SMITHS FALLS, ON, Dec. 13, 2016 /CNW/ - After a preliminary
review of the findings of the special Task Force which today
released recommendations on the regulation of recreational
cannabis, Bruce Linton, Chairman and
CEO of Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: CGC) wishes to issue the
following statement:
"This report is good news for Canadians and in our view
provides a strong policy framework for the government to
consider. Most importantly, we think it confirms that the
current medical system for production is working and should form
the backbone of ongoing production into the future. It
recognizes the value of limited grow-at-home and diversity of
producers and access methods, all things we support as a
Company. It also recognizes that the existing mail order
system has merit as an ongoing complementary distribution system
reaching all Canadians conveniently and securely."
"We have concerns that the Task Force is recommending no
differentiated tax regime for medical and recreational sales, which
has the potential to unduly burden cannabis patients. A path
forward to insurance coverage must also remain a top priority for
Canadian policymakers. Cannabis access can only truly be achieved
if barriers to affordability are removed."
"On branding, we certainly agree with the need to limit
promotion of cannabis, particularly anything that promotes the
product to children or encourages irresponsible
consumption. In our view, however, cannabis is not the same as
tobacco or alcohol and merits its own carefully considered
framework. Packaging debates are driven by public health concerns
and rules surrounding packaging and promotion need to be balanced
against cannabis's unique existence in the black market and the
relative harms it presents to society and youth."
"Lastly, on the topic of 'corporate cannabis', we are proud of
the hundreds of jobs we have created, the millions of dollars we
have spent in Canadian communities building world-class production
facilities, the thousands of doctors and researchers we have
visited, the tens of thousands of patients we serve, and that we
are building an innovative global cannabis company based right here
in Canada. Our investments result
in improved support, variety and quality for Canadian customers and
we are proud to always seek to advance the dialogue on cannabis
policy. We are privileged to be a part of this exciting change, and
look forward to expanding on our contributions in this sector over
the months and years to come."
"Many details still need to be worked through but this appears
to be a very promising start to a successful Canadian policy
framework, and we are thankful to the Task Force for their hard
work in bringing concise policy recommendations forward on a very
complex issue."
SOURCE Canopy Growth Corporation