Pubdate: Sat, 02 Jul 2016
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.ottawacitizen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Author: Paula McCooey
Page: A4

DRUG STORES SEE ROLE ON FRONT LINES

As the provincial government prepares for legal marijuana sales,
pharmacists say they welcome the opportunity to dispense the drug for
medicinal purposes - just don't get them into the recreational market.

The Canadian Pharmacists Association released its position on medical
marijuana in April, stating that, given that there is a growing number
of Canadians obtaining medical marijuana licences with minimal
oversight by healthcare professionals, it's important pharmacists play
a front-line role in patient management and dispensing of medical marijuana.

"Based on expert consultations, third-party research and input from
our members and their patients, CPhA believes that the best way to
enhance patient safety, education and appropriate access is through
pharmacist dispensing and management of medical marijuana, while
promoting the use of non-smokable products as opposed to smokable forms."

Kent MacLeod, owner of NutriChem pharmacy on Richmond Road, agrees. He
says pharmacists are currently limited when it comes to treating pain
with cannabinoids because pharmacists can only dispense oral doses
based on a doctor's prescription. However, he says there are many
cases where an over-the-counter cannabinoid spray or topical cream
would be a better option.

"Several of my pain docs have problem patients where they've (taken)
oral cannabinoids, for example, and we want to manipulate those oils
into either creams or suppositories, because they are not tolerating
them - or there are other issues, and I legally can't obtain them."

According to a recent survey conducted by Forum Research and published
in the Toronto Star, very few Ontarians want marijuana sold at the
LCBO. Out of 1,173 people polled, 35 per cent said a pharmacy is the
most appropriate place to sell legal marijuana.

While the results are a vote of confidence for the pharmacy industry,
the chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association says their mandate is
solely focused on medicinal marijuana.

"We've surveyed our members, and I think our members overwhelmingly
recognize and support a role in the distribution of medical
marijuana," said Sean Simpson, owner of two pharmacies in the Toronto
area. "But certainly they were a little less enthusiastic, I would
say, about the recreational use."

MacLeod says the fact Premier Kathleen Wynne is seriously considering
the LCBO as the primary point of sales for legalized marijuana - which
can happen as early as next year - is disconcerting.

"Canada is one of the highest per-capita users of morphine in the
world," said MacLeod. "This is ridiculous and it kills thousands of
people, and meanwhile we're trying to encourage recreational THC use
in the LCBO. We've got to get a handle on this."
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MAP posted-by: Matt