A Canadian health and technology company is circulating a petition pushing for a plan to offer certain patients national coverage for medical cannabis.

Cannalogue, said to be the recipient of Health Canada’s first direct-to-sales licence for medical cannabis, has launched a petition that urges Ottawa to ensure “disadvantaged groups such as seniors, those with disabilities and individuals below the poverty line” have access to drug coverage that extends to medical cannabis.

Called United For Action, a company statement notes the petition was sparked by the toll that the worldwide coronavirus pandemic has had on marginalized groups in Canada who are also more likely to experience financial issues affecting their access to medical cannabis.

Cannalogue is hopeful it can convince Health Canada to include medical cannabis in the insurance coverage program for groups in need, such as low-income households. “These are some of the most challenging times for Canadians — especially those who suffer from chronic conditions such as pain or anxiety,” Dr. Mohan Cooray, president and CEO of Cannalogue, says in a press release.

“Removing the barriers that prevent access to medical cannabis is the fundamental goal of Cannalogue and this petition will help us ensure that disadvantaged groups, including those below the poverty line, get the medications they need,” Dr. Cooray emphasizes.

The company paints a dire picture of what could happen if Canadians cannot afford their physician-prescribed pot.

“More than 50 per cent of Canadians are not able to afford treatment with medical cannabis, including CBD for conditions such as chronic pain.” / Photo: Getty Images / Photo: Getty Images

“More than 50 per cent of Canadians are not able to afford treatment with medical cannabis, including CBD for conditions such as chronic pain,” notes the petition’s text. “Due to COVID-19, Cannalogue anticipates these figures will worsen given the economic challenges facing Canadians. The doctors at Cannalogue believe this will cause a spike in opioid prescriptions, resulting in more opioid related addictions and deaths,” the petition adds.

Gerald Major, president and board chair of Medical Cannabis Canada, formerly Canadians for Fair Access to Marijuana, says that affordability is key to providing access to cannabinoid-based treatments for Canadians.

“Cost continues to be one of the most substantial barriers facing patients using cannabis for medical purposes, and there is an unmet need for patients to receive expanded access to insurance coverage for their treatment,” Major notes in a statement.

“To address these issues, collaboration across industry, government and the non-profit sector is essential, and we are excited to see this petition put pressure towards change,” he adds.