Alberta-based medical marijuana company, Atlas Biotechnologies Inc. and its subsidiary Atlas Growers Ltd., is partnering with Harvard University to research the effectiveness of medical marijuana, with a focus on pain and other neurological conditions.

Looking to expand awareness about medical uses for cannabis and help potential patients navigate the registration process, CannTrustHoldings Inc. (TSX: TRST; NYSE: CTST) just launched a new web portalfor Ontario residents. 

That portal was launched in conjunction with online pharmacy resource Well.ca and nurse practitioner-led clinic O Cannabis. 

Currently restricted for potential patients in Ontario, CannTrust and Well.ca stated the service is expected to roll out for more provinces in the near future. For now, interested Ontario residents can setup a video consultation with a nurse at this location. 

Despite the discovery of a "product resembling cannabis" that was actually carfentanil, there are no documented cases of opioids being found in marijuana in Canada, according to the Ontario Harm Reduction Network (OHRN).

Some public health organizations and police forces have issued the warnings after the substance — which, despite looking like cannabis from a distance, actually contains no marijuana — was discovered in southern Ontario.

However, Thunder Bay Drug Strategy coodinator Cynthia Olsen said the OHRN has issued a statement about the substance out of concern that the warnings are giving the impression that cannabis containing opioids has been found in Canada.

That has not been the case, Olsen said.

The use of CBD as an ingredient in many treatments and even foods have become an unstoppable trend. Although, various companies were unwilling to sell CBD and related products due to its legal implications, according to Forbes, the financial services company, Square have started to take a slightly different approach. A Square representative spoke to Forbes about how the payment processing service has started to accept payments for specific CBD products.

Legalization in North America has raised many questions. For example, can you take cannabis to your hotel room when on vacation? The age of cannabis legalization is most certainly upon us, with Canada being the most recent on the list to legalize the herb for both medical and recreational. However, in most states where cannabis is legal, on whatever level, consumption is limited to private spaces; usually at home.

Even in states where cannabis is legal, it’s not alright to light up a joint in a club, bar or restaurant, or any similar public space. This doesn’t apply across the board, but for the most part, people enjoy their cannabis in the comfort of their own home.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) recently announced that it would be pledging nearly $24.5 million to support marijuana research in the country. Reportedly, the funds will help support twenty-six projects throughout Canada “that cover topics such as the use of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) oil for the treatment of anxiety and pain.”

Furthermore, the CIHR said that the funding “will also support research teams that will explore the therapeutic potential of marijuana in areas such as chronic pain, cancer and neurodevelopment.”

The two primary reasons for Canada’s investment in cannabis research are:

When legal cannabis debuted in Canada last year, some users were shocked by the amount of packaging required to deliver mere grams of Kush. Naturally, where this packaging ends up after being delivered—be that to a retail location, provincial retailer or customer—became a bit of a head-scratcher for many people.

It’s no secret cannabis can be used as a treatment for a number of psychical and psychological conditions. The plant has been used for thousands of years throughout various cultures to manage ailments like joint pain, muscle inflammation, and insomnia. It’s hardly a surprise, then, that a number of athletes have turned to weed for post-game and -training relief.

As perceptions shift, research spikes, and legalization gains traction throughout a number of regions across North America, several professional athletic associations are also changing their tune. Where once a number of these regulatory organizations relegated weed to the "banned substances" list, now they are investing in cannabis research for player wellness.

Canopy Growth Corp. has signed a deal to buy skin-care company This Works for $73.8 million in cash.

The Ontario-based cannabis company says This Works will be part of its entry into the natural wellness industry and boost its international presence.

Based in London, This Works offers a range of natural skin-care and sleep products. CBD, or cannabidiol, a compound derived from hemp and marijuana, is increasingly being used in a variety of products that tout health benefits.

Canopy Growth says it will help This Works with the development of a new line of skin care and sleep solution products infused with CBD.

This Works chief executive Anna Persaud is expected to remain at the helm of operations after the acquisition.

When marijuana became legal across Canada last October, it became a little easier for recreational users to access cannabis.

First, you could buy it online and as of April 1st, you could purchase it legally at a handful of brick and mortar stores.

But for years, the 330,000 Canadians with medicinal cannabis prescriptions have been tied to their mailboxes, ordering online and waiting for the delivery.

They can’t get their prescriptions filled at a pharmacy, and instead have to rely on non-medical professionals to help them ascertain if there are potential adverse reactions to other medications they’re taking.