Nearly a quarter of a million patients are signed up for medical marijuana in Canada, compared with about 30,000 just two years ago.  That number is growing steadily every month, according to Health Canada. Private growers licensed by Health Canada to sell to medical users will also supply the recreational pot market. Many growers are expanding as fast as they can and Health Canada is approving licences more quickly with the department streamlining the procedure for obtaining them and hiring more staff.

Considering there may not be enough marijuana for everyone by July 2018, when the federal government has promised recreational pot will be legal, should supply be prioritized for users of medical marijuana? The speaker will outline the benefits medical marijuana, in its many forms, provides for people to manage pain and suffering – and its limitations. He will also address potential issues concerning the pending legalization of cannabis in Canada.

Speaker: Dr. Ife Abiola

Dr. Abiola began his postsecondary training at the University of Lethbridge where he majored in Biological Science and Behavioral Ecology. He published his works in journals related to Behavioral Ecology and Animal Behavior through the University of Lethbridge Biology Department. Working out of U of L President Dr. Bill Cade’s laboratory, Dr. Abiola was a featured lecturer in the Dan Otte Symposium in 2009.

Dr. Abiloa then transitioned into medicine completing his basic science, tropical medicine and infectious disease certification in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia at Spartan Health University School of Medicine and his clinical rotations in Chicago, Illinois. After focusing on Internal Medicine and Interventional Pain Management, Dr. Abiola began working at Chicago’s Norwegian American Hospital and Madison Clinic where he worked in the Suboxone (Buprenorphine) program for patients suffering from opiate dependency in 2014.

In 2016, Dr. Abiola began working in Calgary and Lethbridge clinics that facilitates patients acquiring medical cannabis for medical purposes and he is excited for the future of the industry in regards to healthcare.

Moderator: Larry Elford

Date: Thursday, November 9, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $14.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) RSVP is not necessary

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