With the rise of cannabis use for health and wellness, one company is stepping in to provide much-needed professional guidance. Apothecare, a pharmacist-led cannabis consultation service, is bridging the gap for Canadians seeking safe and informed cannabis use alongside conventional medicine.

“We saw a gap in care when cannabis was legalized in 2018,” said Anushya Vijayaraghevan, lead pharmacist and co-founder of Apothecare. “Consumers were walking into retail cannabis stores for health reasons but couldn’t access professional advice, as budtenders aren’t legally allowed to provide medical guidance. That’s where Apothecare steps in.”

Apothecare offers personalized, evidence-based consultations through its virtual platform. Using the Jane app, the company provides services across Ontario and is actively expanding nationwide. The consultations, conducted via phone or video, help clients navigate cannabis use safely, considering drug interactions, contraindications, and overall health goals.

Filling a Critical Need for Older Adults and Veterans

Vijayaraghevan shared insights into the demographics of Apothecare’s clients. “The average age of our patients is 61,” she explained. “Many are on four or more prescription medications, underscoring the need for professional oversight. Older adults are becoming more open to cannabis as the stigma fades, but they need proper guidance to avoid harmful interactions.”

Veterans, in particular, have emerged as a key focus for Apothecare. “Canada is home to nearly half a million veterans, 40% of whom are over 65,” Vijayaraghevan said. “Forty-five percent of veterans treated for mental health conditions turn to cannabis, often after leaving military service. Unfortunately, many rely on trial and error to find products because there’s limited access to knowledgeable healthcare professionals.”

To address this, Apothecare recently launched free wellness consultations tailored to veterans. “We want to make it accessible for them,” she emphasized. “Many family doctors aren’t educated in cannabis use and avoid discussing it, leaving veterans without guidance. Our services are here to support them with evidence-based care.”

Retail Partnerships Driving Growth

While Apothecare operates virtually, it maintains strong partnerships with retail cannabis stores. “We collaborate with retailers who refer customers needing health and wellness guidance,” said Vijayaraghevan. “Currently, we’re focused in Ontario . . . We’re also in talks with larger banners to expand our services further.”

These partnerships allow Apothecare to integrate its services seamlessly into the retail experience, ensuring that consumers have access to professional advice alongside their purchases.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Apothecare aims to continue expanding its reach while advocating for greater education and resources in the healthcare space. “Cannabis can be an effective tool for health and wellness, but it must be used responsibly,” said Vijayaraghevan. “Our goal is to empower Canadians with the knowledge and guidance they need to make informed decisions.”

With its unique pharmacist-led model, Apothecare is setting a new standard for cannabis care, ensuring that consumers—especially vulnerable populations like older adults and veterans—have access to safe, evidence-based support.