Pubdate: Mon, 29 Feb 2016
Source: Guardian, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2016 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated
Contact:  http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174
Author: Madison Blanchard
Page: A3

MARIJUANA IN SHOPPERS?

Pharmacy wants to sell the drug

Along with other medication, Prince Edward Island residents may soon
be able to pick up medical marijuana at Shoppers Drug Mart and other
drug stores across the Island.

The corporation's executives are reportedly in talks with medicinal
marijuana growers in order to begin having cannabis products in their
pharmacies, according to a Globe and Mail story. This is coming on the
heels of a ruling recently that saw a Supreme Court judge strike down
a ban on medical marijuana patients from growing their own cannabis.

Manager of communications and corporate affairs for Shoppers Drug
Mart, Lana Gogas, says Health Canada's current regulations currently
don't allow pharmacies to give out medical marijuana, and the only way
to get it is from a licensed producer, something Shoppers Drug Mart
doesn't agree with and is hoping will change.

"Pharmacists are medication experts and play a significant role in the
dispensing and monitoring of medication to ensure safe and optimal
use. We believe that dispensing medical marijuana through pharmacy,
like other medications, is the safest option."

Erin MacKenzie, executive director of the P.E.I. Pharmacists
Association, said pharmacists on the Island as well as in other parts
of Canada are worried about mistakes happening and their patient's
safety, if medicinal marijuana is introduced into the pharmacy setting.

"It's certainly a hot topic right now."

Medical marijuana advocate Gloria MacKay, of Charlottetown, hopes to
see the medicine on store shelves soon.

"I want all to be able to access in the pharmacy of their
choice."

The legislation and regulation of recreational marijuana is something
MacKay would like to see as well.

"I think medical marijuana should be available in every drug store the
same as any other prescription. I also think that it should be in
health stores as a herb. But not until it is graded and regulated."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt