After cannabis is legalized, Canada should continue with a separate medical cannabis stream to keep patients safe, argues a commentary in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) The Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation, appointed by the federal government, has also recommended this two-streamed structure.

“Recreational cannabis and cannabinoid-based drugs (including medical cannabis) are not equivalent,” say Elizabeth Cairns and Dr. Melanie Kelly, Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. “Without a program that supports medical use, patients may lose access to treatments that the Federal Court of Canada has deemed appropriate, which fosters safe and appropriate use.”More research into the effects of medical cannabis and cannabinoids is needed, but evidence does exist for use with some health conditions.

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Source: Canada should continue with separate medical stream after cannabis is legalized for recreational use