FAQs

Cannabis is considered to be generally safe for the vast majority of people. Cannabinoids are non-toxic, and studies show they are well tolerated when used appropriately and with support. CBD typically does not produce side effects. THC, when used properly, produces minimal side effects. When taken in too high of a dose, THC can cause sedation, dizziness, grogginess or sensory changes. Our approach is designed to minimize the risks with cannabinoid therapy.

The period of use specified in a medical document must not exceed one year. 

1. Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting
2. Chronic pain
3. Epilepsy
4. HIV/AIDS related Anorexia and Nausea
5. Multiple Sclerosis (Pain/Spasticity)
6. Palliative Care of Cancer patients

Other conditions for which cannabinoid therapy may be considered when more traditional options have been exhausted include:

1. Alcohol & Opioid Dependency
2. Anxiety Disorder
3. Autism Spectrum Disorder
4. Headache Disorders/Migraines
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s)
6. Neurodegenerative Disorders (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)
7. Spinal Cord Injury
8. PTSD

Licensed Producers offer different medical cannabis products at different prices. A list of all Licensed Producers is available on Health Canada’s website. Our educators will work with patients to assist in choosing the most appropriate product  from the most appropriate producer.

If you qualify for medical cannabis, the physician or nurse practitioner will give you a prescription at the end of your appointment. The prescription can be sent to any Licensed Producer (LP) who will then send your medication by mail or courier.

Public possession limits for authorized patients who are registered with a federally licensed seller or with Health Canada are the lesser of 150 grams or a 30-day supply of dried cannabis (or the equivalent in cannabis product) in addition to the 30 grams allowed for non-medical purposes.

The cost for medical cannabis is set by the individual Licensed Producers. Current cost ranges between $5 and $15 per gram. This will depend on the Licensed Producer selected and whether or not you qualify for compassionate care programs (note: not all Licensed Producers have these). Most patients will use less than 1 gram a day.

While medical cannabis consultations or appointments with a qualified doctor are covered by some provincial healthcare plans, the cost of the medical cannabis used in your treatments is not currently covered. As private insurers begin to recognize the value and benefits associated with cannabinoid therapy, some now offer coverage for specific conditions, so it’s worth checking periodically with your benefits provider. Additionally, some insurance companies will cover medical cannabis in an HSA account. It’s worth noting that even if medical cannabis isn’t covered by your health insurer, it may still be more a more cost-effective option than using other prescription products with a co-payment insurance plan. Finally, if you deal with Veterans Affairs or are in a position to request Compassion Pricing, our physicians or educators can assist you with the process of applying for coverage.

CMClinic is dedicated to educating its patients and referring physicians regarding the field of prescription cannabinoids and medical cannabis. The clinics host educational seminars on a variety of topics to help educate and inform patients, physicians and the community at large about this emerging field. Topics include chronic pain management, palliative care, offsetting side-effects of other drugs, regulatory framework of medical marijuana, proper administration of medical cannabis, addiction information, etc. You can also access various cannabis courses, including Cannabis 101 and Patient Education through FoliEdge Academy, our cannabis education partner. You can find additional Information on the following sites:

• Health Canada – Information for Health Care Professionals – Cannabis (marijuana) and the cannabinoids
• The Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids