Medicinal cannabis dispensary Epican Jamaica is joining the fight against breast cancer during October, recognised internationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The local cannabis house has changed the colour of the cannabis leaves on its swish logo to pink. Internationally, the pink ribbon represents hope for the future, and the charitable goodness of people and businesses that publicly support the breast cancer movement.

“We have decided to stand in solidarity with those affected by the disease because the fight requires a village, it requires a team, strong support and consistent positive reinforcement,” Epican’s head of marketing Jermaine Bibbons explained. “Here at Epican we understand the challenges that accompany this disease and pledge our commitment to doing all we can to help shoulder the burden.”

In addition to the month-long logo change, the brand will add specially designed pink T-shirts to its already existing catalogue of Epican merchandise with part proceeds going directly to the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS). Epican has also committed a massive team of staff, influencers and customers to participate in the annual ICWI Pink Run which is staged to raise awareness and much needed funds for the cancer society’s Reach to Recovery.

Reach to Recovery, an affiliate arm of the JCS, provides emotional, psychological and financial support to breast cancer survivors.

“Team Epican is set to make a significant impact through the Pink Run. Not only will we show up in our numbers to participate but we will also be providing support through sponsorship. We will set up a pink station to educate and familiarise the general public with the effects and uses of CBD and CBD products as part of the management or treatment of cancer. A major part of our mandate is to drive cannabis education,” continued Bibbons.

Epican Medicinals currently stocks a wide range of CBD, oils, syringes and strains.

Epican operates and maintains its own farm facility in the Blue Mountains, just over an acre, with seven greenhouses and other assets in place. The company has plans for even more expansion with a larger farm facility in the near future.

“Farming marijuana is something that has been done locally for years, so now that there is legislation in place to support, that is a good thing. However, the costs associated with doing everything up to the code, to make sure everything is above board is very expensive, so I think to facilitate smaller farmers, just entering the industry, it would do well with a reduction,” CEO Karibe McKenzie said earlier this year.

He said Epican’s customers are guaranteed the best products, as the company has gone to great lengths to secure quality strains, employees and facilities that reflect the overall direction of the brand.

“We do everything, from security to avoid contamination, to maintaining temperature controls, shifting the plants around, reaping at the right time and other strategies to ensure that our customers get the very best when they purchase in store. Our employees are knowledgeable and well trained to guide the purchase decision and make the whole experience pleasurable,” said McKenzie.