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With all the change in the cannabis landscape, there is little attention being paid to the world of medical cannabis, despite its rapid growth. So today we sat down with the General Manager of Compass Cannabis Clinic, Kara Wilhems and learn more about the medicinal cannabis industry, how it compares to recreational, and what you need to do if you are considering a medicinal cannabis license.
What is the difference between a medicinal and recreational cannabis user?
Kara: Medicinal cannabis is for people suffering from specific ailments that cannabis has shown promise for symptom management. It is very important that people understand that these are separate applications of cannabis; medicinal patients are not using cannabis to simply be intoxicated, but as a medicine. We’ve seen patients in for a large variety of ailments: insomnia, eating disorders, cancers, anxiety and chronic pain are some of the more frequent.
What does the medicinal cannabis industry look like, after the introduction of recreational cannabis in October?
Kara: We’ve noticed an increase in the purchase of CBD oils, a lot of people were sourcing medicine illegally, and with the increase penalties around illegal cannabis, many people have been left frantically searching for a new, safe supply. However structurally, nothing has changed; the process of becoming a medicinal cannabis patient is the same. Since legalization, we’ve actually seen an increase in patient counts, with Compass Cannabis Clinic reaching an all-time high for patients in October.
Is it true that a new tax was introduced for medicinal cannabis users?
Kara: Once recreational cannabis was legalized in October, a nationwide tax was introduced.
What does that tax mean for medicinal patients?
Kara: There is a huge impact. Traditionally, medications in Canada are not subject to tax. The tax is $1 per gram or 10% of a total purchase, whichever is larger. The problem is that many patients use cannabis for treating cancer or epilepsy, which it is needed in high doses to be effective. Taxing people on this medicine makes it more difficult for these people to afford their medicine.
(To learn more about the taxation of medicinal cannabis, or to sign an online petition to urge our government to reevaluate their current stance on taxing cannabis, click here.)
How do I become a medicinal cannabis patient? Does Compass help?
Kara: Under the ACMPR you need an appointment with a physician. So you can see your family doctor and ask for a cannabis prescription, however, many GP’s are not comfortable prescribing. If you don’t have a family doctor or they are unwilling to prescribe, you can book a free appointment online with a clinic near you. Once you are given a prescription, you can register with a Licensed Producer online, and order your cannabis to your home.
Besides helping connect patients to doctors, does Compass do anything else?
Kara: Compass Cannabis Clinic exists to help patients understand how to use their prescriptions. We have doctors who have experience prescribing and can answer any questions a patient may have, as well as patient care coordinators who can help you find the right Licensed Producer or strain based on your ailment.
What is the biggest benefit of medicinal cannabis over recreational cannabis?
Kara: It’s about the thorough education and customized prescriptions. In the recreational market, they’re not legally allowed to speak about the medical benefits of cannabis to assist in terms of how it can help, what to expect, and so forth. For medicinal cannabis users, or those that are curious, it is best to go somewhere they're allowed to tell you the pro’s, and the con’s of what you’re taking.
If you’re interested in speaking with a physician about how medical cannabis could assist you, visit Compass Cannabis Clinic website or visit their location here in Kelowna. Located off of Harvey, their hours are 9am-5pm and they would love to answer any questions you may have.
Compass Cannabis is a medical cannabis consultation company whose core business is focused on providing educational and consultation services to Canadians who are able to obtain cannabis from a licensed producer under Canada’s Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). Compass Cannabis has forty clinics that are now open or confirmed acrossCanada, and has been recently selected by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority as a cannabis retailer for Weyburn, SK. The retail license is through their subsidiary company and in partnership with Starbuds Colorado, one of the leading multiple state cannabis retailers in the United States. With a rapidly growing patient base currently being served and an aggressive real estate acquisition strategy, Compass is poised to be one of the largest marijuana organizations in Canada.
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