Frequently Asked Questions

"Medical cannabis" (sometimes referred to as "medical marijuana"), can be thought of as products derived from the cannabis plant that are used to provide relief from symptoms of a wide variety of ailments. It's the intent of use that separates medical cannabis from recreational cannabis. Often, the same products can be obtained from both medical sources and recreational dispensaries.

Medical cannabis is used to provide symptomatic relief from a wide variety of conditions, such as:

• pain
• anxiety
• sleep disturbance
• nausea and vomiting
• HIV/AIDS
• MS
• ALS
• and others

When used therapeutically, our goal is to achieve symptom relief without intoxication. Larger doses of THC-rich products can result in intoxication, but we are monitoring for that and adjusting as required. CBD by itself does not cause intoxication.

Absolutely not, and we don't recommend it. There are gel capsules, oils, sprays, and other products available. If dried flower is your preferred format we recommend use of an electronic vaporizer to reduce the negative effects of smoking.

Medical cannabis comes in a variety of formats, including:

• oil
• gel capsules
• oral sprays
• topical creams
• edibles and drinks
• vape pens
• dried flower

Chemicals called cannabinoids (e.g. THC and CBD) in the cannabis plant interact with the body's own endocannabinoid system. This system is involved in regulating bodily functions such as sleep, appetite, pain and inflammation. The body also produces its own cannabinoids. Cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body.

Compared with many common medications, cannabis is very safe, having few side effects (if any) and being far less addictive. However it can cause complications with certain medical conditions, and it does interact with a few medications. That is why we recommend medical supervision.

Driving while intoxicated, whether from cannabis, alcohol, or other medications, is strictly prohibited. Whether or not your dose has resulted in intoxication depends on a number of factors, including when you took it, what format, what amount of THC was in it, whether it was on an empty stomach, and how cannabis normally affects you. CBD is non-intoxicating. The simple advice is "don't drive high".

If you are pulled over and suspected of intoxication, you will likely be given a field sobriety test (walk in a straight line, touch your nose, etc.).

Within Canada, yes. It's best to keep your product in its original packaging when doing so. Do not try to bring cannabis into or out of the country, and do not ship it.

If you are planning to travel, it may be possible to legally access cannabis at your destination. Contact us for advice on what kind of product to specify when you are buying cannabis in another state or country where it is legal.

When you purchase from a licensed producer (not at a store), your receipt is proof that you have a prescription.

For decades, US border patrol agents have been able to ask you if you ever used drugs or smoked marijuana, and answering yes can result in being denied admission and a lifetime ban. If this happens, you can apply for a waiver but it costs money and has to be renewed every year or so. This situation has not changed since legalization in Canada.

In the unlikely event that you are asked about cannabis or marijuana use, and you feel uncomfortable answering, remember that you can always withdraw your application for entry into the US.

It is always best to check with your employer. They have a duty to accommodate you for medical conditions, but they also may require that you are fit for duty (not intoxicated), especially for safety-sensitive positions. Your employer will require proof that you are prescribed cannabis for a medical condition, so regular cannabis store receipts will not be sufficient.

Yes, so long as you have a prescription and are abiding by any applicable smoking bylaws. Recreational users of cannabis are not permitted to consume in public, similar to alcohol.