testing bc marijuana camcd

Cannabis Dispensaries to Set Up Their Own Testing System

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Blocked from the federal medical marijuana testing system, dispensaries are creating their own

 

VANCOUVER— The Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries (CAMCD) is moving to set up testing standards and protocols to ensure the safety of the cannabis member dispensaries are selling.

Association President Jeremy Jacob says, “We believe consumers should be empowered to make educated choices about the cannabis products they buy, so we are moving to set up a rigorous, independent and transparent cannabis testing system.”

CAMCD promotes a regulated community-based approach to cannabis access with member dispensaries across Canada serving over 150,000 consumers.

Store front cannabis dispensaries are not allowed to test their product through federally licensed laboratories. Jacob says CAMCD is setting up its own testing standards after federally licensed medical marijuana producers recalled cannabis contaminated with the chemicals bifenazate and myclobutanil in November and December 2016, and were slow to inform the public.

“Dispensary clients need to know the product is free of contaminants. Consumers should be able to see testing results,” says Jacob. “Some of our member dispensaries are already testing their product privately, but we need a system where all are able to test their product, the labs are independent, and the consumer can rely on the results.”

The CAMCD board has created a working group with dispensary owners, cannabis producers, processors, and lab owners, to create guidelines and structure for the testing program. The board wants the system to be in place by May 2017.

 

Association President Jeremy Jacob will be available for questions today at 4:30 PST

Media Contact:
Michael Davis 604.704.7526
or 604.553.0609

Vancouver Dispensary Attacked - Police Respond

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Vancouver­—The Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries (CAMCD) condemns the violent attack on two employees of the Vancouver Dispensary on Thurlow Street Friday. Our first concern is for the health of the employees and we wish them a speedy and full recovery from their injuries. This attack was cruel and disturbing for any community.

CAMCD thanks the Vancouver Police Department for their fast response and attention to this matter. Their care for all members of the community sets an example that other Canadian police forces should aspire to.

CAMCD industry meeting

CAMCD Industry Meeting (February 22)

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RSVP

Guest Speaker: Michael Davis

Michael Davis, Former Director Of Communications for Attorney General of Canada, Judy Raybould Wilson, provided Strategic Communications for the Federal Task Force On Legalization. He is now the President of Public Relations firm Public Affair.

Michael will give us an insider perspective on the sentiment in Ottawa with regard to Cannabis Legalization and specifically dispensaries. He will walk us through the timeline of Federal Legislation and also provide us with some general strategic recommendations. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Networking Begins At 6:30pm

Meeting Begins At 7:00pm

DATE AND TIME

Wed, February 22, 2017

6:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST

Add to Calendar

LOCATION

UBC Robson Square

800 Robson Street

Room C680

Vancouver, BC V6Z 3B7

View Map

RSVP

CAMCD industry meeting

CAMCD Industry Meeting (January 25)

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Cannabis Industry Meeting

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/camcd-cannabis-industry-meeting-tickets-31407975099

Wednesday January 25, 2017 at UBC Robson Square Room HSBC Hall C680

6:30pm - Food and networking

7:00 - 9:00pm - Meeting and Discussion

 

Legalization is finally coming but do you know how it will impact your dispensary?

 

Join us for an evening of discussion with industry leaders and volunteers.

 

  1. Learn what CAMCD discussed at the closed door meeting with the Federal Task Force on Legalization
  2. Discover what the BC Ministry of Health has advised CAMCD on future legalization
  3. Voice your opinion on how legalization in British Columbia should look
  4. Vote on the priorities and objectives of CAMCD as legalization approaches
  5. Get educated on how dispensaries are facing tax challenges by the CRA
  6. Get unique insight into the City of Vancouver’s position on the future of dispensaries and the current MMRU bylaws

 

There will be a networking session to meet other dispensary operators and CAMCD representatives.

 

Appetizers, Coffee and Tea will be provided.

 

anne McLellan taskforce legalization cannabis

CAMCD Response To Task Force Report: Cannabis Legalization

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 13, 2016

CANADIAN Dispensary Advocates Reply To Task Force Report

Today the Federal Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation released their full report (A Framework for the Legalization and Regulation of Cannabis in Canada). The Task Force consulted with the Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries (CAMCD) to gain an understanding of how Canadian dispensaries serve public needs and the importance of a community dispensing model. CAMCD’s Position Paper on Legalization was also submitted to the Task Force to encourage inclusion of dedicated storefront retail sales. task force report legalization cannabis

“Today we applaud the Task Force for the acknowledgement of dedicated retail dispensaries as a viable distribution channel separate from alcohol sales. This should apply to medical use as well as recreational use,” said CAMCD’s President, Jeremy Jacob. CAMCD represents dispensaries across Canada committed to best practices and working with all levels of government to incorporate dispensaries into the legal regulatory frameworks meeting patient and other consumer needs.

Dispensaries have existed in Canada for 20 years; serving patients, creating safe community access, sharing knowledge and expertise, contributing to research, and providing thousands of jobs. According to Jacob, “Dispensaries have paved the way for legalization through their hard work and dedication and are looking forward to participating in a legal, regulated marketplace they helped create.”

CAMCD is also pleased to hear the Task Force’s recommendation for an inclusive network of producers of all sizes, particularly the craft producers who form an important part of the cannabis supply chain today. “Including as many suppliers as possible is the best way to undermine the black market and ensure a vast diversity of quality products for the consumer”, stated Jacob.

Jacob is cautious, however, about the Task Force recommendation for a provincial wholesale monopoly. “If we have learned anything from provincial alcohol distribution it’s that government monopolies are a sure way to increase prices and limit product variety. CAMCD does not believe government wholesaling of cannabis is a viable course for legalization,” stated Jacob.

CAMCD looks forward to working with the provincial government on regulations for dedicated retail sales. “We encourage the provincial governments to review CAMCD’s Dispensary Certification Standards as a model for provincial regulation of retail dispensing and welcome further collaboration with them to this end. CAMCD also looks forward to working with provincial governments across Canada to establish comprehensive training programs for retail cannabis workers.”

For media inquiries contact:

Ehren Richardson

(604) 318-5152

[email protected]

Jeremy Jacob

(778) 378-6008

[email protected]

CFAX Interview with Dieter MacPherson (Director CAMCD)

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CAMCD Director Dieter MacPherson is interviewed by Pamela McCall at CFAX on the anticipated Cannabis Legalization Report by the Federal Task Force On Legalization which unfortunately will not be publicly available.

Dieter talks about what the new legalization framework might entail and the impact to the economy, enforcement, politics and the failed war on drugs. How the government may approach the challenge of “under the influence” driving as it applies to cannabis or “marijuana” as the media and government continue to refer to cannabis as.

Dieter also talks about removing the criminality of cannabis use, testing of product, dosing,

To listen to the interview please click below. Warning: if you pause this at any time you are subjected to more commercial advertisements upon pressing play.

http://www.iheartradio.ca/cfax-1070?autoplay=1.2238863

Georgia Straight: CAMCD Dispensaries Seek Inclusive Regulation For Existing Industry

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Three CAMCD trade member dispensaries are interviewed in a recent Georgia Straight article by Travis Lupick asking for recognition of a thriving cannabis economy in British Columbia that is simply asking for inclusive regulations in anticipation of the Federal Task Force’s proposed legalization framework in the Spring of 2017.

Jeremy Jacob of The Village Dispensary, Sacha Kanow of Karuna Health Foundation and Ehren Richardson of Sunrise Wellness Foundation are all quoted in the article which highlights the positive impact community based dispensaries have on local economies and how the federal government should propose inclusive regulations that allow responsible, locally operated, dispensaries to continue under newly anticipated regulations.

CAMCD dispensaries see regulatory inclusivity as a commitment to supporting the middle class at the expense of big pharmaceutical corporations and the massive liquor lobby.

To read the article please click the link below.

http://www.straight.com/news/836271/vancouver-dispensaries-wait-ottawas-marijuana-regulations-cautious-optimism

Zach Walsh Interviewed In TIME Magazine: Cannabis Benefits Mental Health

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Zach Walsh, PhD was recently interviewed for a piece in TIME on “Marijuana Appears To Benefit Mental Health: Study” by Alexandra Sifferlin.

Based out of the University of British Columbia, Zach Walsh, PhD is one of the world’s leading researchers in the field of cannabis and mental health. He is also a valued advisor to CAMCD.

His work and that of his colleagues in the U.S. were recently published in the Clinical Psychology Review stating there is evidence cannabis can likely benefit people dealing with depression, social anxiety and PTSD.

To read about the interview please click the link below.

Marijuana Appears to Benefit Mental Health: Study

jane philpott legalization task force CAMCD

CAMCD Submits Legalization Taskforce Position Paper

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Canadian Federal Task Force Marijuana

Vancouver BC - CAMCD submitted its official response to the Canadian Federal Task Force on Cannabis Legalization. The following documents represent the submission.

CAMCD was invited to participate in private, round table discussions with the Federal Task Force in Vancouver, BC. Details of the meeting are available to CAMCD members and will be discussed at the next CAMCD trade member meeting.

 

CAMCD Legalization Taskforce Submission Aug 2016.FINAL

Appendix 5 - CAMCD_Required-Organizational-Practices

Appendix 4 - CAMCD comments on MMPR

Appendix 3 - Inclusion of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries in the Regulatory Framework

Appendix 2 - Second-Edition-CAMCD-Standards

Appendix 1 - Camps - Barriers To Access

 

Press Release - CAMCD Comments On Recreational Sales

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Vancouver BC - The Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries (CAMCD) is responding to the recent announcement by some dispensaries that they no longer require medical documentation when selling cannabis and cannabis products to the public.

 

“Some dispensary owners have taken what some see as a progressive step in selling cannabis and cannabis products for elective use, but this is not in line with current CAMCD practices. We will work with our members to develop and adapt to the changing cannabis industry environment in Canada, but for now, non-medical sales directly violate our carefully constructed Required Operating Practices,” said CAMCD President Dieter MacPherson.

 

“Not all dispensaries in Vancouver are CAMCD members, but we require our member dispensaries specifically to obtain documentation from health care practitioners. CAMCD wants to make sure that the public knows that these requirements are still in place, and that CAMCD doesn’t currently support non-medical sales until such time that we have consulted with stakeholders on how best to implement them. Until then, we ask our membership to continue to sell only to medical patients that provide medical documentation,” added MacPherson

 

“CAMCD’s work with local governments to develop and modify regulations that allow patients to access their medicine in a safe and secure environment, has been to the benefit of patients, retailers, and the public alike. Our team is certainly prepared to work with all dispensaries, Municipalities and Provinces moving forward,” said MacPherson.

 

About CAMCD:

The Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries was founded in 2010 and has worked with dispensaries, patients, university-based researchers, public health officials, governments and nonprofits to develop its patient-focused approach to cannabis distribution.

 

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For media inquiries or questions please contact:

Dieter MacPherson

CAMCD President

250-888-0542 [email protected]

CAMCD Press ReleaseJuly 22 2016