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