How To Get Medical Cannabis In Canada?
Some jurisdictions have a list of conditions that patients should meet to obtain a legal, medical cannabis prescription. The process is more individualized in Canada. If you want to try medical cannabis and your physician agrees to give you a prescription, you qualify. Medical cannabis can be used to treat multiple sclerosis, PTSD, cancer, fibromyalgia, ADHD, insomnia, chronic back pain, depression, and anxiety in most cannabis clinics. People with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, individuals under 25 years old, nursing and pregnant women, people taking antiviral drugs and patients with a family or personal psychosis history or substance disorder are usually not given cannabis unless there are justifying conditions that require treatment using medical cannabis.
How to Get Medical Cannabis
You have to get the support of your physician first. When you visit your doctor, make sure that you recognize your symptoms and explain how you want to use or how you’re using cannabis to manage these symptoms. Your physician will want to know how you use cannabis and its effects on your well-being.
You also need to tell your physician whether you are eating, smoking, or using cannabis to relieve your symptoms. Explain how often and how much you’re using medical marijuana in grams daily. You have to create a list of therapies and medicines you’ve tried for your symptoms and determine which one worked and which didn’t. Sign the Release Form from the CMPA (Canadian Medical Protective Association). The CMPA will serve as the insurer of the doctor. Signing the form may reduce some of the physician’s concerns regarding liability. This form isn’t required to get an authorization to buy cannabis, but it may help in getting your doctor’s support for your application.
To know what Health Canada forms you need to complete, go to Health Canada’s official website. Your application should be accompanied by 2 passport sized photos, which will be used on an ID card issued to people allowed to possess cannabis. You can show the card to a police officer as proof that you are allowed to possess cannabis.
Processing Time
Health Canada will acknowledge the application receipt within 3 to 5 weeks of getting it and will determine if you’ve provided all of the required information. They give priority to applications from patients who have terminal conditions. Processing time differs for each applicant. It varies depending on the nature of the patient’s condition, and whether Health Canada has received all of the required information. This can take several months. Applicants who passed the assessment will be informed in writing.
After getting your prescription, you have to register with a licensed producer to get your medical marijuana legally. Once you have registered, you can place your order online or through phone, and post or courier will deliver it. You can pick whichever licensed producer you want. Visit their websites and check out their strain availability, return policies, prices, and waiting times. Some insurance companies cover the cost of prescription cannabis. Since prescription cannabis costs qualify as an eligible medical expense, you can claim them on the tax return.
