Medical Marihuana in Canada

So you have a chronic, painful or terminal medical condition…. Do you know that Health Canada now recognizes that lots of conditions like chronic pain, Multiple Sclerosis and Cancer might be helped with the aid of Medical Marihuana (HC’s spelling of “Marijuana” AKA “Cannabis”)? Many people self medicate with “grass” bought from black market dealers at a cost of around $10.00 a gram and hide that fact from their health care providers. 5 grams (the most common prescription) can only last a day (if it is rationed) plus there are risks involved with this method of obtaining product. The process of certification can be mystifying even to medical professionals; some primary health care providers may try to discourage the use using “Refer Madness” scare tactics.

A note about the present health care in Canadian communities, remember that your General Practice doctor may not be receptive to this form of therapy. If you have a qualifying condition chances are a specialist in that condition oversees care and may be approached for a more receptive reaction to this treatment. Step one in the process of getting certified to use Cannabis is by Googling “Medical Marihuana” in a Canadian search, ensure that your condition is one of the listed afflictions covered and find out if your medical care providers support it. If your health care providers refuse due to misguided legality issues download this form from the CMPA website to ensure them that it is safe for them to sign (https://www.cmpa-acpm.ca/cmpapd04/docs/submissions_papers/com_release_form_for_medical_practitioners-e.cfm).
Download all of the forms needed from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/marihuana/how-comment/applicant-demandeur/index-eng.php.

Prepare form “A” immediately and include a set of passport photos that are dated within a month or so of the application date and hand Form “B” (Parts 1&2) to a receptive medical provisional attached to Form A (including photos). Completing the 2 forms is only one step in the process; the certification received at this point will only allow you to possess dried Cannabis. You would still get your product from the same places you did before the certification; certification is only good for 12 months.

You may designate some one to produce your product locally or grow your own with form “C” and “D”. Form “D” requires a photo signed by the applicant of the person designated to use the Marihuana. You can get your product from Health Canada with form E1 (Monthly cost around $5.00 per gram) or you can apply to produce Cannabis & purchase seeds with form E2 ($20 for a package of 30 seeds). If the place you have to grow is rented (not owned by you or the designated person) you will need form “F” which is the consent of the property owner. Security questions are asked and must satisfy Health Canada as per their standards. For a renewal, download & fill form “R” only.

Growing product is a little more complicated then sowing a seed in the dirt and rolling it up about 6 weeks later. It may be better for you to find someone to grow for you if you have never produced quality Cannabis before. You should be comfortable with product produced by the designated person, plus the designated person cannot have been convicted for an offence within the last 11 years. The process can take up to about 10 weeks to become certified and it is best to have all forms completed before sending it all together to avoid delays. If any of the information is missing, the application might be rejected.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada does not endorse any particular medication or therapy. They do provide answers to most questions with many forms of treatment available for MS including Cannabis. The MS Clinic works with your medical team to provide you with the best possible course of action in your struggles with the disease as it affects you. Good luck with your treatment.