone with a drinking problem to go into a liquor store in order to obtain cannabis.
No growing in Manitoba or Quebec
The laws: Despite the federal government allowing Canadians to grow up to four plants per household, Manitoba and Quebec are banning it in their provinces.
Punishment: In Quebec, if you’re caught growing a plant, you face fines of 250 to $750 for first offence, and up to $1,500 for repeat offences. In Manitoba, you’ll be fined $2,542.
Why it’s dumb: The federal government is allowing people to grow their own weed, so really the provinces should fall in line. Quebec’s Health Minister Lucie Charlebois cited fears over her grandkids eating a neighbour’s weed plant as a reason no one should be allowed to grow at home.
The fines these provinces are imposing are being criticized as cash grabs that veer into unconstitutional territory. I wouldn’t be surprised if these laws resulted in a challenge. From a more practical perspective, I doubt that the majority of people will start growing their own weed just because it’s legal to do so—it’s much more convenient to buy it. So these rules seem unnecessary at best.
No blazing on boats in Ontario, BC, PEI, Manitoba
The laws: It’s pretty straightforward: you can’t consume cannabis on a boat if you’re in any of these places.
Punishment: In Ontario, fines of up to $1,000 for a first offence or $5,000 for subsequent offences. In BC, fines of up $5,000 for a first offence, subsequent offences $10,000 or three to six months in jail. In PEI, a $200 to $400 for a first offence, and $400 to $700 for subsequent offences. In Manitoba, a $2542 fine.
Why it’s dumb: I understand why you would ban someone driving a boat from consuming cannabis, but I don’t understand why passengers, especially on a private vessel, would be banned. It seems like this is the least offensive way to smoke a joint—literally out on on the open seas. Plus, booze cruises are definitely a thing, and probably a lot more dangerous.
Recreational weed will be legal in Canada in less than a month but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be a free for all. Just the opposite, in fact.
The federal government has laid out rigorous restrictions on things like buying, selling, and growing weed, but individual provinces have also come up with their own sets of rules, some of which make more sense than others.
Since it’s all a bit of a chaotic mess, we’ve put together a handy guide of some of the dumbest regulations to look out for next month:
Quebec banning the sale of anything with a cannabis leaf on it
The law: In Quebec, weed will be sold only through government-run shops. But according to the province’s Cannabis Regulation Act, cannabis leaves and other logos or images associated with weed won’t be allowed to be used on products that aren’t legal cannabis.
“No name, logo, distinguishing guise, design, image or slogan that is not directly associated with cannabis, a brand of cannabis, the SQDC or a cannabis producer may be used on a facility, vehicle, poster or an object that is not cannabis but that could imply an indirect link. In Québec, it will not be permitted, for example, to sell T-shirts with the printed picture of a cannabis leaf,” the regulations state.
Punishment: Fines ranging from $2,500 $62,500 for first offence and up to $125,000 for repeat offenders.
Why it’s dumb: To be honest, I have no idea why they would make this a law in the first place. It seems hysterical. Like, are kids going to see a t-shirt with a leaf on it and run out to hit the bong? Are Japanese maple leaves also going to be banned in Quebec?
BC banning at-home cannabis plants that can be seen by the public
The law: BC is allowing its residents to grow the federally allotted four plants per household, but with a big caveat. “The plants must not be visible from public spaces off the property.”
Punishment: A $5,000 fine and a maximum of three months in jail for first-time offenders, which doubles for repeat offenders.
Why it’s dumb: People grow things outside—on their porches and balconies, and in their yards. This law seems overly harsh and emphasizes the existing stigma on cannabis, which is after all, a plant. As pot activist Dana Larsen wrote in the Georgia Straight, “If you are rich you can put up a big fence on a big property, but if you live in an apartment it’s virtually impossible to keep it completely out of sight.”
Nova Scotia is selling weed with liquor
The law: Rec weed in Nova Scotia will be sold through the province’s liquor board and will be available at the same stores where people buy booze. The cannabis stores will be located inside the liquor stores—a store within a store kinda deal.
Why it’s dumb: Generally speaking, weed and liquor are not a great mix. It’s very easy to do overdo it, get the spins, and vomit. Anyone who has consumed weed for a while knows this, but newbies may not be as familiar and placing these two substances so close together could give the wrong impression that they’re good bedfellows. Also, sometimes people who have substance abuse issues, including alcoholism, use cannabis to reduce their intake of other drugs. It doesn’t make sense to force someone with a drinking problem to go into a liquor store in order to obtain cannabis.
No growing in Manitoba or Quebec
The laws: Despite the federal government allowing Canadians to grow up to four plants per household, Manitoba and Quebec are banning it in their provinces.
Punishment: In Quebec, if you’re caught growing a plant, you face fines of 250 to $750 for first offence, and up to $1,500 for repeat offences. In Manitoba, you’ll be fined $2,542.
Why it’s dumb: The federal government is allowing people to grow their own weed, so really the provinces should fall in line. Quebec’s Health Minister Lucie Charlebois cited fears over her grandkids eating a neighbour’s weed plant as a reason no one should be allowed to grow at home.
The fines these provinces are imposing are being criticized as cash grabs that veer into unconstitutional territory. I wouldn’t be surprised if these laws resulted in a challenge. From a more practical perspective, I doubt that the majority of people will start growing their own weed just because it’s legal to do so—it’s much more convenient to buy it. So these rules seem unnecessary at best.
No blazing on boats in Ontario, BC, PEI, Manitoba
The laws: It’s pretty straightforward: you can’t consume cannabis on a boat if you’re in any of these places.
Punishment: In Ontario, fines of up to $1,000 for a first offence or $5,000 for subsequent offences. In BC, fines of up $5,000 for a first offence, subsequent offences $10,000 or three to six months in jail. In PEI, a $200 to $400 for a first offence, and $400 to $700 for subsequent offences. In Manitoba, a $2542 fine.
Why it’s dumb: I understand why you would ban someone driving a boat from consuming cannabis, but I don’t understand why passengers, especially on a private vessel, would be banned. It seems like this is the least offensive way to smoke a joint—literally out on on the open seas. Plus, booze cruises are definitely a thing, and probably a lot more dangerous.
Ontario will allow marijuana usage anywhere where tobacco is permitted
TORONTO -- As the date for legal recreational use of marijuana in Canada approaches, the province of Ontario announced Wednesday that people in the province will be allowed to use marijuana in any place where tobacco is also permitted.
That means recreational use of marijuana will be allowed in places other than private homes, as long as tobacco use is already permitted in the area, according to CTV News.
"We're aligning with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act," said Ontario Attorney General Caroline Mulroney. "If you're able to smoke tobacco in your home then you'll be able to use cannabis as well."
However, use of marijuana in vehicles or boats that are being operated will no be allowed.
The legal use of recreational marijuana is set to begin on Oct. 17 and will allow anyone over the age of 19 to use cannabis in Canada. Ontario has also announced it will not put a cap on the number of marijuana businesses in the province meaning there will be a free market for the sale of marijuana in Ontario.
TORONTO -- As the date for legal recreational use of marijuana in Canada approaches, the province of Ontario announced Wednesday that people in the province will be allowed to use marijuana in any place where tobacco is also permitted.
That means recreational use of marijuana will be allowed in places other than private homes, as long as tobacco use is already permitted in the area, according to CTV News.
"We're aligning with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act," said Ontario Attorney General Caroline Mulroney. "If you're able to smoke tobacco in your home then you'll be able to use cannabis as well."
However, use of marijuana in vehicles or boats that are being operated will no be allowed.
The legal use of recreational marijuana is set to begin on Oct. 17 and will allow anyone over the age of 19 to use cannabis in Canada. Ontario has also announced it will not put a cap on the number of marijuana businesses in the province meaning there will be a free market for the sale of marijuana in Ontario.
This is how much legal pot you can take on domestic flights
Travellers flying within Canada will be allowed to pack 30 grams of cannabis once legalization begins Oct. 17, transportation minister Marc Garneau announced Tuesday.
According to Jett Hansell, the regional manager at Weeds, a chain of cannabis dispensaries, that's not a small stash.
"I expected it to be a lot more strict, so 30 grams is awesome," said Hansell on Wednesday.
She said a lot of people roll joints using roughly half a gram of cannabis, so it would take about 60 joints to hit the limit.
To demonstrate what that looks like, Hansell pulled out about 60 to 75 pre-rolled joints and loaded it into her hands. She could barely hold it all, and required assistance to pile the joints, which kept falling between her fingers.
According to Jett Hansell, regional manager of the cannabis dispensary chain Weeds, this is roughly 30 grams of cannabis rolled into half-gram joints. (Rafferty Baker/CBC)
When it comes to loose cannabis buds, the pile is even bigger. Hansell, again, struggled to contain the quantity in both hands.
She said that the strain used for demonstration was an Indica, called Purple OG. She said the shop wasn't planning to sell the buds because they had dried out a bit — meaning the 30-gram pile appeared a little bigger than it otherwise might have.
In terms of how long 30 grams would last, it varies wildly.
"It depends on the person — how much they want to smoke a day — how long that will last them," said Hansell, adding that many of her regular customers will smoke about a gram, or two to three joints a day.
She said heavy users will consume more like five to seven joints a day.
"It depends on your nature of travel, too. If you are on vacation, obviously, you might be smoking a little bit more or less, but I would always go for more — like, you want to be safe rather than sorry," said Hansell.
"I'd go for two weeks, max, with that stash."
Travellers flying within Canada will be allowed to pack 30 grams of cannabis once legalization begins Oct. 17, transportation minister Marc Garneau announced Tuesday.
According to Jett Hansell, the regional manager at Weeds, a chain of cannabis dispensaries, that's not a small stash.
"I expected it to be a lot more strict, so 30 grams is awesome," said Hansell on Wednesday.
She said a lot of people roll joints using roughly half a gram of cannabis, so it would take about 60 joints to hit the limit.
To demonstrate what that looks like, Hansell pulled out about 60 to 75 pre-rolled joints and loaded it into her hands. She could barely hold it all, and required assistance to pile the joints, which kept falling between her fingers.
When it comes to loose cannabis buds, the pile is even bigger. Hansell, again, struggled to contain the quantity in both hands.
She said that the strain used for demonstration was an Indica, called Purple OG. She said the shop wasn't planning to sell the buds because they had dried out a bit — meaning the 30-gram pile appeared a little bigger than it otherwise might have.
In terms of how long 30 grams would last, it varies wildly.
"It depends on the person — how much they want to smoke a day — how long that will last them," said Hansell, adding that many of her regular customers will smoke about a gram, or two to three joints a day.
She said heavy users will consume more like five to seven joints a day.
"It depends on your nature of travel, too. If you are on vacation, obviously, you might be smoking a little bit more or less, but I would always go for more — like, you want to be safe rather than sorry," said Hansell.
"I'd go for two weeks, max, with that stash."
Wow.....
Walmart Canada mulling sale of cannabis products
Walmart Inc.’s Canadian unit said on Tuesday it is exploring the possibility of selling cannabis-based products, but has no immediate plans to get into the business. The company’s shares rose nearly 3 per cent to US$97.48 in afternoon trading. Walmart is the first major retailer to show an interest in being a part of Canada’s burgeoning marijuana industry, as other big U.S. companies, mainly in the alcohol and beverage industries, begin to consider entering the market for cannabis-infused products.
Last month, Coca-Cola Co. said it was closely watching the marijuana drinks market for a possible entry, while Corona beer maker Constellation Brands has invested more than US$4-billion in cannabis producer Canopy Growth.
“Walmart Canada has done some preliminary fact-finding on this issue, but we do not have plans to carry CBD products at this time,” Walmart spokeswoman Diane Medeiros told Reuters.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the non-psychoactive chemical found in marijuana and does not cause intoxication.
The news comes as Canada is on the verge of becoming the first major economy to legalize recreational marijuana on Oct. 17, and shares in cannabis producers have rallied in anticipation.
New Cannabis Ventures’ global cannabis stock index has risen about 87 per cent over the past year.
The legal cannabis market in Canada will target an estimated 32 million adults by 2025 and drive about $10.4-billion in retail market sales, Roth Capital Partners analyst Scott Fortune wrote in a client note.
The move by Canada could spur other countries to legalize recreational marijuana use.
“An investment blueprint has been established in Canada that we believe will play out internationally very similarly,” Fortune said. Several U.S. states have also legalized use of recreational or medical marijuana, but it remains illegal under federal law.
Walmart Canada mulling sale of cannabis products
Walmart Inc.’s Canadian unit said on Tuesday it is exploring the possibility of selling cannabis-based products, but has no immediate plans to get into the business. The company’s shares rose nearly 3 per cent to US$97.48 in afternoon trading. Walmart is the first major retailer to show an interest in being a part of Canada’s burgeoning marijuana industry, as other big U.S. companies, mainly in the alcohol and beverage industries, begin to consider entering the market for cannabis-infused products.
Last month, Coca-Cola Co. said it was closely watching the marijuana drinks market for a possible entry, while Corona beer maker Constellation Brands has invested more than US$4-billion in cannabis producer Canopy Growth.
“Walmart Canada has done some preliminary fact-finding on this issue, but we do not have plans to carry CBD products at this time,” Walmart spokeswoman Diane Medeiros told Reuters.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the non-psychoactive chemical found in marijuana and does not cause intoxication.
The news comes as Canada is on the verge of becoming the first major economy to legalize recreational marijuana on Oct. 17, and shares in cannabis producers have rallied in anticipation.
New Cannabis Ventures’ global cannabis stock index has risen about 87 per cent over the past year.
The legal cannabis market in Canada will target an estimated 32 million adults by 2025 and drive about $10.4-billion in retail market sales, Roth Capital Partners analyst Scott Fortune wrote in a client note.
The move by Canada could spur other countries to legalize recreational marijuana use.
“An investment blueprint has been established in Canada that we believe will play out internationally very similarly,” Fortune said. Several U.S. states have also legalized use of recreational or medical marijuana, but it remains illegal under federal law.
There is a short news clip that could not be embedded at the beginning of the article.
This is exactly the kind of scenario I'm afraid of with Michigan possibly going recreational. I'm not afraid for me; I've got a caregiver. But there are thousands of patients that rely on the dispensaries to provide their medicine. If supply becomes scarce because of dispensaries not being licensed yet or supply running out, these patients will be without their meds. One would think that since this has happened more than once, in other areas that have legalized, that prior to legalization the powers that be would have their ducks in a row. But this seems to be the way all of the legal roll outs go down.
Medical marijuana patient claims recreational demand has left him without his medicine
John has incurable cancer. John has a Health Canada prescription for medical marijuana. John can’t get his medicine.
The Barrie, Ont., man told CityNews on Thursday that he’s been left to suffer without his medicine because the laboratories Health Canada uses to inspect medical marijuana are bogged down testing recreational weed.
“I have an incurable cancer,” he said in a phone interview. “The thing is now I can’t get my medicine. It’s like me going to my pharmacy and they not having the medicine that I need for my cancer.”
John, who didn’t want his last name used, says he uses CBD and dried cannabis to help him sleep and alleviate the pain from bone marrow cancer.
He cannabis products to more dangerous opioids.
But when he tried to refill his prescription last weekend through licenced producer CannTrust, he was told no product was currently available.
“I was going to make my order on Saturday and they tell me that they don’t have no product at all. They are saying the reason is because they can’t get the government inspectors around enough to inspect the product to put it back on the shelf.”
“I’m stuck with a prescription that I can’t do nothing with,” he adds. “I can’t get the stuff. I would have to go on the black market.”
CityNews called CannTrust several times Thursday, and was told that they are in the process of restocking product. A customer service agent said a backlog in lab testing was to blame for the shortage affecting some medical patients.
“We are working diligently to move these products through external quality testing that is required by Health Canada and we are experiencing extended timelines due to the increase in overall industry demand.”
CannTrust later sent CityNews a statement, saying it was working to speed up the testing process.
“We know how important medical cannabis is to our loyal patients and we apologize for this situation,” it said. “We are all working hard to fix this urgently and have increased the number of third-party testing labs that we work with to speed up the process…”
There are currently 20 labs in Ontario that are licenced to conduct testing on marijuana.
CityNews reached out to MP Bill Blair’s office about the shortage and was provided the following response:
“We streamlined the licensing of producers and are enabling increased production of cannabis with 129 Licensed Producers currently licensed to ensure a legal, quality-controlled supply of cannabis. With any new system, there is bound to be an adjustment period, but we are confident that supply will meet ongoing demand.”
This is exactly the kind of scenario I'm afraid of with Michigan possibly going recreational. I'm not afraid for me; I've got a caregiver. But there are thousands of patients that rely on the dispensaries to provide their medicine. If supply becomes scarce because of dispensaries not being licensed yet or supply running out, these patients will be without their meds. One would think that since this has happened more than once, in other areas that have legalized, that prior to legalization the powers that be would have their ducks in a row. But this seems to be the way all of the legal roll outs go down.
Medical marijuana patient claims recreational demand has left him without his medicine
John has incurable cancer. John has a Health Canada prescription for medical marijuana. John can’t get his medicine.
The Barrie, Ont., man told CityNews on Thursday that he’s been left to suffer without his medicine because the laboratories Health Canada uses to inspect medical marijuana are bogged down testing recreational weed.
“I have an incurable cancer,” he said in a phone interview. “The thing is now I can’t get my medicine. It’s like me going to my pharmacy and they not having the medicine that I need for my cancer.”
John, who didn’t want his last name used, says he uses CBD and dried cannabis to help him sleep and alleviate the pain from bone marrow cancer.
He cannabis products to more dangerous opioids.
But when he tried to refill his prescription last weekend through licenced producer CannTrust, he was told no product was currently available.
“I was going to make my order on Saturday and they tell me that they don’t have no product at all. They are saying the reason is because they can’t get the government inspectors around enough to inspect the product to put it back on the shelf.”
“I’m stuck with a prescription that I can’t do nothing with,” he adds. “I can’t get the stuff. I would have to go on the black market.”
CityNews called CannTrust several times Thursday, and was told that they are in the process of restocking product. A customer service agent said a backlog in lab testing was to blame for the shortage affecting some medical patients.
“We are working diligently to move these products through external quality testing that is required by Health Canada and we are experiencing extended timelines due to the increase in overall industry demand.”
CannTrust later sent CityNews a statement, saying it was working to speed up the testing process.
“We know how important medical cannabis is to our loyal patients and we apologize for this situation,” it said. “We are all working hard to fix this urgently and have increased the number of third-party testing labs that we work with to speed up the process…”
There are currently 20 labs in Ontario that are licenced to conduct testing on marijuana.
CityNews reached out to MP Bill Blair’s office about the shortage and was provided the following response:
“We streamlined the licensing of producers and are enabling increased production of cannabis with 129 Licensed Producers currently licensed to ensure a legal, quality-controlled supply of cannabis. With any new system, there is bound to be an adjustment period, but we are confident that supply will meet ongoing demand.”
I thought this was well put.
WHY CANADA NEEDS MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL CANNABIS PLATFORMS
Non-medical use of cannabis became legal in Canada, so what of the medical patients left without their own market? Those who were able to jump through tricky shifting legal hurdles, maintaining years of legitimacy for something they truly need. From MMAR through to ACMPR, and now Cannabis Regulations alongside the Cannabis Act.
A hope glimmers as research is now more accessible. Once health authorities see any official proof of cannabis’ medicinal benefits, however, a significant amount of time will pass. For now, the new laws created a shift that favors non-medical access, with medicinal purpose only getting thinly expressed exceptions in the new Cannabis Act.
So easily overseen are some smaller changes, now we’ve been granted such a great federal freedom. Certain individuals, especially patients, will see themselves inconvenienced in their daily routines, more as time continues, waiting for granted approvals in micro production, health benefits, and specialty products. A prescription which once separated someone from illegal use now holds far less significance before a non-medical dominated market.
A need for two platforms exists. Both now blend into one, unjust for anyone needing true responsible aid.
Pricing
Pricing is unfair for those who have been approved for medical use, for they are seeking relief of a serious ailment. But now they’re facing a singular market value which was only established for the general public. Celebrating stock market success for legal sale is only morally just when patients become untied to this new found capitalism.
Medical Access Denied
Another restricted avenue is access, with one supply source set despite two separate demands. Those standard producers selling legally today were on a federally restricted medical market for the past few years, creating products that were refused by patients for inadequate quality and excessive pricing- the same complaints we’re hearing from legal users today.
Patients alternatively sought out better relief from small-batch cannabis in grey market stores. Now that is set to slowly diminish through provincial force, once the legal supply is mature enough to confront black market competition. A fact some believe false, hoping medicinal dispensaries will continue business as usual, fighting no different than before. Alcohol’s strictly regulated sales status, despite zero medicinal benefits to argue, should still bring clarity ro cannabis’ future under a non-medical market. Now, both industries are operated under a single hand.
Micro-licensing
Micro-licensing will bring an influx of products allowing great benefit, as new strains will be brought in through that portal. Hopefully, with a personal insensitive of care many small producers of the former ACMPR carried. Before anything truly “craft” is seen on shelves, a crucial amount of time will pass. This creates an access gap that certain people will be struggling to sustain through, as with the arrival of legal market edibles and concentrates.
Guidance
Guidance is also restricted. True, cannabis isn’t officially approved as medicine, beyond CBD for epilepsy. It is, however, accepted by doctors and authorities as aid for several severe ailments such as cancer and pain. Many do rely on its medicinal value, which Health Canada respects, although it lacks scientific evidence for official federal approval outright. Research suppression, caused by years of prohibition has now finally lifted; foreshadowing an inhibition in legal processes we now face.
Cannabis is not one size fits all. Trouble being, so many constituents exists, with varying personal reactions to different spectrums. Understanding each variety is akin to reading a complex map. Professional guidance is needed for many people to “find their fit,” demanding a need for retailers operating with a strong code of compassionate ethics.
Despite a market where a broad range of these cannabinoids and terpenes are advertised, one cannot give medical advice, for uncertainties which still do exist. Guidance can be given to help an individual find better relief, though. Those whom, example: want to avoid sedation may not understand what a high CBN content is, or which terpenes to avoid.
Kamloops BC will lose a community loved store, due to an owner’s ability to benefit patients being so constricted as a private retailer. A personal choice against a provincial application was made. This sacrifice will continue to repeat across our province and others. One can only hope private markets sustain an adequate knowledge bracket, with an ability to guide customers professionally, albeit not medically. Carrying a broad enough range of cannabis’ spectrum, to provide users choosing responsibility or otherwise; medical or not.
Until we finally see two separate markets established.
WHY CANADA NEEDS MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL CANNABIS PLATFORMS
Non-medical use of cannabis became legal in Canada, so what of the medical patients left without their own market? Those who were able to jump through tricky shifting legal hurdles, maintaining years of legitimacy for something they truly need. From MMAR through to ACMPR, and now Cannabis Regulations alongside the Cannabis Act.
A hope glimmers as research is now more accessible. Once health authorities see any official proof of cannabis’ medicinal benefits, however, a significant amount of time will pass. For now, the new laws created a shift that favors non-medical access, with medicinal purpose only getting thinly expressed exceptions in the new Cannabis Act.
So easily overseen are some smaller changes, now we’ve been granted such a great federal freedom. Certain individuals, especially patients, will see themselves inconvenienced in their daily routines, more as time continues, waiting for granted approvals in micro production, health benefits, and specialty products. A prescription which once separated someone from illegal use now holds far less significance before a non-medical dominated market.
A need for two platforms exists. Both now blend into one, unjust for anyone needing true responsible aid.
Pricing
Pricing is unfair for those who have been approved for medical use, for they are seeking relief of a serious ailment. But now they’re facing a singular market value which was only established for the general public. Celebrating stock market success for legal sale is only morally just when patients become untied to this new found capitalism.
Medical Access Denied
Another restricted avenue is access, with one supply source set despite two separate demands. Those standard producers selling legally today were on a federally restricted medical market for the past few years, creating products that were refused by patients for inadequate quality and excessive pricing- the same complaints we’re hearing from legal users today.
Patients alternatively sought out better relief from small-batch cannabis in grey market stores. Now that is set to slowly diminish through provincial force, once the legal supply is mature enough to confront black market competition. A fact some believe false, hoping medicinal dispensaries will continue business as usual, fighting no different than before. Alcohol’s strictly regulated sales status, despite zero medicinal benefits to argue, should still bring clarity ro cannabis’ future under a non-medical market. Now, both industries are operated under a single hand.
Micro-licensing
Micro-licensing will bring an influx of products allowing great benefit, as new strains will be brought in through that portal. Hopefully, with a personal insensitive of care many small producers of the former ACMPR carried. Before anything truly “craft” is seen on shelves, a crucial amount of time will pass. This creates an access gap that certain people will be struggling to sustain through, as with the arrival of legal market edibles and concentrates.
Guidance
Guidance is also restricted. True, cannabis isn’t officially approved as medicine, beyond CBD for epilepsy. It is, however, accepted by doctors and authorities as aid for several severe ailments such as cancer and pain. Many do rely on its medicinal value, which Health Canada respects, although it lacks scientific evidence for official federal approval outright. Research suppression, caused by years of prohibition has now finally lifted; foreshadowing an inhibition in legal processes we now face.
Cannabis is not one size fits all. Trouble being, so many constituents exists, with varying personal reactions to different spectrums. Understanding each variety is akin to reading a complex map. Professional guidance is needed for many people to “find their fit,” demanding a need for retailers operating with a strong code of compassionate ethics.
Despite a market where a broad range of these cannabinoids and terpenes are advertised, one cannot give medical advice, for uncertainties which still do exist. Guidance can be given to help an individual find better relief, though. Those whom, example: want to avoid sedation may not understand what a high CBN content is, or which terpenes to avoid.
Kamloops BC will lose a community loved store, due to an owner’s ability to benefit patients being so constricted as a private retailer. A personal choice against a provincial application was made. This sacrifice will continue to repeat across our province and others. One can only hope private markets sustain an adequate knowledge bracket, with an ability to guide customers professionally, albeit not medically. Carrying a broad enough range of cannabis’ spectrum, to provide users choosing responsibility or otherwise; medical or not.
Until we finally see two separate markets established.
just_tHe_fLu
they say im crazy but i have a good time
...i hope this does not come off as insensitive to medical users...
...i understand the need for two platforms, yes med users should get there cannabis covered like other medicine... the problem as i see it however is, it's no different than when cannabis was illegal... there's going to be a great number of people applying for 'medical' use to get around 'loop-holes'... meaning if i can get OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) to pay for my cannabis then yes, why wouldn't i go seek a doctor to get a license... the same as before, getting a license to 'consume legally'... pushing cannabis closer towards the pharmaceutical/medical industry(s)
...i agree that if you need cannabis for medical reasons then it SHOULD be covered under OHIP (or equivalent) but you will always have people trying to 'one-up' the system... i also don't have a good solution to the problem at hand (except maybe Canada should have just decriminalized cannabis instead of legalization)...
I guess I was looking at it from the perspective of a U.S. patient. It isn't paid for by insurance here. And I resent being charged 10% tax on my medicine at provisioning centers (especially since sales tax in Michigan is only 6%) as well as being lumped in with recreational folk.
just_tHe_fLu
they say im crazy but i have a good time
I guess I was looking at it from the perspective of a U.S. patient. It isn't paid for by insurance here. And I resent being charged 10% tax on my medicine at provisioning centers (especially since sales tax in Michigan is only 6%) as well as being lumped in with recreational folk.
... i don't think ohip covers cannabis or benefits either, i'm not a med user so i'm unsure about coverage... but if it's 'medical' for medicinal purposes than in my opinion it should be no different than other drugs..
On that we agree.
I want to say that cannabis is covered for Canadian veterans. @Killick can confirm... Not sure about others. I don't believe so. @fluffhead can you shed some light? Or any of our other Canadian medical patients?
fluffhead
Hand of the Queen
OHIP doesn't cover cannabis, nor does it cover my other medicines though. I can't speak regarding veterans. When it comes to the rest of us medical patients, we can use the cost of cannabis as a medical deduction on our taxes. Some companies cover cannabis of medical purposes but a friend in the cannabis industry explained to me that it isn't a normal benefit and can be a bit convoluted to get as a company.
And the fact that medical patients have to pay the extra tax is some major bullshit. They are wrong in doing that in my opinion.
And the fact that medical patients have to pay the extra tax is some major bullshit. They are wrong in doing that in my opinion.
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