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Medical cannabis prescription: complete guide

Legal framework, THC, CBD, methods of use and access through a licensed producer: discover everything you need to know to get a medical cannabis prescription in Canada.

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Close-up of medical cannabis leaves
Legal framework

Health Canada's ACMPR (RACFM)

The Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR), also known by the acronym RACFM, came into force on August 24, 2016. It allows patients to legally possess and purchase cannabis from a licensed commercial producer, or apply for a personal production licence if they wish to grow their own plants.

To register under this framework, patients need the support of a physician or nurse practitioner — that's exactly the support Wemedic offers through its network of affiliated physicians.

300k+
Canadians registered (2018)
400k+
Estimated growth

According to Health Canada, more than 300,000 Canadians were registered to legally purchase medical cannabis as of late summer 2018, a number expected to surpass 400,000 in the years that followed.

Understanding cannabinoids

THC and CBD: what's the difference?

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is cannabis's main psychoactive compound. It's used in particular for its analgesic, anti-nausea and relaxing effects, under medical supervision.

CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, often used for its anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties, whether combined with THC or not.

Methods of use

Several ways to consume medical cannabis

The right method depends on your condition, your preferences and the recommendations of your affiliated physician.

Inhalation

Vaporizing or smoking dried cannabis, for a fast-acting effect.

Ingestion

Capsules, teas or infused foods, for a gradual, longer-lasting effect.

Cannabis oil

Sublingual application or incorporated into recipes.

Topical creams

Local application, with no systemic psychoactive effect.

Other methods exist too: suppositories, infusions, extractions, cannabis butter and hash. Discuss these with your affiliated physician to find the approach best suited to your condition.

Legal access

Where and how to buy medical cannabis

QuestionAnswer
Where can I buy it legally?Only from a producer licensed by Health Canada. Storefronts and physical dispensaries are prohibited under the ACMPR.
How do I order?Online or by phone, with delivery by mail.
What's the average price?Licensed producers set their own prices, generally between $5 and $15 per gram.
Available formatsDried cannabis and cannabis oil (authorized since July 2015). Edibles sold outside the legal channel (candies, baked goods) remain illegal and unreliable.
What's the possession limit?Up to 30 times the authorized daily dose, not exceeding 150 grams of dried cannabis.

Could medical cannabis help you?

Discuss it with a Wemedic-affiliated physician during a confidential teleconsultation.

Start an application ↗