It’s no secret that cannabis — also known as “marijuana,” “pot,” and in some circles, “whacky tabacky” — isn’t just for so-called “stoners.” With its powerful chemical compounds, it has been found to provide a variety of fantastic medical benefits — some of which remain to be researched. However, due to stringent restrictions on this plant and its use, it can be incredibly difficult for global corporations to orchestrate cannabis-based studies.
Luckily, Canada provides a beacon of hope for those hoping to explore the merits of cannabis. Due to marijuana’s federal legality in this country, Canada offers a unique opportunity for these inquiries.
Read on to weed out the benefits of conducting clinical cannabis research in Canada.
Why Canada?
At KGK, we’re firm believers in what we’ve termed the “Canadian Advantage.” Simply put, this idea suggests that in reviewing studies on natural health products (NHPs) and pharmaceuticals, Health Canada provides a more rigorous authorization process than other federal departments of health. While other governing bodies, such as the US FDA, do not require regulatory reviews of trial designs, Health Canada necessitates that studies be scrutinized by both itself and the Research Ethics Board. This means that any clinical trial conducted in this country has been deemed as both safe and scientifically sound, raising it to an internationally-advanced degree of quality.
Of course, these standards also benefit Canadian cannabis studies. But the upsides of researching cannabis in Canada don’t end there: here, the legality of marijuana provides a unique opportunity for its scientific investigation. Not only is the Canadian government now encouraging clinical research to be conducted on cannabis, but Health Canada has also established a clear regulatory framework that allows for the (relatively) rapid approval of proposed trials.
Conversely, states in which cannabis is federally illegal (like the US) have made its medical investigation exceedingly troublesome. The FDA and the DEA, for example, have imposed strict barriers against researchers seeking federal approval for marijuana-centred studies. Now, they require all cannabis research to be approved by the National Institute on Drug Abuse — and that scientists jump through hoops to receive licensing and governmental consent. Ultimately, this stifles the progression of scientific and medical efforts in this sector, slowing the movement and undertaking of these studies.
KGK: Blazing the Trail
While Canada itself is a wonderful environment in which to study cannabis, KGK takes it one step further. We have more than a budding interest in this category: our team is comprised of scientists and industry experts who are passionate about the medical benefits of marijuana. When compounded with our 22 years of clinical experience and our use of advanced technologies, choosing us to conduct your cannabis trials is no hazy decision.
Through our experience in the nutraceutical space, we have gained valuable experience in studying botanical products — and the complications that may arise during this process. Additionally, we have a reliable command of pharmacokinetic studies, allowing us to asses novel delivery technologies in the cannabis industry. With these tools, we are able to efficiently examine the considerable health and wellness applications of products containing cannabinoids.
If you’re looking to get deep into the weeds of cannabis research, KGK is a great place to begin. Together, we’ll kickstart your trial — in ventures of this sort, we’re sure to be your best buds.
Andrew Charrette
Andrew Charrette leads the regulatory affairs division of KGK Science and has an in-depth knowledge of cannabis regulations in North America and Europe. He has experience in submitting Cannabis Research License applications to Health Canada under the new Cannabis Act, organizing over 50 entries to date. Additionally, he has provided consulting for numerous product claims, as well as NDIN and GRAS supplications to the FDA.
Andrew received his undergraduate degree in Pharmacology and Physiology from the University of Western Ontario, and later obtained a Master’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Ottawa.