The good folks at Health Canada announced yesterday that they have given approval for the sale of Sativex in our country. Sativex is a drug derived from cannabis to treat multiple sclerosis-related nerve pain:

This week’s approval of Sativex marked the world’s first cannabis-based drug to reach the market, according to the drug’s U.K.-based manufacturer, GW Pharmaceuticals….The drug is dispensed via a spray, which is delivered under the tongue or on the inside of the cheek. Potential side effects can include nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and reactions at the site where the drug is sprayed. However, the drug will not induce the type of intoxication associated with smoking marijuana.

So that’s definitely good news for people suffering from MS. I think it’s interesting to note that the announcement was made on April 20th, which is apparently International Smoke Weed Day (or 420). Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find an official link or website, just a few blog postings. I wish I could find out some more information on it – first heard about “smoke weed day” from Kim. Apparently it’s a word-of-mouth celebration!

Read: Red Herring