We have entered an exciting and revolutionary time with the recent full legalization of cannabis in Canada. Previous restrictions surrounding its production and use have served as barriers towards achieving quality clinical research and advancing medical cannabis healthcare. It’s astounding that the number of patients in Canada who are registered with licensed medical marijuana producers as of June 2017 is 2.7 times greater than in 2016 – a leap from 75,166 to approximately 200,000 patients. With the growing numbers of those in demand of alternative medical intervention, comes a need for great expansion within the industry. We remain open-minded and very optimistic towards a future where medical cannabis provides Canadians access to a new way of life through symptom management and disease treatments.

We have entered an exciting and revolutionary time with the recent full legalization of cannabis in Canada. Previous restrictions surrounding its production and use have served as barriers towards achieving quality clinical research and advancing medical cannabis healthcare. It’s astounding that the number of patients in Canada who are registered with licensed medical marijuana producers as of June 2017 is 2.7 times greater than in 2016 – a leap from 75,166 to approximately 200,000 patients. With the growing numbers of those in demand of alternative medical intervention, comes a need for great expansion within the industry. We remain open-minded and very optimistic towards a future where medical cannabis provides Canadians access to a new way of life through symptom management and disease treatments.

Health Canada’s first Canadian Cannabis Survey (2017) engaged 9,215 subjects about their use of cannabis for non-medical and medical purposes. Of the 12% of respondents who reported cannabis for medical purposes, 72% reported that it assisted with the decreased use of other medications. 97% of the self-reported medical cannabis users said that the substance helped manage their symptoms.

Health Canada’s first Canadian Cannabis Survey (2017) engaged 9,215 subjects about their use of cannabis for non-medical and medical purposes. Of the 12% of respondents who reported cannabis for medical purposes, 72% reported that it assisted with the decreased use of other medications. 97% of the self-reported medical cannabis users said that the substance helped manage their symptoms.

As a medical community, we must address all possible avenues towards providing patients with safe, efficient and effective means to therapeutic care. The current anecdotal evidence in favour of medical cannabis inspires us to look deeper into consistent and replicable data to further support cannabis for medical intervention. We approach this endeavour with inquisitiveness, care and precision. Forget the stigma and remember the people. Let’s work together to ensure those in need receive the highest quality of treatment possible – and can start truly living again.