Cannabis retailer Ingram & Sons in Vankleek Hill is partnering with Apothecare, a pharmacist-led consultation service, to better support customers using cannabis for medical use and wellness. Through the collaboration, consumers can receive personalized advice from trained healthcare professionals on managing conditions such as pain, sleep disorders, and mental health issues.
Apothecare co-founder Anushya Vijayaraghevan explained that the pharmacist-led initiative was formed to provide Canadians with a dedicated cannabis consultation program. Both Vijayaraghevan and co-founder Ajay Chahal graduated from the University of Toronto’s Doctor of Pharmacy program in 2018, the year cannabis was legalized in Canada.
She said the team wanted to address the lack of public awareness, “We dug into the data and research available on cannabis and its medical uses and noticed that much of the public was not aware of its potential use as part of holistic practices. We noticed a gap, so we aimed to provide this unique service.”
Vijayaraghevan highlighted that Canada has a complex process for accessing medical cannabis, requiring physician authorization, licensed producers, and minimum purchase thresholds for delivery.
Their partnership with Ingram & Sons combines certified healthcare consultations with the expertise of budtenders at the cannabis retailer.
Ingram & Sons owner Brad Ingram said that through discussions with other cannabis retailers and general frustrations over the current regulations, he sought to collaborate with Apothecare.
“This service will be essential; it connects our customers to a team of pharmacists and provides a personalized healthcare program using cannabis. Since we can’t legally help with healthcare issues, Apothecare representatives allow us to fill that need for our customers,” Ingram said.
“We’ve noticed that the elderly population is becoming more open to using cannabis products for health and wellness, including topicals or oils for pain,” Vijayaraghevan said.
Apothecare pharmacists build a personalized medical profile based on information collected in the 30-minute consultation at a cost of $75, and examine the inventory at Ingram & Sons. Additional consultations are available at $50 for follow-ups, with receipts provided for private health insurance and tax purposes. Cannabis consultation services are not currently covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Top concerns for those seeking help through medical cannabis include chronic pain, sleep disorders, and mental health issues such as anxiety.
“We work to continue breaking down the stigma around cannabis. It’s not just about smoking joints. This partnership will help us do so by emphasizing that cannabis use is not solely about getting high,” Ingram said. “The plant has been used for thousands of years for various medical ailments.”
Both Vijayaraghevan and Ingram stressed the importance of this service being available in rural communities like Vankleek Hill because of its large senior population. Additionally, they want to provide another healthcare option for those who may not have access to a family doctor or cannot access one due to accessibility or mobility issues.
“Some patients might not like the side effects of the medication they are currently taking. They may consider cannabis but not know where to begin,” Vijayaraghevan said.
Apothecare services are available for citizens in Ontario, with plans to expand to nationwide access in the future. Vijayaraghevan explained that though they are only working with Ontario retailers, individuals from Québec or other provinces can still make use of the initiative. “They would be required to use the service in Ontario at one of the retailers we have partnered with, but anyone visiting the province is welcome to explore our options.”
Ingram & Sons has recently updated its website and is now offering delivery services for customers in the region.
