- By Howard Cheung, Account Executive, Immix Group /August 10, 2018
In Canada this year, we’ve seen much progress and many changes with regard to cannabis legislation. At Immix Group, we are committed to providing active updates to you on the legalization of cannabis – and how this may change the healthcare landscape. As part of keeping you up to date on where the industry is heading, we attended the recent Vancouver Cannabis Trade Show.
Here’s our report to you:
At the show, we observed very professional-looking vendors and producers of cannabis derivatives such as oils, creams and topical balms. Cannabis-infused pet products were also a big hit. I even found one vendor selling what seemed to be designer wooden sunglasses – only later to find out that these glasses are designed to block out the harsh lights often used to grow marijuana.
Overall, our impression was that the industry is aiming to become mainstream. One day soon, you will likely find topical cannabis balms on the shelves at London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart.
Surprisingly, there was zero trace of cannabis scent. Note that at the time of writing this report, cannabis will be legal in Canada on October 17, 2018. And while a certain demographic is concerned about the psychedelic effects of cannabis, we found that many vendors are trying to target and capture the healthcare market for pain management and healthcare alternatives. Their focus is to cure or alleviate ailments such as migraines, headaches, arthritis, stress, anxiety and stiff back and muscles.
One thing is for sure. Things are changing in the Canadian healthcare system! Medical cannabis could definitely play a role in positively impacting the medical industry. Vendors could soon provide a low-cost alternative in easing various types of illness and pain. In Vancouver especially, the demographics and culture seem to match well with the adoption of medical cannabis.
When do you think your family doctor will start to recommend medical cannabis as an alternative healthcare solution? Or have they already? Let us know! We’re interested to hear from you.
If you have any questions about our benefit programs and medical cannabis coverage, feel free to contact us: howard@immixgroup.ca
