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The Canadian government is reportedly set to introduce legislation that will legalise the use of recreational marijuana for people aged 18+ years. A regulated and legal market is expected to be in place by 1st July 2018 — Canada Day. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told journalists earlier this month that while he wanted to gain control of the profits made by the criminal marijuana market and put them to use in helping people with drug problems, the main aim is to help prevent children accessing it, citing how alcohol laws show how controls and regulations are effective.

A new study has discovered that contact lenses could one day help people with diabetes, monitor their blood sugar levels.

People with diabetes regularly monitor their blood sugar by pricking their fingertip to draw blood and using a small device to measure their blood sugar levels. However, according to Gregory Herman, a chemical engineer at Oregon State University, the proposed contact lenses would give people a much easier method of measuring blood sugar levels. No drawn blood required, just the wearing of contact lenses.

Former president of NZSMI, Anish Patel has been on the board for 5 years. Patel has worked for Bayer since 2009 and will soon cross the ditch to Sydney to become Bayer’s Head of Business Development and Strategy in Consumer Health.

What are the biggest issues facing consumer healthcare products, in New Zealand and globally?

I believe one of the biggest issues currently in New Zealand is the passing of the natural health products bill. The bill has already been under discussion for over four years in government, so you have to wonder if and when any substantial changes will be made. There are obviously many interested parties and agendas around the bill. Many claims are being made about natural products, many of which I believe are unsubstantiated.