Access to medical cannabis

Access to medical cannabis.

If you are considering medical cannabis as a treatment for yourself, or for a loved one, you probably have more questions than answers. The amount of information available about cannabis can seem overwhelming. At the CMCCA we explain the procedure followed to become a patient registered with the CMCCA. It is important to discuss with your doctor about medical cannabis therapy. We hope these resources will provide you with information to better prepare you for this discussion.

Application process

In April 2014, Health Canada changed the process followed by the patient to access medical cannabis in Canada. In most cases, the process has become more streamlined and consistent.

Who can prescribe?
According to Health Canada’s Medical Marijuana (RMFM) Regulations, which is the regulation governing the medical cannabis industry in Canada, only a licensed health practitioner can prescribe medical cannabis to patients. Physicians are recognized as health practitioners in every province and territory in Canada as long as they maintain a good reputation with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. This includes your general practitioner or family doctor as well as all specialists including oncologists and rheumatologists.

Nurse practitioners are technically licensed to prescribe medical cannabis but at this time no provincial college or association of nurse practitioners has authorized their members to do so. This could change in the months and years to come.

Questions to ask your doctor
Do as much research as you can about medical cannabis as a treatment for your particular condition before making an appointment with your doctor. If you can find evidence that medical cannabis has helped other people with your disease, print the study or article and bring it with you. A scholarly journal or an academic study is the best evidence, but less formal evidence such as patient testimonials or blog posts can also serve you.

Clearly identify the symptoms that you think might be better treated with medical cannabis. Make a list of the medications and therapies you have already tried to treat these symptoms and identify which ones were relevant and which ones were less relevant. Medical cannabis is often prescribed when conventional medications simply are not enough. Here are some questions you could ask your doctor at your next appointment :

• Given my condition, is medical cannabis an appropriate treatment for me?
• Is the use of medical cannabis safe for me?
• Will medical cannabis interact with my other medications?
• What are the side effects ?

If your doctor is not comfortable prescribing medical cannabis, ask him or her if you can refer to a specialist.

Application process
Contact us toll-free at 1-855-322-2677 or send us an email at info@cmcca.ca to receive help. Once your doctor gives his consent to follow medical cannabis as treatment, two important forms should be completed – one is completed by the patient and includes all your information, the second is completed by the doctor and this is considered to be » ‘order « .