EDMONTON—An Edmonton company that will soon be a world leader in cannabis production is now offering medical pot coverage for its employees.

Aurora Cannabis Inc. announced a new benefits plan Monday that will include coverage for medical marijuana authorized by a physician or nurse effective Aug. 1.

The plan will be administered by Sun Life Financial.

“There was a firm belief that it was the right thing to do,” Aurora spokesperson Heather MacGregor said.

“I think it speaks to a recognition of cannabis as a medicine, and that employee health and well-being require that kind of coverage.”

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Sun Life added medical marijuana as an option for benefit plans starting March 1, ranging from $1,500 to $6,000 per covered person a year, after the Toronto-based insurance company heard rising interest from employers.

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Coverage is available for specific conditions and symptoms associated with cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, HIV-AIDS, and palliative care.

Canadians for Fair Access to Medical Marijuana estimate an average dose of about two grams a day for dried cannabis costs patients upwards of $500 a month.

Aurora is already a major supplier of medical cannabis, shipping to more than 65,000 patients worldwide, including many in booming European markets where workers have an easier time getting coverage.

Most forms of medical cannabis do not have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) in Canada, which leaves it subject to taxation and exempts it from most health coverage plans.

A handful of private employers, including Loblaw and the Arthritis Society, have started offering coverage for certain conditions.

“There is still a lot of advocacy work to be done,” MacGregor said. “We’re very proud of the fact that we are taking this step for Aurora employees, and we will continue to advocate for patients who don’t have coverage.”

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Company officials said the Aurora Sky cannabis production facility near Edmonton will be producing up to 8,000 kilograms a month by January and medical users will remain its top priority.

MacGregor said while employees will be able to get their cannabis from Aurora, that will not be a requirement of their coverage.

According to Health Canada, Sativex is the only drug using whole botanical extracts from cannabis that has a DIN and is authorized for sale in Canada. Cesamet, a synthetic analog of THC, is also available in capsule form.

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