And the pharmacists have a say...

A friend of mine sent this to me yesterday...we're fucked!

OTTAWA, Nov. 16, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is pleased to see important and relevant issues to the pharmacy profession take prominence throughout the ministerial mandate letters sent to Ministers on November 13.



In particular, we look forward to working with Minister Philpott who has been asked to engage the provinces and territories around a new Health Accord, which includes improving access to necessary medications and a commitment to new digital health technology. Also included is a commitment to increase vaccination rates, and work with the Minister of Justice on two issues with significant implications for pharmacists – the legalization and regulation of marijuana and responding to the Supreme Court of Canada decision regarding physician-assisted dying.



"CPhA looks forward to working with the government to leverage the expertise of Canada's 39,000 pharmacists in identifying practical and affordable solutions to our health care challenges, said Carlo Berardi, Chair, Canadian Pharmacists Association. "As the most accessible health provider in Canada, pharmacists are well placed to address some of the challenges related to sustainability, access, drug safety and quality of care."



Specifically, CPhA has been consulting with its members on three issues highlighted in the mandate letter:



Drug access and affordability



Earlier this year CPhA launched a comprehensive multi-phased consultation to develop a national consensus for a pan-Canadian pharmacare framework. As the national voice of Canadian pharmacists, CPhA is committed to taking a leadership position on the issue of pharmacare to ensure all Canadians have access to pharmacy services and safe and appropriate drug therapies.



Legalization and regulation of marijuana



CPhA is concerned about the health effects of marijuana and cautions the government to act first with the health of Canadians in mind. In addition, the pharmacy community is increasingly concerned about patient safety and clinical oversight regarding the use of medical marijuana. As such, CPhA is currently reviewing its existing policies to ensure its policy position regarding pharmacist dispensing of medical marijuana reflects patient safety in this evolving area.



Physician-assisted death



Recognizing that the Supreme Court Decision in Carter v. Canada has important pharmacy practice implications, CPhA has been working with its members to ensure that Canadian pharmacists views and perspectives are represented in future legislation. A survey conducted by CPhA in October showed that the community sees a vital role for pharmacists but want rights of conscience protected. As such, CPhA participated in the External Panel on Options for a Legislative Response to Carter v. Canada consultations to highlight early considerations in the development of legislation as it pertains to pharmacy practice and looks forward to working with the government on this important issue in the coming months.



"We are pleased that the government is poised to tackle these challenges to ensure that Canadian pharmacists and other health care professionals are equipped with the tools to deliver more innovative, accessible and sustainable health care to all Canadians," said Berardi.

Funny how all of a sudden everyone wants to be the distributor of Cannabis....make ya farkin sick..
What now the pharmacists think they know how to dispense weed. OMG does this shit ever end.....throws of death much.

The pharmaceutical industry has zero influence on recreational use of marijuana. I haven't heard a peep from them about wanting to regulate booze or smokes. As for medical, we have already won the right to use mmj regardless of what HC thinks about it. Weed is a plant, not a pharmaceutical chemical and is out of the jurisdiction of their 'dispensaries'. Everyone just wants to have their say...WE are the experts. Unless we have a spot at the table, chances are good that the court challenges will continue.

I think it's a great theory Chris...

VIANARCHRIS said:

The pharmaceutical industry has zero influence on recreational use of marijuana. I haven't heard a peep from them about wanting to regulate booze or smokes. As for medical, we have already won the right to use mmj regardless of what HC thinks about it. Weed is a plant, not a pharmaceutical chemical and is out of the jurisdiction of their 'dispensaries'. Everyone just wants to have their say...WE are the experts. Unless we have a spot at the table, chances are good that the court challenges will continue.

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in Alberta if a store sells tobacco they can not have a pharmacy period no connection whats so ever

Weren't people upset they couldn't get their meds from a pharmacy?
Some remote locations may have easier access to a pharmacy than anything else.

Better access right?

The issue here is more that these people who may be educated in other pharmaceuticals( and clearly clueless about cannabis) are trying the same old "not enough evidence" BS. Good on them, shows how unwilling, outdated, and ignorant they are in not learning about medical cannabis and it's safety and efficacy, as the rest of the world kept marching forward on the subject for the last umpteen decades. Christ you'd think we were still in the age of all information being accessed through libraries still with how LAZY their excuse on this particular matter is. You want research? I'd suggest they start with the studies being done in Isreal since I dunno................1968

THIS is a fine example of out with the old and in with the new. Because you can't teach those who are unwilling and you can't fix stupid

What do expect when hc will not give a din for cannabis. So technically as far as a pharmacist is concerned it is not a drug. Its the same as insurance. How about hc actually start at the start of the process rather than work backwards, but then again the justice ministry is invovled so all bets are off.