WINNIPEG — A federal judge struck down regulations on medicinal marijuana users from growing their own cannabis on Wednesday. Judge Michael Phelan in Vancouver ruled existing regulations infringed on charter rights.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made promises to legalize and regulate marijuana during his election campaign.
Now, large retailers like London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart are reportedly looking into dispensary options if marijuana is decriminalized by the federal government.
RELATED: London Drugs, other major retailers look into selling medical marijuana
Alan Austin, a spokesperson for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, whose members include London Drugs and Rexall, said should the federal government decriminalize marijuana, pharmacies should place a big role in creating dispensaries and regulating the drug.
“Pharmacists are experts at medicinal management and drug interaction and should certainly be involved,” said Austin.
Shoppers Drug Mart echoed the sentiment, adding that “dispensing medical marijuana through pharmacy, like other medications, is the safest option.”
RELATED: Majority of Canadians support decriminalizing marijuana: poll
Glenn Price is the owner of Your Medical Cannabis Headquarters in Winnipeg. He said he disagreed with retailer involvement should there be changes to federal law.
“If pharmaceutical companies are involved, they’re doing it for money. They’re not doing it for compassion and for the community,” said Price.
Winnipeg Police said it will continue to enforce existing laws surrounding legality and possession surrounding marijuana.