How to get medical cannabis in Canada (from a licensed doctor)

Medical cannabis in Canada has been legal since 2001, long before an adult-use retail market came to be. But more than two decades later, there are still many misconceptions and questions about it.

The Cannabis Act came into force on October 17, 2018. Since that date, new regulations have replaced the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR).

Patients should know medical cannabis isn’t regulated the same way prescription medications are. There is no such thing as a “medical marijuana card” in Canada. There is nolonger a physical card to carry and patients do not have to register with Health Canada (unless they are growing).

In Canada, a place that will sell you cannabis directly is not a clinic. It’s a dispensary.

In most cases, you can’t just walk into your family doctor or go to a pharmacy. Instead, individuals can self-refer to a doctor who specializes in medical cannabis and register with as many mail-order providers (licensed producers) as they need, free of charge.

Since cannabis retail stores are plentiful, some patients don’t feel the need to see a doctor for their cannabinoid treatments. However, there are many advantages to using cannabis prescribed by a healthcare practitioner who is knowledgeable about its therapeutic uses.

Why get a medical cannabis authorization instead of shopping in retail stores?

• Physician guidance: When you’re prescribed cannabis, your treatment plan is tailor-made for you, taking into account your health issues, current medications, and level of comfort with cannabis. That takes the guesswork out of choosing the right dose, strain, or product.
• Workplace protections: A growing number of workplace insurance providers are covering medical cannabis used to treat conditions ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to multiple sclerosis and cancer.
• Tax deductions: Cannabis purchased through a licensed provider can be claimed as a medical expense on personal taxes. The provider must be on a Health Canada-approved list of medical practitioners.
• Higher possession limits: The limit for buying and possessing recreational cannabis outside your home is 30 grams, but the law is different for prescribed cannabis. Because it’s considered a medicine, you’re allowed to possess 30 times your daily prescription limit or 150 grams, whichever is less.
• Personal protection: Many people who use cannabis for a medical purpose related to a disability are legally protected from discriminatory treatment in employment, housing, services and other areas. (Those who seek accommodation related to cannabis use because of a disability are often required to provide medical or other information to support their case.)
• Compassionate pricing: People who are living on disability or are receiving aid from government subsidy programs are often eligible for compassionate pricing—which is a discount on producers’ cannabis products. Discounts commonly range from 10% to 30%.

The important role of medical cannabis doctors and clinics

If you are using cannabis to treat certain conditions or side effects, it is wise to consult with a doctor who understands cannabinoid treatment, as well as any interactions with prescription medications. The majority of medical cannabis patients in this country started their journey at an authorized clinic.

Contact one of the many specialty clinics that act as middlemen between doctors, patients and licensed producers. These clinics set up consultations with physicians who assess candidates for medical cannabis suitability and then write prescriptions (i.e. medical documents) for those who are suitable.