CMCIA Changes Name to Cannabis Canada Association - Evolution to Prepare for Both Medical and Consumer Cannabis Markets

OTTAWA, May 18, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Medical Cannabis Industry Association (CMCIA) is pleased to announce that its member Licensed Producers have voted to change the Association's name to Cannabis Canada Association (Cannabis Canada). The change is designed to reflect the Association's evolving mandate, in view of the Canadian government's announcement of plans to introduce legislation, in spring 2017, to legalize the consumer (non-medical) use of cannabis. Despite the evolution, the Association is still strongly committed to the importance of a robust and distinct medical cannabis industry.

"The Canadian cannabis landscape is evolving rapidly, and so is the scope of our Association's work with government and a multitude of stakeholders throughout the sector," said Colette Rivet, Executive Director. "As Cannabis Canada, we are positioned to continue to be an authoritative source of accurate, balanced information, and the primary representative of the regulated cannabis industry – both for Canada's existing medical cannabis system, and for the future legal and regulated consumer system."

New logo and tagline

In addition to the new name, the Association has adopted a new logo and a new tagline: "Licensed, regulated and trusted."

"Our logo represents the strong partnerships that we have established within the regulated cannabis industry, and is symbolized by the four linked "C's" from both our English and French names; the graphic suggests the cannabis flower itself," said Ms. Rivet. "The tagline differentiates us from other cannabis-related organizations, and reflects our members' heavy investment in regulatory compliance, and especially their commitment to product quality, safety and consistency."

The members of the Association met in January 2016 and developed a strategic plan for the next five years. The potential legalization of cannabis for consumer use was considered, along with the imperative of continued access and affordability of medical cannabis in the future. The Association well understands that public health and public safety are paramount in the use of cannabis and, thus, quality and safe products must be accessible by patients and other consumers. As a result of these considerations, the mandate of the Association has now expanded to include the full breadth of the current and future regulated cannabis industry.

Membership to be expanded beyond Licensed Producers

Association membership will also be opened to embrace a wider range of stakeholders. To date, only Licensed Producers are members of Cannabis Canada Association. From this point forward, additional organizations will be welcomed to apply for membership in the following categories: Associate Members, Partners, Supporters and Donors. By working together, we can focus on continuously improving the regulated cannabis industry for Canadians.

About Cannabis Canada Association

Cannabis Canada Association, formerly known as the Canadian Medical Cannabis Industry Association (CMCIA), represents the majority of cannabis producers licensed under Health Canada's Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR).

Cannabis Canada Association's mission is to act as the national voice for our members in their promotion of industry standards, and support the development, growth and integrity of the regulated cannabis industry. The Association serves as a trusted resource on issues related to the safe and responsible use of cannabis for medical and non-medical purposes.

The Association shares a philosophy of both patient-centric care and improved public health, and is committed to product safety and quality, secure and reliable access and the promotion of the safe and effective use of cannabis. www.cann-can.ca

SOURCE Cannabis Canada Association

Image with caption: "Logo : Cannabis Canada Association (CNW Group/Cannabis Canada Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160518_C3537_PHOTO_EN_693393.jpg

For further information: Colette Rivet, Executive Director, Cannabis Canada Association, colette.rivet@cann-can.ca, 613.407.1080; Cam Battley, Chair, Advocacy Committee, Cannabis Canada Association, cam.battley@cann-can.ca, 905.864.5525