The #CoverCannabis Project

Today, I’m excited to announce the launch of The #CoverCannabis Project.

Through this series of conversations with real patients and their families, my goal is to shine a light on the REAL PEOPLE who are benefitting from cannabinoid therapy and raise awareness of the public health and economic benefit of providing coverage amongst Government, private insurance companies, employers, unions and other stakeholders.

Every day, I see the life-changing effects that cannabinoid-based medicine can have on improving people’s quality of life. Sadly, every day, I also have patients who are forced to stop a treatment that is working due to the cost barrier. In many cases, this means a return to the opioid therapy, antidepressants, benzodiazepines and antipsychotics that medical cannabis replaced.

Quite simply, no one should have to choose between paying for groceries and paying for their medicine.

It shows a pervasive lack of understanding and bias amongst policymakers--and is frankly discriminatory--that people living with cancer, dementia, refractory epilepsy, or some other serious condition, have to pay out-of-pocket for their PRESCRIBED cannabinoid-based medicines. Not only that, but unlike any other prescription medication, they are taxed in the same way as someone picking up a high THC joint for weekend recreational use. This is not right, and no one should be okay with this.

I’m so grateful to the many patients, families and care providers who have generously agreed to share their stories so that we can raise awareness of this important cause. This will be one of my top priorities for 2021. If you’d like to show your support, I invite you to share your own story on social media using the hashtag #CoverCannabis or write to your local MP and MPP to show this is an issue that’s important to you. We’d also appreciate it if you could re-share our #CoverCannabis posts on social to help spread the word. Together, we can do hard things.

Wishing you good health,

Blake Pearson, M.D.

September marks World Alzheimer's Month

September marks World Alzheimer’s Month and this year, the Alzheimer’s community is facing more significant challenges than ever.

Nearly 750,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Due to the significant and prolonged changes brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic, many patients are experiencing increases in symptoms including increased agitation, depression, insomnia and aggressive, and sometimes violent, behaviours.

Current pharmaceutical therapies, including antipsychotic medications, may provide some reduction in behavioural symptoms but carry an increased risk of severe side-effects including stroke and death. As a result, many families are proactively asking for safer alternatives.

There is a growing body of evidence for the use of cannabinoid-based medicines in the treatment of dementia-related symptoms and clinically, we’ve been seeing some outstanding outcomes since beginning therapy. I hope you’ll have a quick watch of this video to learn more.

Patient Testimonial - Jim | Chronic Pain

“I tried a little bit...and there’s just no looking back. It was probably one of the smartest things I ever did.” -- Jim

I’d like to introduce you to another one of my amazing patients who was kind enough to share his story to help educate others about the role cannabinoid therapy can play in managing chronic pain.

When Jim was referred to me, his pain was so severe that he wasn’t comfortable doing anything. Even sitting for a period of time was painful, so needless to say his quality of life was significantly affected.

Cannabinoid therapy has been the only treatment that has made a difference in managing his chronic, severe pain.

Personal Update From Dr. Pearson

Another early start today to deliver virtual training to the doctors I’ve been working with in Australia. Today’s group was from Western Australia where the time difference isn’t so bad - a 7:00 a.m. start is a-okay!

Next week, I’ll be circling back with the Eastern Australia and New Zealand group I’ve been working with and that’s a 4:30 a.m. start time for me...which requires a VERY early morning dip in the lake to wake up!

It’s a great day when I can teach in the morning and see patients later on - two of the best parts of my job! Hope everyone is having a great day as well!

Virtual House Call with Dr. Blake Pearson

With the full legalization of adult-use (recreational) cannabis in Canada, some critics, including certain members of the Canadian Medical Association, have suggested that the medical access stream is no longer needed. This is an uninformed and frankly dangerous opinion that would hurt our country’s most vulnerable patients - including the elderly and the young - who could never properly treat their conditions using recreational cannabis products on the advice of a “budtender” instead of a seasoned physician.

I had the opportunity to share my thoughts on this topic and more during a recent chat with @flowerhourpod . I hope you’ll have a listen.

Full podcast available here.

Managing Anxiety & Insomnia - Paul's Story: Part 2

Managing Anxiety & Insomnia

Paul’s Story: Part 2

Living with long-term anxiety can have significant effects on your quality of life, impacting your ability to maintain relationships, perform in your work and it can even impact your physical health.

In part two of Paul’s story, he tells us how cannabinoid therapy improved his overall cognitive function and physical health: “Out of everything I’ve taken, it is the only thing that has worked for me in 30 years.”

Like any therapy, results vary from person to person. However, given the low side-effect profile of cannabinoid medicines and positive clinical outcomes I see regularly, it’s important for patients and physicians to know that this is a valid treatment option in the right circumstances.

Managing Anxiety & Insomnia - Paul's Story: Part 1

Paul’s Story: Part 1

Although we’re into another week of isolation, I think it’s important to break up the COVID-19 news and bring some positivity to your feed. Let me share Paul’s story:

Paul developed PTSD, anxiety and insomnia, following his time as a police officer in Belfast, Ireland and a corrections officer in Canada. He was referred to my clinic to try to help with his anxiety and insomnia after trying many other therapies without any benefit.

After coaching Paul on the benefits of non-medical therapies including mindfulness, exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating, we introduced cannabinoid therapy. Paul’s anxiety has lessened and he is now sleeping 7-9 hours a night. Seeing this kind of quality life improvement in my patients is the reason I began practicing medicine and why I’ll continually love what I do. Thank you for sharing your story, Paul!

Kristen's Story

Despite everything going on in the world around us, life continues to go on. In an effort to bring some positivity, I wanted to share a patient testimonial that always brings a smile to my face.

There is nothing that brings me more satisfaction than seeing the monumental changes that some patients experience after beginning cannabinoid therapy. It is such a privilege to be playing a role in helping patients get their quality of life back. Thank you to Kristen for sharing her story.

“When I first started out working with the doctor to get off my fibromyalgia meds I was a bit of a skeptic. However, my goal of getting off the meds came with great success. I feel like I did years before ever being diagnosed with this terrible condition. Dr. Pearson and his staff have helped give my husband and kids their wife and mom back and for that I am forever grateful. Cannabinoid therapy has changed my life for the better, no doubt.”

• Kristen B, 39, Fibromyalgia

All Patient Appointments Are Virtual

Important Patient Notice

This is a reminder that for the safety of our patients and staff, all upcoming appointments will be completed through virtual video or telephone-based consultations, until further notice.

Until the COVID-19 situation stabilizes, please do not come into the clinic unless notified otherwise.

For all upcoming appointments, we will be contacting patients in advance to provide necessary instructions. Our team is available at 519-339-9233 should you have any questions or concerns.

Our phone lines also remain open for all COVID-19 related questions. Simply contact our office at 519-339-9233 to set up an appointment with our physician. These calls are completely FREE of charge and are open to the public – regardless of whether you are a current patient. We're here to answer any questions you may have as we navigate this uncertain time. Be well and stay safe. We will get through this together.

Common Signs of Distress - Remember the Five M's

To say we're facing challenging times, may be an understatement; however, now more than ever, it's important to stay mentally and physically strong.

Last week we shared our Five M’s to help you cope with any COVID-19 related anxiety you may be experiencing.

As we head into another week of physical distancing, it’s also important to recognize the warning signs of distress in yourself and your loved ones.

Heightened levels of stress are extremely normal in times of turmoil and the Five M’s can help you keep anxiety levels at bay. However, if distress impacts your daily life for several days or weeks, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor, counsellor or local CMHA branch.

We're all in this together. Stay home & stay safe…and if you need to talk to someone, know that there are people out there to help.