Medical marijuana continues to make its mark in the natural health industry. In fact, the number of medical marijuana cardholders in Canada has jumped nearly 30% in the last decade.
Under the recommendation of a licensed physician, patients can use medical cannabis for a range of health concerns. Common uses include chronic pain, chemotherapy relief, Crohn's disease, autoimmune disorders, glaucoma, PTSD, and more conditions.
Medical marijuana contains cannabinoids. These cannabinoids interact with the body's natural endocannabinoid system to decrease inflammation, manage nausea, improve appetite, and relieve pain.
How do you get a medical card online in Canada for free?
Canadians are asking this question as more positive studies flood in from researchers. Patients are also looking for quality online health resources at a lower cost.
There are several variables to consider, from eligibility to annual card renewals.
Start with this complete guide to getting a medical marijuana card in Canada.
What Is A Medical Marijuana Card?
A medical marijuana card is a document that permits patients to buy and use medical-grade cannabis for various health purposes. These purposes range from mental health concerns to physical pain.
Once approved, you may use your card to enter medical marijuana dispensaries. Patients typically choose from a range of strains and products. You can buy everything from regular marijuana buds to medical-grade edibles.
You can also grow medicinal cannabis in your own home. However, you must strictly follow Canada's regulations to avoid any possible charges and penalties.
The good news is that Canada legalized recreational marijuana use in 2018.
As a result, the Cannabis Act relaxed regulations on medical use, possession, and growing. Cardholders can still purchase medical-grade cannabis from licensed dispensaries, in-person or online.
Cards were initially regulated by Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, also known as the ACMPR program. The Cannabis Act has since replaced and updated ACMPR regulations.
Growers can still apply for ACMPR licenses, but Canadians can grow up to four cannabis plants for recreational purposes.
What Does a Medical Marijuana Card Look Like?
Rather than a traditional "card," medical cannabis cards are actually signed documents from physicians.
Your recommendation letter may include your diagnosis or health condition. Most documents include the patient's name, doctor's name, statement approving use, and a signature.
Patients provide these documents to licensed sellers to gain entry into dispensaries. Sellers typically issue individuals membership cards after receiving the documents. There's no limit on how many sellers you can use, as long as you keep your recommendation current.
Medical vs Recreational Use in Canada
While recreational marijuana use is legal in Canada, many patients prefer the security of an actual medical marijuana card.
Recreational use laws vary among Canada's provinces. For example, you only need to be 19 years old to purchase legal cannabis in Ontario. However, buyers in Quebec must be 21 or older to buy marijuana legally.
There are also varying limits on recreational possession of legal cannabis. In Ontario, Canadians can legally possess up to 30 grams of marijuana, dried only. However, medical marijuana patients can possess up to 150 grams of cannabis legally.
Driving under the influence of recreational marijuana can result in criminal charges. Possession over the recreational limit can also result in penalties or jail time.
Research all cannabis laws pertaining to your state before using and growing cannabis.
Who Is Eligible for A Medical Marijuana Card in Canada?
Acquiring a medical cannabis card takes a few quick steps.
First, you need a qualifying medical condition to apply. However, the medical use spectrum for medical marijuana is quite broad. You may obtain a medical card for back pain, anxiety, cognitive diseases, eye conditions, injuries, and more.
What's more, is that the approval process is handled between you and your physician only. You don't have to wait for approval through a separate board or process.
You need a current medical condition, as well. According to updated ACMPR regulations, you must see a physician about your condition within the past year.
If you have a valid medical reason, you won't be denied.
Most applicants only need a consultation to apply for a medical marijuana card in Canada. However, you should always have documentation of your condition. Documentation makes the approval process quicker.
Who Can Issue A Medical Cannabis Recommendation?
The good news is that any currently licensed physician can issue a medical marijuana recommendation. Nurse practitioners are also approved to issue recommendations under the latest ACMPR regulations.
You can get a medical marijuana card from your current physician or family doctor. However, you'll need to inquire about a recommendation. Understandably, not all patients are comfortable talking to their current doctor about medicinal marijuana.
Fortunately, many cannabis-friendly physicians and nurse practitioners can issue recommendations to qualified applicants.
In-person consultations with medical marijuana doctors are one option. However, you may have to wait a few days for an appointment if the clinic is busy.
Buying A Medical Marijuana Card Online in Canada
You can also get a legal medical marijuana card online quickly.
Online medical marijuana clinics are becoming more popular with patients in Canada. Licensed physicians can approve applications via video, resulting in quick same-day cannabis cards.
You must provide your online physician with documentation of your medical condition; the more current the documentation, the better. Documentation can include previous medical visit receipts, written diagnoses, prescriptions, and written instructions.
You can obtain medical documentation in-person from your general physician, family doctor, nurse practitioner, or community clinic. Some online clinics provide virtual consultations since the medical use spectrum is so broad.
How to Get A Medical Marijuana Card Online
Several online cannabis clinics issue medical marijuana recommendations. However, application requirements may vary among websites.
Fortunately, more online clinics are providing virtual consultations, especially as telemedicine grows in Canada. Other clinics may require documentation from another doctor, like prescriptions or write-ups. Some clinics may require your doctor to mail or fax your medical documentation.
Whatever route you choose, make sure you're prepared with as many applicable documents as possible. Preparation will make the process go much faster and increase your chances of approval. Online clinics may reject medical documents that are more than a year old.
Many online Canadian cannabis clinics partner with licensed Health Canada medicinal marijuana producers, creating an extensive and reliable network for patients. You could get your medical cannabis in three days or less, depending on the clinic.
All online cannabis clinics require applicants to sign up with their site. Website registration is free, but you must be of legal age in your province to register an account.
The online clinic will ask for your name, age, and province before proceeding to the next step. You may be required to upload medical documentation directly to the site or mail in your information. If you opt for a virtual consultation, you may not have to send in any documentation.
All online cannabis clinics work differently; some may approve your application instantly with the proper documentation, producing a recommendation on the spot. Other clinics may take a few days to approve your request.
How Much Do Medical Marijuana Cards Cost?
Medical cannabis cards are generally free. Online clinics may also charge for shipping official medical marijuana recommendations to your home.
Medical cannabis prices also vary across Canada. Patients can pay as little as $9 for a gram of medical-grade marijuana, with prices increasing from there. On average, many patients spend anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 per year on medical cannabis.
Fortunately, patients can find affordable, low-cost medical grade strains. While you can't get medical marijuana or recommendations for free, many online cannabis clinics offer free consultations, lowering overall costs.
Private health insurers in Canada can also cover medical cannabis costs to off set the cost.
Like online cannabis clinics, eligibility requirements and costs vary among Canadian insurers. That's why it's best to compare and contrast as many applicable insurers as possible.
To find the right provider for your needs, request a customized health insurance quote through Insurdinary. All you need to do is provide your name, phone number, email address, age, province, and details about your medical condition.
Insurdinary features an impressive network of private health insurance providers, catering to needs outside the scope of government health insurance. Patients can choose from a range of medical marijuana plans.
Medical marijuana insurance programs vary among providers. Some insurance plans may have a different annual dollar maximum than others. You can also save money on medical marijuana through Canada's Medical Expense Tax Credit; you'll need to claim this expense on your yearly tax return.
Medical condition eligibility may vary among insurers. However, many approve insurance for a broad range of conditions, like arthritis, intestinal disorders, and chronic pain.
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