Canada House Clinics, formerly known as Marijuana For Trauma, was founded in 2013 by Canadian Forces veterans Fabian Henry and Mike Southwell.

Since its inception, the organization has focused on alternative treatment options for Canadians and veterans.

That mission is now expanding as the company has announced it has acquired Margaree Health Group Inc., a medical cannabis clinic that serves more than 350 veterans across Nova Scotia.

CHC has largely focused on treating post-combat conditions with cannabis, such as post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) and chronic pain, as well as offering clinical support and educational resources.

Veterans Affairs Canada estimates that up to 10 per cent of war zone veterans — including war-service veterans and peacekeeping forces — will experience PTSD.

Margaree also focuses on education, as well as helping veterans acquire medical cannabis documents and establishing treatment plans. It was created by the leadership team at True North Psychological Services, which operates four clinics across the province.

CHC has close to 6,000 active patients and will absorb Margaree’s patient base into its existing operations and Halifax clinic.

“We look forward to helping Margaree patients and working with True North professionals as a choice for their veteran patients who could benefit from medical cannabis,” said Alex Kroon, president of Canada House Clinics.

Dr. Mark Johnston of True North said the company was impressed by CHC’s veteran focus and willingness to donate to veteran causes, adding that True North spoke to several groups about potentially taking over Margaree’s cannabis prescribing.

“[CHC] is clearly the best choice to take over Margaree,” Johnston said. “We look forward to working with the CHC team in Nova Scotia.”

As part of the acquisition, CHC committed to further increase its contributions to veteran causes, and also announced a $10,000 donation to Veteran Voices of Canada.