Suppliers and Shoppers Drug Mart
Medical cannabis suppliers in Quebec: Health Canada licensed sellers, what happened to Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix) medical cannabis, SQDC vs. medical, and how to choose.
Read the guide →Does RAMQ cover medical cannabis? Cost and reimbursement in Quebec
Short answer: no, Quebec's public prescription drug plan (RAMQ) does not reimburse medical cannabis. But there are other ways to lower the bill — here they are, along with what treatment actually costs.
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In short: dried cannabis, oils and other cannabis products sold by Health Canada licensed sellers are not on the RAMQ List of medications. Patients pay the seller directly, then may be reimbursed in whole or in part by private insurance or a program (CNESST, IVAC, Veterans Affairs Canada), and can claim the expense as a medical expense on their tax return.
Why RAMQ does not reimburse medical cannabis
To be reimbursed by the public plan, a drug must be listed on the RAMQ List of medications, which among other things requires Health Canada approval as a drug and a Drug Identification Number (DIN). Cannabis products sold for medical purposes are not approved that way: they are governed by Part 14 of the Cannabis Regulations and sold directly by licensed sellers, not through pharmacies.
Not to be confused: some synthetic cannabinoids (such as nabilone) are true prescription drugs sold in pharmacies. Their coverage depends on recognized indications — your pharmacist can confirm what applies to you.
How much does medical cannabis cost in Quebec?
Licensed sellers set their own prices. Dried cannabis generally sells for $5 to $15 per gram, depending on the product, THC and CBD content, format and seller. Oils and capsules are sold by the bottle or box; their cost depends mostly on concentration and the prescribed dose.
| Factor | Effect on monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Authorized daily amount | The main factor: 1 g/day costs about a third of 3 g/day. |
| Format (dried, oil, capsules) | Concentrated extracts can cost less per dose for some patients. |
| Seller | Many sellers offer compassionate pricing or discounts (veterans, low income, disability). |
| Insurance coverage | Can significantly reduce your net cost — see below. |
Consultation and support fees vary from clinic to clinic. At Wemedic, teleconsultation is 100% free for Canadian veterans; other patients can contact us to learn what applies to their situation.
Reimbursement options that do exist
- Private and group insurance — many employer plans offer partial coverage, often with conditions (proof that usual treatments failed, a form from the prescribing professional).
- CNESST — if your condition results from a recognized employment injury and cannabis is part of the authorized treatment plan.
- IVAC — for some people compensated under a rehabilitation plan.
- Veterans Affairs Canada — reimbursement possible for eligible veterans.
- Health spending account — depending on your employer's terms.
All the details and documents to prepare are on our Insurance & financing page.
The medical expense tax credit
The Canada Revenue Agency includes medical cannabis in its list of eligible medical expenses. Keep your receipts from the licensed seller so you can claim them on your federal return. Also check with Revenu Québec or your tax preparer about the provincial credit.
Frequently asked questions
RAMQ and medical cannabis — your questions
Does RAMQ reimburse medical cannabis?
No. Cannabis products sold for medical purposes are not on the RAMQ List of medications, so they are not reimbursed by Quebec's public prescription drug plan.
Why isn't medical cannabis covered by RAMQ?
Medical cannabis is not approved as a drug with a DIN: it is governed by the Cannabis Regulations and sold directly by Health Canada licensed sellers, outside the pharmacy system.
How much does medical cannabis cost per month?
It mostly depends on your authorized daily amount and the format. Dried cannabis generally sells for $5 to $15 per gram; for 1 g per day, expect roughly $150 to $450 per month before any reimbursement.
Can my group insurance pay for my medical cannabis?
Possibly. Many private plans offer partial coverage under certain conditions. Wemedic can provide the documents you need for your claim. See financing options.
Can I deduct medical cannabis on my taxes?
Yes, the Canada Revenue Agency recognizes medical cannabis as an eligible medical expense. Keep your receipts from the licensed seller.
Sources
- RAMQ — List of medications
- Canada Revenue Agency — Eligible medical expenses (lines 33099 and 33199)
- Health Canada — Getting cannabis from a licensed producer
Informational content reviewed by the Wemedic team on October 13, 2026. It does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.
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Possible side effects of medical cannabis according to Health Canada: THC, CBD, long-term use, interactions, pregnancy, driving and when to seek emergency care.
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A medical cannabis "licence" is really a medical document plus a registration. Who can sign it, how long it is valid, the steps, cost, and free prescriptions for veterans.
Read the guide →Personal grow licence
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Read the guide →Could medical cannabis help you?
Talk it over with a healthcare professional from the Wemedic network during a confidential teleconsultation, anywhere in Quebec.