Patient Access to Medical Cannabis is the Focus for 420

Licensed producer CannTrust to donate 25 per cent of its proceeds to patient advocacy groups in an effort to eliminate the stigma of medical cannabis use

VAUGHAN, ON, April 13, 2015 /CNW/ - This April, CannTrust, Canada's only pharmacist-controlled and operated producer of medical cannabis aims to de-stigmatize 420.

By donating 25 per cent of its proceeds from April 20^th until April 30^th, 2015 to its two national patient advocacy partners - FORCES & FAMILIES and the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network - CannTrust aims to shift the perception of 420 to that of awareness and understanding about medical cannabis use for patients across Canada.

"Every year on April 20^th, we see the same images of Canadians and others from around the world smoking pot and partaking in a variety of public spectacles, mostly for the cameras," says Norman Paul, Chairman of CannTrust.  "This 420, we want to start to elevate the day and make it more meaningful by working to eliminate the stigma most medical cannabis patients face and provoking dialogue about the important role medical cannabis plays in many patients' lives."

"One way to start changing the perception of medical cannabis is to help direct funds to the groups that help educate and inform patients about medical cannabis use," adds Paul. 

CannTrust's goal is that the proceeds from its sales during the 10-day awareness blitz will benefit patients directly through the funding of various programs that provide patients with the support they need and deserve.

"We are delighted CannTrust is taking the lead in de-stigmatizing 420 and generously sharing their proceeds with FORCES & FAMILIES and assisting us in our efforts to support those Canadians who have dedicated their lives for others," states FORCES & FAMILIES Chairman, John Randolph.

President and CEO of the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network, Jackie Manthorne, adds that it's important to initiate a discussion on a day that tends to only focus on the recreational side of marijuana: "Living with cancer is a long and involved journey for many patients, their caregivers and families. We know that some cancer patients aren't considering medical cannabis to help control their pain and other symptoms either because of the stigma or lack of patient access. Now, with the help of CannTrust, cancer and other chronic disease patient communities across Canada are working towards removing the stigma of medical cannabis use."

About CannTrust Inc.
CannTrust received its license to distribute medical cannabis to patients in February 2015. Based in Vaughan, Ontario, CannTrust is committed to producing the highest quality pharmaceutical grade cannabis; promoting evidence based clinical research; and providing exceptional customer support. CannTrust has invested in its state-of-art hydroponic facility and onsite laboratory equipped with leading-edge technology, and has an exceptional team of pharmacists, nurses, scientists, laboratory technicians, master growers and call centre specialists.

With patient access as the focus, the company provides the most comprehensive patient assistance program for patients with financial needs in Canada. In addition, CannTrust places an emphasis on patient education and the elimination of social barriers through numerous initiatives and partnerships.

For more information, visit CannTrust or call 1-855-RX4-CANN (794-2266).

SOURCE CannTrust Inc.