Separate medical cannabis market is still needed
A single system after Oct. 17 wouldn’t be in patients’ interests, says.
As the Oct. 17 launch of the recreational market quickly approaches, we need to acknowledge the diversity of opinion on how to handle cannabis in Canada. The decisions we make now are critical to the success, sustainability and safety of the cannabis market in the future. That is why I respectfully disagree with some in the medical community who believe that, post-legalization, two distinct medical and recreational cannabis systems will be unnecessary. Ignoring the distinct purposes and objectives of these two systems would lead to a significant missed opportunity for the medical cannabis industry and for patients benefiting from cannabis use.
Canada’s medical cannabis regime is considered a global model, and our actions are being carefully observed. Aphria has been working in the medical cannabis space for four years and our experience tells us that the world is moving toward an increasingly robust medical cannabis market. The reality is that cannabis is already an important part of the global medical landscape, but we’ve only scratched the surface of the plant’s medicinal potential.
The power of the medical market is its ability to legitimize cannabis for a broad cross-section of patients, while providing a solid rationale for further research and clinical studies. Organizations like the Canadian Nurses Association have argued for separate systems for years, citing concerns around access and an overaggressive focus on recreational use over medical needs. We support the idea of continuing clinical oversight because it makes the entire system safer and more efficient.
We understand the challenge medical cannabis can present for physicians. The cannabis industry needs more research and more robust science on the impact and effects of the drug. That work is escalating as the recreational market approaches, and Aphria supports indepen- dent research into the benefits and risks of cannabis for medical use. However, this renewed focus should be an opportunity to strengthen — not a reason to abandon — the real progress and advancements that are already being made. Eliminating the medical market would suddenly delegitimize the very real medical benefits and applications patients across Canada and around the world experience today.
Since medical cannabis became legal in Canada in 2001, our understanding of its potential has increased significantly. We know from our experience that many epilepsy patients are seeing a marked improvement from taking cannabis oils. The Hospital for Sick Children recently conducted a pediatric study of mixed THC/CBD cannabis oil that shows promise for children with Dravet syndrome — a rare, catastrophic form of epilepsy.
Medical cannabis is also increasingly helping cancer patients. The Canadian Cancer Society has written about the ways cannabis can help with some symptoms and side effects, and drugs containing cannabinoids have been developed to treat pain, nausea and vomiting. Researchers, like those at the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute, have highlighted the benefits of cannabis for those suffering from migraines and headaches. The growing number of conditions for which cannabis has shown effectiveness should not be ignored. The potential this plant has for medical applications is still largely untapped.
We want to ensure those suffering from medical conditions whose pain can be better managed through cannabis have continued access. While Canadian public attention remains fixated on the recreational market, Aphria is continuing to invest in developing new and innovative cannabis applications that address unmet patient needs. For example, our recently announced agreement with Rapid Dose Therapeutics will allow us to offer effective and accurate dose delivery in the form of a thin, quick-dissolve strip.
Medical cannabis did not become legal in Canada purely as a first step toward broader legalization; it serves a medical purpose for patients in need. Through an established and distinct medical market, with the support of the health-care community, Canada can continue to lead in this space.
Canada’s medical cannabis regime is a global model.