Shoppers Drug Mart applies to be a distributor of medical marijuana
TORONTO — Shoppers Drug Mart has submitted an application to distribute medical marijuana — a move that, if permitted, could change how patients get access to the drug.
But although the pharmacy chain says allowing it to dispense cannabis would improve patient care, some industry players are voicing concerns that users could face higher prices and have access to fewer strains.
Federal regulations only allow registered patients to buy cannabis directly from licensed producers, who send the product to clients by mail.
That means that even if Shoppers Drug Mart’s application is approved, Canada’s largest pharmacy chain won’t be permitted to sell medical marijuana through its stores unless Ottawa revises the rules.