Frequently Asked Questions
We understand it can be a difficult process navigating the complexities of the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations and while we have tried to provide the answers you need throughout the website here are some of the most common questions we have been asked.
Patients
- My doctor won't sign the form - where can I find a compassionate doctor?
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As Canadians we understand that just finding a regular Doctor can be very difficult, a compassionate one - even more so. Currently we cannot provide you with a detailed list of compassionate Doctors but they are out there! The latest MMAR Stakeholder Statistics from Health Canada has information about your province that might encourage your doctor to become part of the program. Additionally, you should check out our news section to keep current on research and any potential changes in the program.
We also have some great information on How to Talk to your Doctor. Please read through it carefully and click on all of the links provided. If your doctor is open minded but feels he/she lacks the information they need, send them to our section for doctors.
If you have already gone through these steps, and still have not had any luck, please fill out our Patient Application Form to help us clarify your eligibility and needs. If you can prove that you are eligible, we will forward your information to a doctor who has special interests in medical marijuana.
- I have a MMAR number but am in need of a grower - how can I get one?
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Congratulations - you have already done most of the hard work and we can help you find a professional, knowledgeable and dedicated grower from our pool of growers. We will explain what is needed to process any paperwork and how your product can be mailed by Canada Post right to your door. At MedicalMarijuana.ca we pride ourselves on meeting your needs regardless of your medical or financial situation, please take a few minutes to apply now and we will conduct a quick survey with you to determine your needs.
- How do I apply for medical marijuana? Where can I find the Health Canada forms? How do I talk to my doctor?
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We have put together a page that helps in answering many of the beginning questions in regards to the medical marijuana application process. There is information about how to talk to your doctor about signing your forms, filling out the Health Canada paperwork and current estimated processing times.
Please visit our how to apply section. - Can my chiropractor, naturopath, counselor or other therapist diagnose my condition as a specialist?
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Chiropractors, Naturopathic Doctors, Counsellors, or any other type of therapists are not considered eligible specialists to diagnose for the MMAR program under Health Canada's application guidelines.
A specialist eligible for signing patients into this program must complete the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and obtain a license from the licensing authority in the province/territory they work.
You can confirm the status of your physician or surgeon in the RCPSC Directory of Fellows.
- How can I find out the progress of my application? What is taking so long?
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Please note that we are NOT Health Canada. We work to connect patients, doctors and growers under the Health Canada MMAR system. As such, we are unable to directly comment on the status of your application.
Many of our patients are experiencing the same frustrations you are, running into longer than expected wait times. Health Canada is understaffed and overwhelmed with patient applications, although in recent months have hired more staff and taken other steps to decrease the wait times.
Your first step is to contact Health Canada and inquire about your application: 1-866-337-7705
If you have tried contacting them with no response, we recommend contacting your local MP to get them involved. Your vote is important to them, and it may help you get a response from Health Canada.
Find your local MP by postal code
We hope this helps.
- How long is the application process?
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Health Canada is currently taking longer to process applications due to an increase in the number of applications and a lack of government funding. They should acknowledge receipt of the application within 3-5 weeks of receiving it and will indicate if any of the required information is missing. Applications from patients with terminal conditions will be given priority for processing. Processing time for the application will vary depending on the nature of the applicant's medical condition, and whether all of the necessary information has been received, this can take several months, although Health Canada's goal (and mandate) is 8-10 weeks.
Find out more about the application process in our how to apply section.
- Do I qualify for MMAR with my medical condition?
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A wide array of of conditions are currently being accepted by Health Canada, a list of common conditions can be found in our who is eligible section.
The most important element of the application process is that you have medical documentation of your condition from a specialist you have seen in the last 10 years. This is to make sure you don't have an underlying problem. For example, if you suffer from migraines we want to know from your specialist that you are not suffering from some other underlying condition like a tumor. In most cases, only a specialist can determine your condition accurately.
If you have documentation, we can show you how to apply for the medicine you need.
- Does medical marijuana help with my medical condition?
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Medical Marijuana is not for everyone but a growing number of people are finding relief through its use. The general symptoms marijuana helps to alleviate are:
- chronic pain
- inflammation
- nausea
- muscle spasms
- loss of appetite
- sleeping disorders
- side effects from neurological conditions
- seizures
- depression
If you suffer from a condition that creates one or more of these uncomfortable conditions, you might benefit from medical marijuana. Find out more about the health effects and if you think it's right for you, learn how to apply.
- What strain is best for my disease?
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It is important to remember that often medical marijuana is not used to treat a specific condition but rather to grant relief from symptoms or side effects.
People with a variety of different conditions but who all suffer from chronic or temporary pain usually find a strong indica works best. Positive side effects of a strong indica are increased appetite, nausea fighting, sleeping aid.
People who suffer from neurological, nerve or emotional problems, glaucoma, nausea, IBS, Crohns disease, early stages of MS, fibromyalgia, arthritis, anorexia usually find an indica mixed with sativa ( a hybrid ) or a pure sativa works best. Sativa doesn’t have the strong knock out pain fighting properties and usually help with motivation and mobility.
With so many different hybrid strains available today it is difficult to recommend a specific one but chances are we have strains available that has the right pain fighting and energetic qualities to suit your medical needs. Everyone is different and we recommend if you are trying a new strain to start with small doses.
To get started see who is eligible and how to apply.
- What are some alternatives to smoking marijuana?
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Although people typically think of smoking marijuana, there are many safe alternatives that can have different and longer lasting effects. These include:
- Baking
- Tea
- Olive Oil
- Vaporizing
Find out more about smoking alternatives in our learning center.
- Can I medicate anywhere?
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Given the nature of marijuana, and the fact that the provision of marijuana is for your own personal treatment needs you cannot consume your medication in a public place. You are not to operate heavy machinery, drive, or perform any other risky activities while under the effects of marijuana. Please take note that persons in charge of public or private establishments such as bars, or restaurants hold the right to request that you do not medicate on their premises even if you have a license to possess or an exemption. There may also be municipal bylaws preventing you from medicating.
- Based on my prescription how many plants can I grow?
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We have created a calculator for you to determine how many plants you can grow indoor or outdoor with your prescription size. It will also tell you the amount you are allowed to have in dried storage.
- What is the minimum age to become a patient in the MMAR program?
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If you are applying to use and possess medical marijuana, there is no minimum age requirement. It is solely up to your Doctor to prescribe it to you.
- How much does it cost as a patient?
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We look for growers who will provide the right strains for what the patient can afford. We want to accommodate based on an individual's situation, not by what a grower would like to make for income.
As medical marijuana is not covered by health plans we feel privileged to be able to help those who cannot afford the price on the street, from Health Canada or compassion clubs.
If you're interested in becoming a patient, find out apply now.
- How much money can I expect to make as a grower?
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We look for growers who will provide the right strains for what the patient can afford. We want to accommodate based on an individual's situation, not by what a grower would like to make for income.
As medical marijuana is not covered by health plans we feel privileged to be able to help those who cannot afford the price on the street, from Health Canada or compassion clubs.
If you're interested in becoming a grower, find out apply now.
- Where do I find the Health Canada application forms?
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All the appropriate application forms can be found on Health Canada's site.
- What are the side effects of using medical marijuana?
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The side effects of using medical marijuana can vary greatly by person and strain. Everyone is different and we recommend if you are trying a new strain to start with small doses.
- What are the health benefits of using medical marijuana?
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We have created a section in our Learning Center devoted to medical marijuana and your health please read through it for a list of known benefits.
Growers
- As a designated grower how many people can I grow for?
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You are allowed to provide for two patients with a maximum of four patients per address. BUT any one individual at an address can have a maximum of two patients. For example if you are growing for two patients your spouse or friend can grow for two patients at your address for a total of four.
Want to find out more about growing marijuana legally.
- I would like to become a grower? How do I start? What are the requirements?
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If you feel you have the expertise and compassion to grow, please check out our section for growers, outlining the requirements you need to get started, providing the appropriate forms from Health Canada and giving you some tips.
- What kind of security do I need to protect my grow site or dried storage?
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Health Canada has given no minimum requirements for security so common sense is what you should be using. Read our section on growing marijuana legally for more information.
- Am I expected to make edibles for my patient(s)?
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You are legally not allowed to produce any bi-products for your patient. If the patient is allowed edibles as per their license it is their responsibility to produce them.
- What is the minimum age to become a grower in the MMAR program?
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If you are applying to grow for someone you have to be 19 years or older no matter what province you live in.
- I grow for more than one patient in the same facility, do I need to have my plants separated and clearly marked?
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Nothing in the Health Canada s application guidelines stat that this is necessary. We do recommend making a full laminated copy of your Health Canada medical marijuana grow document that is visible in your grow at all times. You cannot be over your total number of allowable plants whether its 1 license or 4 licenses on the same property.
- How long is my designated growing license valid for?
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Your license needs to be renewed the same time your patients license needs to be renewed regardless of when you received your license. It is important prior to signing on with a patient to be aware of their renewal date. You as a designated grower are responsible for completing a criminal record check every year. A new set of passport photos is also required every year upon renewal. You should apply 8 weeks prior to your expiry date.
- Do the police have access to my information?
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When you apply for a authorization to possess it is implied that you are agreeing to your information being shared with police. The police forces do not have access to Health Canada’s database, Health Canada will also not release any of this information. They will only confirm to police, if the police ask, whether or not you have an Authorization to Possess or produce, your address and the number of plants and dried marihuana that you are allowed to possess or grow. This avoids unnecessary police intervention in the event that emergency services are called to your home.
General
- What does the law say about...?
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The law around medical marijuana is always evolving and Health Canada should always be your source for the latest information regarding:
- driving under the influence of medical marijuana
- transporting your medicine domestically and internationally
- smoking in public
- becoming a grower or patient if you have a criminal record
Contact Health Canada toll-free at 1-866-337-7705
If you are looking for help or information in regards to fighting a charge or conviction go to our partner Eric Nash's site for Marijuana Laws and contact him.
- Are you part of the government? Who are you?
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If you want to know who we are, where we came from and how we have helped patients gain then find out about us. While we are not a government agency, we are committed to adhering to all of Health Canada's guidelines.
- If I live in the USA can I apply to grow, get a license or order any medical marijuana from you?
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This website and the programs it promotes are dedicated only to Canadian citizens living in Canada. If you have a medical marijuana card from a US state, you do not qualify for any type of marijuana or cross border help with your marijuana supply. The only way to get medical marijuana in Canada is to get into the Health Canada MMAR program. For any further clarification please call Health Canada directly at 1-866-337-7705
