Pubdate: Sat, 25 Apr 2015
Source: News, The (New Glasgow, CN NS)
Copyright: 2015 Transcontinental Inc.
Contact:  http://www.ngnews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3343
Page: 8

GET THE MAX FROM THIS PRODUCT

A local business venture that unsurprisingly drew plenty of interest
when first announced is a step closer to reality.

Vida Cannabis in a news release announced the company is in the
security clearance stage of the Health Canada application process. If
successful there, the next step would involve finalizing construction
- - a gigantic repurposing of the former Clairtone building in
Stellarton - and getting ready for on-site inspection.

Get past that and the company is in line for its production licence
allowing it to grow medical marijuana.

The local interest has been keen, partly due to the product itself
which only in recent years entered legal channels, and partly because
of the company's purchase and conversion of an industrial building
that has sat empty for decades.

Plenty of people have their fingers crossed that these steps progress
as planned for the company, which aims to be among the largest, most
advanced medical marijuana producers in the country. It's the kind of
boost this area needs.

This is an industry that finds itself at the centre of much
speculation. Companies being registered, the numbers of interested
investors - this is a growth industry in more ways than one.

It's just been a handful of years since our courts ruled that, as a
medicine, cannabis products which were once illegal across the board
should not be kept from people who can benefit from them health-wise.
Since then, a couple of U.S. states have legalized marijuana for
recreational use. It's reasonable to expect other jurisdictions will
give it a try, as well.

Officialdom across Canada finds itself at odds in regard to acceptance
of marijuana as medicinal agent. For example, as the City of Vancouver
ponders moves to regulate and zone marijuana dispensaries, the federal
government says they should shut them down.

Debates will rage on. In the meantime, let's see more research into
possible uses and the best ways to prepare derivatives to offer
maximum benefits and minimal drawbacks.
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MAP posted-by: Matt