SDM: Retail pharmacy would be ‘safest place’ for dispensing medical marijuana

TORONTO — In response to recent news reports that the Canadian pharmacy operation Shoppers Drug Mart was exploring the possible sale of medical marijuana, the chain noted that Canadian pharmacies are not permitted to dispense medical marijuana at this time. 

 

But it would be the safest place for that transaction to happen, given the presence of a licensed health professional experienced in monitoring appropriate use of medicines by patients. 

 

"Current Health Canada regulations stipulate that the only legal method to obtain medical marijuana is through a licensed producer," Lana Gogas, Shoppers Drug Mart manager communications and corporate affairs, shared with Drug Store News. 

 

However, she added, retail pharmacy would be the safest place for dispensing medical marijuana.

 

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

 

The Canadian Pharmacists Association in February issued a statement outlining its concern about the health effects of marijuana and cautioned the government "to act first with the health of Canadians in mind."  

 

"In addition, the pharmacy community is increasingly concerned about patient safety and clinical oversight regarding the use of medical marijuana," the association added. "As such, CPhA is currently reviewing its existing policies to ensure its policy position regarding pharmacist dispensing of medical marijuana reflects patient safety in this evolving area."

 

The Globe and Mail on Wednesday reported that Shoppers Drug Mart was actively looking into creating a sustainable supply chain that would support medical marijuana sales within the pharmacy. "A small team of executives from Shoppers is said to have been touring the sites of medical-marijuana growers over the past several months, holding talks with several of the 29 federally licensed producers," The Globe and Mail reported. "Reached Tuesday, a spokeswoman for Shoppers Drug Mart said the company sees pharmacies as a logical option for selling the drug."

 

The Globe and Mail also noted that sources suggested Rexall was also exploring the possibility of dispensing medical marijuana, however, Rexall denied those claims, the paper reported.