1. What is Medical Marijuana? (1)
Medical Marijuana is marijuana that has been prescribed by a physician for medical reasons. Originally only dried marijuana buds were considered medicinal, in June of 2015 the Supreme Court of Canada ruled medical marijuana was dried buds as well as marijuana derivatives.
2. What does MMAR, MMPR and ACMPR stand for? (2)
MMAR: Marihuana Medical Access Regulations. Original legislation for Medical Marijuana, implemented in 2001 and replaced in June 2013, by MMPR.
MMPR: Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations: 2nd legislation for Medical Marijuana regulation, it replaced MMAR in June 2013, the Government of Canada implemented the (MMPR).
ACMPR: Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, current legislation for Medical Marijuana use, came into effect August 24, 2016. The regulation and general information can be found at the two links below:
a. ACMPR Government of Canada Legal site:
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2016-230/index.html
b. General Patient information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/drugs-health-products/understanding-new-access-to-cannabis-for-medical-purposes-regulations.html
3. Is Marijuana legal?(3)
Recreational marijuana is still illegal in Canada. It is still considered a controlled substance, Schedule II of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
4. Is Marijuana safe?(4,5)
Like any other prescription there are risks, however, it is shown to have less adverse side effects than other prescription medications and has not been found to be the cause of death in any cases and according to the National Cancer Institute, cannabinoids have a much lower addictive potential than other prescribed or abused drugs.
Medical Marijuana produced by Licensed Producers is very safe as they must follow the ACMPR guidelines for strict quality control and compliance measures during production, packaging and shipping.
5. Can you overdose on Marijuana? (6)
According to National Cancer Institute, lethal overdose from marijuana does not happen because the cannabinoid receptors are not in the areas of the brainstem that control breathing. No matter how much is marijuana is taken in, a person would not stop breathing. This is not the case with opiod medications (common family of pain medication), whose receptors are located in this part of the brainstem.
6. What ailments is medical marijuana useful for?(7)
The research is continuing to grow, and as expected the number of ailments being treated by Medical Marijuana is also constantly expanding. The following is a list to date of known medical conditions for which it has been prescribed:
|
● ADD/ADHD
● Alzheimer’s Disease ● Anxiety ● Arthritis ● Auto Accident(s) ● Back & Neck Problems ● Brain Injury ● Cancer ● Chronic Nausea ● Chronic Pain ● Colitis ● Crohn’s Disease |
● Depression
● Eating Disorders ● Epilepsy ● Fibromyalgia ● Gastrointestinal Disorders ● Hepatitis C ● HIV/AIDS ● Irritable Bowel Syndrome ● Kidney Failure/Dialysis ● Migraines ● Multiple Sclerosis |
● Muscle Spasms
● Muscular Dystrophy ● Parkinson’s Disease ● Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ● Severe Arthritis ● Sexual Dysfunction ● Sleep Disorders ● Spinal Cord Injury/Disease |
7. How do I know if I am eligible for Medical Marijuana?
If you suffer form a chronic illness such as those listed above, you may be eligible for Medical Marijuana. To know for sure you should talk to a doctor with knowledge and experience regarding Medical Marijuana.
8. Is there an age restriction to be able to get a Medical Marijuana prescription? (7,8)
Generally speaking you need to be an adult; 18 or older, however, some doctors will not prescribe if you are under 25.
9. How is Medical Marijuana beneficial for health and well being?
If you suffer from a chronic illness whose symptoms can be reduced or eliminated by using Medical Marijuana, overall quality of life for yourself as well as those around you is greatly improved.
10. What are the side effects of Medical Marijuana?(9)
With any medication you can experience side effects, these will vary by strain as well as person to person, here is a list of common side effects:
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● Rapid beating of the heart. ● Low blood pressure. ● Muscle relaxation. ● Bloodshot eyes. ● Slowed digestion and movement of food by the stomach and intestines. |
● Dizziness. ● Depression. ● Hallucinations. ● Paranoia. ● Dry mouth ● Dry eyes |
11. Who should not use Medical Marijuana?(10)
Taken directly from the Health Canada website, below is a list of situations where medical marijuana is not recommended. This is a guideline and you should discuss this with a doctor who has experience with prescribing medical marijuana.
● are under the age of 25
● are allergic to any cannabinoid or to smoke
● have serious liver, kidney, heart or lung disease
● have a personal or family history of serious mental disorders such as schizophrenia, psychosis, depression, or bipolar disorder
● are pregnant, are planning to get pregnant, or are breast-feeding
● are a man who wishes to start a family
● have a history of alcohol or drug abuse or substance dependence
12. How do I get a prescription for Medical Marijuana?(11)
There are 4 steps to obtaining Medical Marijuana:
● Step 1: Consult with a Health Care Practitioner
● Step 2: Obtain a Medical Document completed by your Health Care Practitioner
● Step 3: Register and Order with a Licensed Producer
● Step 4: Delivery of your Cannabis for Medical Purposes
Growers N’ Smokers will help you get started for no charge
13. What are the costs associated with getting a prescription for Medical Marijuana?
There are a few companies that connect patients with health care providers that prescribe medical marijuana. There are administrative fees associated with this that vary by company. Depending on circumstances the fees may be waived.
14. How much does is cost to buy Medical Marijuana once I have a prescription?
Each Licensed Producer sets their own prices. Some have compassionate pricing which are lowered prices depending on patient circumstances, such as low income.
15. Where do I get my medication from? (2, 12)
Under the ACMPR there are 3 ways to get your medication;
a. Obtain it from a Licensed Producer
b. Apply to Health Canada to produce their own
c. Designate someone to produce it for them
There are more than 50 licensed producers that are approved by Health Canada through the ACMPR they can be found at the following link:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medical-use-marijuana/licensed-producers/authorized-licensed-producers-medical-purposes.html
16. How do I prove to police that I am legally allowed to possess medical marijuana? (2)
Depending on what method a patient chooses to obtain their medication, they will be provided with documents accordingly. It is important to always have these documents with you at all times. A law enforcement officer may request any of the following as applicable.
● Health Canada-issued producer's licence
● Health Canada-issued registration certificate
● Health Canada-issued designated person document
● Licensed producer-issued client label
● Licensed producer-issued "separate document" with the same information as a client label
They will also be able to contact Health Canada 24/7 to verify the registration of patients and Licensed Producers.
It is also important to ensure you are in possession of quantities entitled by your prescription. Generally speaking, you are allowed to have “possession limit is the lesser of a 30-day supply or 150 grams of dried marijuana or the equivalent amount if in another form”.
17. What are the differences between strains (Sativa and Indica)(13)
The 2 main strains of Cannabis are Sativa and Indica. These types are different in appearance and effects.
Sativa are taller plants with narrow leaves, they are believed to be better suited for daytime use as they have an uplifting or energizing effect.
Indica are shorter plants with broader leaves, better suited for night time use due to its relaxing, calming effects.
18. How is Medical Marijuana taken?(14)
Medical Marijuana can be consumed in many ways, most commonly by inhalation (smoking or vaporizing) and ingestion (edibles, oils, tinctures or capsules). Less commonly, medical cannabis can be used topically or rectally.
Generally speaking inhalation methods have a quicker onset but shorter duration than ingestion. For maximum medicinal benefits it is not recommended to smoke because it combusts the cannabinoids, degrading them and reducing their medical qualities, as well as creating toxins that are then inhaled.
19. What is a vaporizer?(15,16)
A vaporizer is a device that converts liquid into vapour by heating it up. The temperature for vaporization is lower than the combustion temperature which is important for cannabis consumption because THC can be destroyed by combustion.
20. How much Medical Marijuana will I need to take?(14)
Dosing for medical marijuana is largely dependent on the individual, severity of symptoms, their tolerance to cannabis as well as the consumption method chosen.
Health Canada recommends beginning with a small dose and waiting (a few minutes if inhaling, and 30-60 minutes if ingesting) before consuming more.
21. How do I store my prescription properly?(10)
When storing your medication, the 2 main things to consider are preservation and security.
Dried Cannabis needs to be stored in air tight containers in a cool, dark place, to preserve it and prevent it from getting too dry or too damp.
All Medical Marijuana products should be kept away from children and be in a secure place to prevent theft.
22. Can I travel with my medical marijuana?(17)
In Canada you can travel with your medication as long as you do not exceed the maximum possession amount (30 x daily dose or 150g, whichever is less), and have your documents.
If you are travelling by Air in Canada, check with the airline well in advance of your trip.
If you are travelling outside of Canada, you CAN NOT take your medication with you. It is not legal in many countries, and you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting.
23. Marijuana is supposed to be legalized in 2018, why do I need a prescription?
a. Recreational marijuana will be taxed but you do not pay tax on prescriptions,
b. depending on your prescribed amount, you will likely be able carry more with you, it is expected that for recreational purposes you will be able to possess 30g, however, if you have a prescription you will be able to have 30 x the daily dose as long as it is no more than 150g.
c. If you are growing your own medicine you are allowed to grow 5 plants per g a day you are prescribed, recreational user’s will only be able to grow 4 plants, and
d. If it is not covered by your health insurance plan, or you do not have a health insurance plan you can claim it on your income tax.
REFERENCES
1. Judgement of the Supreme Court of Canada: R. v. Smith, 2015 SCC 34, [2015] 2 S.C.R. 602, Docket 36059. 11 June 2015, British Columbia, Constitutional Law
https://scc-csc.lexum.com/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/15403/index.do?r=AAAAAQARbWVkaWNhbCBtYXJpanVhbmEB
Retrieved 14 July 2017
2. Health Canada, Understanding the New ACMPR
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/drugs-health-products/understanding-new-access-to-cannabis-for-medical-purposes-regulations.html
Retrieved 15 July 2017
3. Government of Canada Justice Laws, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-38.8/
Retrieved 14 July 2017
4. National Cancer Institute
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq#section/_11
Retrieved 15 July 2017
5. Government of Canada Justice Laws, ACMPR
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2016-230/page-10.html#h-17
Retrieved 15 July 2017
6. CDC, Marijuana and Public Health, FAQs
https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/faqs.htm
Retrieved 15 July 2017
7. Medical Marijuana.ca, Who is eligible
https://medicalmarijuana.ca/patients/who-is-eligible-3/
Retrieved 15 July 2017
8. National Access Cannabis, Home Page
http://nationalaccesscannabis.com/
Retrieved 16 July 2017
9. National Cancer Institute, Questions and Answers about Cannabis
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/cannabis-pdq#section/_3
Retrieved 15 July 2017
10. Health Canada, Consumer Information – Cannabis
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medical-use-marijuana/licensed-producers/consumer-information-cannabis-marihuana-marijuana.html
Retrieved 16 July 2017
11. Health Canada, Procedures for Accessing Cannabis for Medical Purposes from a Licensed Producer
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medical-use-marijuana/procedures-accessing-cannabis-medical-purposes-licensed-producer.html
Retrieved 18 July 2017
12. Health Canada, Authorized Licensed Producers of Cannabis for Medical Purposes
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medical-use-marijuana/licensed-producers/authorized-licensed-producers-medical-purposes.html
Retrieved 18 July 2017
13. Leaf Science, Indica vs. Sativa: Understanding The Differences
http://www.leafscience.com/2014/06/19/indica-vs-sativa-understanding-differences/
Retrieved 18 July 2017
14. Health Canada, Information for Health Care Professionals: Cannabis (marihuana, marijuana) and the cannabinoids [Health Canada, 2013]
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medical-use-marijuana/information-medical-practitioners/information-health-care-professionals-cannabis-marihuana-marijuana-cannabinoids.html#chp2211
Retrieved 18 July 2017
15. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vaporizer
Retrieved 18 July 2017
16. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=vaporizer
Retrieved 18 July 2017
17. Medical Marijuana.ca, FAQs
https://medicalmarijuana.ca/resource-center/faq-2/
Retrieved 18 July 2017
