Canada Post Announcement - COVID-19

For those who may have missed it, earlier this week Canada Post announced some changes to the way they complete deliveries during this time. In order to limit exposure, they've made the following changes:

They will no longer require signatures for any deliveries to the door. Instead, their delivery agents will simply leave your items in your mailbox or outside your door, as long as it's safe to do so. For any registered items or items that require proof of identity or age verification, like all cannabis products, you will receive a notice card indicating the post office where you can pick up your items by showing proof of identity. If you are sick or under self-isolation, please arrange for someone to pick-up these items in your place.

For those purchasing medical cannabis, you may want to consider purchasing a few months supply or a little more than usual to ensure you’re in good supply and minimize your need for any additional points of contact in the community. Should any current patients require temporary modifications to their medical documents to allow for larger quantities, please contact my office at 519-339-9233 to schedule a virtual appointment.

According to Leafly.ca, not all delivery companies have implemented the same rules as Canada Post. On Twitter, Purolator confirmed they no longer require signatures but that you can show a piece of government issued ID and agree to accept the packages verbally. Fed Ex and UPS appear to be following a similar approach.

More information available here.

Cannabis a superbug slaying antibiotic? McMaster researchers break new ground

Could cannabis be an antibiotic capable of fighting drug-resistant superbugs?

Possibly.

New research from McMaster University in Hamilton, ON, tested over 18 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and found that cannabigerol (CBG) "was the strongest bacteria fighter." CBG has the ability to "fight the superbug known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),” an aggressive and potentially deadly bacteria.

Everyone knows about CBD, but their research showed that CBD was more potent: "It turns out it's active against the membrane of bacteria; it kills antibiotic resistant bacteria, and can really go after MRSA."

This specific cannabinoid "packed enough toxicity that it could destroy red blood cells and not just virulent bacteria," said Dr. Eric Brown, lead author of the study.

As the body of evidence grows around the other 100+ cannabinoids, it is an exciting time to be in the field of cannabinoid medicine and we will likely find many new medical applications as we undertake more research.

Full article available here.

Medical Cannabis Patterns of Use and Substitution for Opioids, Other Pharmaceutical Drugs & Illicit Substances

There have been several studies published that have shown a correlation between increased access to legal medical cannabis and a reduction in opioid usage and related harms; however, most of them have focused on the U.S.

In one of the largest polling studies to date, investigators looked at over 2032 surveys provided by Canadian Licensed Producers to understand the patterns of medical cannabis use and its substitution for pharmaceutical and illicit drugs.

Published in the Harm Reduction Journal, the study found the most commonly documented substitution was for prescription drugs (69% of participants), followed by alcohol (44.5%)

This study adds another uniquely Canadian perspective to the growing body of evidence that “increased regulated access to medical and recreational cannabis can result in a reduction in the use of and subsequent harms associated with opioids, alcohol, tobacco and other substances.”

Full article available here.

CBN: The New Up-And-Coming Cannabinoid

When the average person thinks of medical cannabis they think of the two main cannabinoids: THC and CBD. While these are the most researched and understood, there are actually more than 80 different cannabinoids in the cannabis flower and we’re just starting to understand some of their benefits.

Recently, researchers have started turning their attention to another cannabinoid: CBN

Although research on CBN is still in its infancy, preliminary studies suggest that it may be helpful as a pain reliever, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulant, cancer fighter, and is being regarded as “the most sedative of all cannabinoids.”

Full article available here.

Why women with breast cancer are turning to cannabis (it's not nausea).

Using cannabinoids to ease the symptoms of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is considered one of the medical applications most strongly supported by the research. But cancer encompasses an entire range of diseases, with treatments – and side-effects - that vary as well.

In the first ever study conducted to evaluate the underlying reasons women with breast cancer use cannabis, the results revealed that pain was the number one reason, followed by anxiety, insomnia, nausea and anorexia.

With more than half the women diagnosed with breast cancer being over the age of 50, treatment can exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions associated with older age (ie. arthritis, neuropathy). With many patients suffering an average of 3 symptoms, cannabis can help reduce polypharmacy as it is a multimodal medication and can manage many of these symptoms simultaneously.

Read the full article here.

Medical cannabis shouldn't be subject to tax: Ottawa Citizen

You’ve heard me talk about the cost burden of medical marijuana before; it’s an issue that’s very important to me as a doctor focused on patient and family-centred care.

When the federal government released its 2018 budget, it came as a surprise to many that it was planning to add a new excise tax on medical cannabis. Excise tax is usually reserved for products deemed to have a high social cost, such as tobacco or alcohol. However, a budget branded with the motto, “giving every Canadian a real and fair chance at success,” has seemed to overlook Canadian families already struggling with affordability and access to medical cannabis. 

In this article, Jenna Valleriani, does an excellent job exploring why medical cannabis, if authorized by a health-care provider for medical purposes, should be treated any different than most prescription medicines. 

If this issue is important to you, I encourage you to reach out to your local government representatives and make your voice heard. 

Yours in good health - Blake

Full article here.

Canadian companies should assess their marijuana policies before legalization: Globe and Mail

A recent survey by the Human Resources Professional Association released found that 71 per cent of HR professionals believe their workplaces are not prepared to deal with the coming legalization of recreational marijuana, including issues related to impairment, usage on the premises and safety. This article largely focuses on the impact legalization of recreational marijuana will have on employers, but it's also a timely reminder for HR policymakers to think about their stance on medical cannabis, which could help employees get back to work faster and is a safe alternative to many other more addictive medications.