Pasqua First Nation becomes major shareholder in medicinal cannabis company
Pasqua First Nation has become a major shareholder in Atlas Biotechnologies, an Edmonton-based medicinal cannabis company.
“With our investment, we’re part owner of the facility, and the manufacturing and the growing of the cannabis,” Chief Matthew T. Peigan of Pasqua First Nation said.
Pasqua First Nation (PFN) will also work with Atlas Biotechnologies on an Indigenous cannabis product line of topical creams, called Mino-Ahki— “Good Earth.”
“We basically isolated different compounds from the cannabis plant, and then we took different extracts from the traditional medicines that the First Nations people have used for hundreds of years, if not thousands of years, to be able to treat different ailments, and we basically combined those things,” said Sheldon Croome, CEO of Atlas Biotechnologies.
The creams will be used to treat muscle aches and pains, as well as acne and eczema.
“Some were sent out to our First Nation, [and] we distributed it to some of our elders for joint pains. And it worked quite well,” said Peigan.
The company aims to launch the topical creams in three to four months, and have them on shelves across Canada by the end of 2021 or early 2022.
“At the end of the day, we’re able to make some money that’s going to flow back into their community and help the people, not only the elders and the council, but really everyone who’s living within the community,” said Croome.
Going forward, Peigan said PFN will also look at long-term training plans to employ Indigenous people with the company, and potentially one day, opening an indoor growing facility in Saskatchewan.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.