In a move that appears to signal their wish to be ready for marketing medical marijuana just ahead of legalization in early 2018, Canada’s largest drug store chain, Shoppers Drug Mart, recently posted a job opportunity for a Sr. Brand Manager, Medical Cannabis. The job posting is seen as optimistic, as current federal law only allows consumers mail order purchase of medical cannabis from licensed growers.
It is known that LCBO in Ontario will operate separate storefronts for dispensing recreational marijuana. Quebec and News Brunswick have made some announcements of similar plans, but it is yet to be announced if pharmacies and other retailers will be able to distribute medical or recreational marijuana.
Traditionally, Shoppers’ parent company, Loblaw Companies Ltd., often strategizes to “lead the charge” on new products, and they applied for licensing to distribute cannabis back in October 2016.
Shoppers Drug Mart advertised that the successful candidate will use their marketing and business background to “coordinate with cross functional teams, external vendors and consultants to help promote and execute the formulary, clinical guidelines, marketing plan, regulatory requirements, market access strategy, and physician outreach strategy” for the cannabis market.
Previous statements by Loblaw said they were only interested in medical marijuana, and it appears they expect licensing to include dispensation through pharmacies by prescription.
