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

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]

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

Toronto police raid dispensaries cannabis

Press Release - CAMCD Calls On City Of Toronto To Halt Raids

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CAMCD calls on city of Toronto to halt raids

Vancouver BC -The Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries (CAMCD) is standing up for thousands of patients by calling on the City of Toronto to immediately halt the raids on medical cannabis dispensaries.

“Dispensaries provide a critical point of access for thousands of patients struggling to obtain medical cannabis under Canada’s Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR).

Yesterday’s police raids on dozens of dispensaries simply created more barriers to patients accessing their medicine,” said CAMCD President Dieter MacPherson.

The cannabis industry is growing rapidly and municipalities across the country are grappling with the challenge of how to regulate dispensaries. “The evidence from jurisdictions across North America, including Vancouver and Victoria, is clear - working with the industry to craft smart municipal regulations is the key to controlling growth, not police action,” added MacPherson.

“CAMCD has been working closely with local governments to develop regulations that allow patients to access their medicine in a safe and secure retail environment, while also addressing the concerns of the community and policy makers. Our team is certainly prepared to work with the City of Toronto moving forward.” said CAMCD President Dieter MacPherson.

CAMCD’s Required Organizational Practices and rigorous Certification Standards have been developed to support dispensaries in providing the highest quality of products and services to their patients. “Our dispensaries have shown support for both self-regulation and working with local governments to address safety and public health concerns, they are far from reckless.”

CAMCD has reached out to the City of Toronto both proactively and in response to these raids. “Consulting with the cannabis community, including organizations like CAMCD, would have been a positive and proactive step. This crackdown is disproportionate and is out of touch with how many Canadians feel about cannabis.” 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 Release May 27 2016

Press Release - CAMCD responds to threats against Councillor Kerry Jang

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CAMCD responds to threats against Councillor Kerry Jang

CAMCD stands with the City of Vancouver in condemning threats of violence

May 2 2016 Vancouver - The Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries (CAMCD) stands in support of City Councillor Kerry Jang, his family, and the City of Vancouver in the face of the alleged threats against Councillor Jang.

“Threats directed towards our elected officials are completely unacceptable. We live in a democracy and our elected officials deserve the same right to safety and security as enjoyed by every Canadian,” said CAMCD’s President Dieter MacPherson.

CAMCD stands for principled non-compliance when confronted with laws that limit patient access to medical cannabis. While the City of Vancouver’s dispensary bylaws are contentious, the proposed framework is still a big step toward ensuring that patients have local access to safe, consistent, affordable medical cannabis.

MacPherson added that, “Today’s alleged threats are entirely out of step with the values and objectives of principled non-compliance. Any disagreements regarding the city bylaws must be handled through the proper channels and threats of violence are never the answer.”

CAMCD has gained its place in the medical cannabis industry by being proactive in creating standards for dispensaries and a certification program.

“Members of CAMCD must adhere to the highest possible standards of conduct and be responsible community members. This not only supports good will within the community, but also helps to challenge the stigma that plagues patients and this industry”, stated MacPherson.

CAMCD condemns in no uncertain terms threats of violence in any form be they proponents or opponents of dispensaries.

The Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries was founded in 2010 to promote patient-focused, community-based distribution models. The organization launched a certification program in 2013, and a Trade Membership Program in 2015.

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For media inquiries or questions please contact:

Dieter MacPherson

President

[email protected]

Download Press Release

Press Release: CAMCD Comments on Health Canada Correspondence

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Download Original: CAMCD Press Release Sept 10 2015 2 CAMCD Press Release Sept 10 2015 2

CAMCD Comments on Health Canada Correspondence

Federal government out of step with realities on the ground

September 11, 2015 - - Today, the Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries (CAMCD) has confirmed some of the oldest dispensaries in North America were among those that received a letter from Health Canada threatening legal action. Consistent lack of leadership and inaction from the federal government on this issue has led to municipalities stepping in and creating their own regulations for these vital institutions. Dispensaries have been doing their best to comply with these regulations. These dispensaries, and CAMCD, have been requesting inclusion in a comprehensive regulatory framework since their inceptions, this threatening application of the NCR and FDA is not constructive and harms patient access and care.

The work of dispensaries has been upheld by the Canadian courts, recommended by the Senate, commended by Parliament and three dispensary pioneers have been awarded diamond jubilee medals for their important contributions to Canada. For almost two decades these dispensaries have been transparent in their conduct with their local police forces and have been supported by their communities.

“The current Federal government is ignoring all of those well-informed bodies by threatening dispensaries with massive fines and jail time if they do not abandon their patients within two weeks, patients they have been supporting for almost twenty years”. CAMCD President Jamie Shaw said, “It would be unconscionable for these dispensaries to do so, and it is unconscionable Health Canada has asked them to.”

The current federal regulations for medical cannabis, the MMPR, do not currently serve the needs of all patients, and dispensaries still fill many important gaps. “It is distressing that the Conservative government would choose to address the holes in their system by taking this dramatic and unprecedented action,” Shaw said, “without actually addressing the needs of the very sick and suffering patients they have already failed.”

CAMCD is a non-profit trade association for medical cannabis dispensaries founded in 2011. Their Dispensary Certification Program is a rigorous accreditation program developed in part with the support of the UBC SEED Project, and funded by a Peter Wall Solutions Initiative.

 

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For media inquiries of questions please email us at [email protected]

Press Release: CAMCD Congratulates Vancouver On Vote

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Looks forward to public hearing

Vancouver, BC, April 28, 2015– Today, the Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries praised Councils 10-1 vote that moved the proposed dispensary regulations to a public hearing. “We’d like to congratulate the City of Vancouver for making this historic and necessary move,” said Jamie Shaw, the group’s President. “We understand the difficulties in trying to strike a balance between all of the various stakeholders and the needs of patients.”

“Vancouver has been a world leader in drug policy and harm reduction strategies for decades, and despite major obstacles, this is another bold step in reaffirming the principles laid out in its Four-Pillar policy”, Shaw said, “we’d like to offer our support in the coming months as we try to make these regulations work for patients, dispensaries, health authorities, and the residents of this great city.”

CAMCD looks forward to including these proposed regulations at our “Setting Roots” Networking Event on April 30, 2015 in Vancouver.

CAMCD is a non-profit trade association for medical cannabis dispensaries founded in 2011. Their Dispensary Certification Program is a rigorous accreditation program developed in part with the support of the UBC SEED Project, and funded by a Peter Wall Solutions Initiative.

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If you would like more information about this topic or the “Setting Roots” Networking Event, please contact Jamie Shaw (CAMCD President) by email at [email protected].

Download Press Release

CAMCD Dispensary Symposium, Vancouver 2014

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The Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries (CAMCD) and the Medical Cannabis: Standards, Engagement, Evaluation and Dissemination (SEED) Project are pleased to invite you to the 2014 CAMCD Dispensary Symposium. This is the final symposium in a series over the past 3 years held as part of the SEED Project, which is funded by the Peter Wall Solutions Initiative.

The 2014 CAMCD Dispensary Symposium will take place in downtown Vancouver on December 8th, 2014 10:00 am - 4:00pm at the UBC Robson Square Campus, 800 Robson St., HSBC Hall (C.680).

The Symposium includes a networking lunch, and there is no cost to attend, however you must reserve your spot by December 1st. (Registration is now closed)

Priority at this event will be given to dispensaries and others providing medical cannabis services to patients.

The 2014 CAMCD Dispensary Symposium is geared towards anyone interested in providing high-quality medical cannabis and related services to patients - including current dispensary operators and those planning on opening new dispensaries. It will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the CAMCD Certification Program and to network with like-minded professionals.

Event speakers will include leaders and experts of the medical cannabis industry.

Kirk Tousaw - Lawyer and social justice advocate
John Conroy - Lawyer
Dana Larsen - Sensible BC
Rielle Capler MHA, SEED Project Co-ordinator
Zach Walsh PhD, UBC, SEED Project Primary Investigator

Look for updates as more speakers are confirmed, please follow developments via the CAMCD website

Dispensaries will have the opportunity to register in the Certification Program at the event.

Please contact us with any questions or comments by e-mail at [email protected]

Update From SEED Project - Certification Baseline Report

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Earlier this month, the Standards, Engagement, Evaluation, and Dissemination(SEED) Project released its report assessing the current practices of dispensaries in the CAMCD Certification Program, and their progress towards fulfilling the Certification Standards. The report, prepared by Rielle Capler, Kim Crosby, and Zach Walsh, is a summary of the data collected during the Baseline Survey, and can be found here:

SEED Baseline Data Summary Report