Soon after a Globe and Mail report said Shoppers Drug Mart was interested in selling medical marijuana, a national group representing Canada’s drugstores has confirmed that pharmacies want in on selling cannabis.
The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada told the Canadian Press that pharmacies already have the expertise needed to dispense prescription medication.
“Pharmacists are experts in medication and medication management. Our members have the systems and processes in place to manage medications including monitoring, tracking usage, being aware of drug interactions,” said the group’s spokesperson Allan Austin.
According to its website, the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada represents approximately 6,500 pharmacies across the country, making up 70 per cent of all prescriptions filled.
Shoppers Drug Mart, which isn’t a member of the group, offered a similar statement.
“Pharmacists are medication experts and play a significant role in the dispensing and monitoring of medication to ensure safe and optimal use,” said spokesperson Tammy Smitham. “We believe that dispensing medical marijuana through pharmacy, like other medications, is the safest option.”