Medical cannabis licence in Quebec: how to get one

What people call a medical cannabis "licence"

There is no card or licence issued directly to patients by the Government of Quebec. Under Part 14 of the Cannabis Regulations (formerly the ACMPR), access is based on two things:

• The medical document — the equivalent of a prescription, signed by a physician or nurse practitioner. Among other things, it states the authorized daily amount of dried cannabis and the period of use, which cannot exceed one year.
• Registration with a licensed seller — the seller receives your original medical document and gives you a registration confirmation. That confirmation lets you order and serves as proof of legal possession.

People who want to grow their own cannabis, or have a designated person grow it, must instead register directly with Health Canada using that same medical document.

Steps to get your medical document

Who is eligible?

No official list limits eligible conditions. The healthcare professional decides, case by case, whether cannabis may be appropriate — often after other treatments have been tried. Chronic pain, sleep problems, anxiety, nausea and spasticity are among the situations frequently assessed. A document is never guaranteed: it depends on the professional's clinical judgment.

Validity and renewal

The period of use stated on the medical document is at most one year. To avoid a gap in your supply, start your renewal a few weeks before the expiry date.

Is there such a thing as a free medical cannabis prescription?

The medical document itself is not sold: it is the consultation and support that may involve fees, which vary from clinic to clinic. Before committing, always ask what is included (consultation, follow-up, registration, renewal). At Wemedic, teleconsultation is 100% free for Canadian veterans. Other patients can contact us and we will explain what applies to their situation, with no obligation.