CANADA LEGALIZES MEDICAL CANNABIS

Cannabis was legalized for medical purposes almost 20 years ago, with the Marihuana for Medical

Access Regulations (MMAR) in 2001. The legalization of cannabis for adults for both medical and nonmedical reasons occurred on October 17, 2018, when the Cannabis Act came into force.There continue to be limitations for accessing, buying, possessing and carrying medical cannabis.

To access medical cannabis, you must be authorized by a healthcare professional (HCP) such as a medical doctor or registered nurse practitioner, and register with a licensed producer.

You may possess a 30-day supply of your authorized amount of dried medical cannabis or its equivalent (up to a maximum of 150 grams).

Health Canada sends you a registration certificate as proof that you can legally possess or grow a limited amount of medical cannabis.

You should carry a copy of your registration certificate or registration document issued by your LP. Police or law enforcement representatives may ask to see this as proof if you’re carrying more than 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent (the recreational cannabis carry limit).

You must purchase directly from a federally licensed producer (LP) of medical cannabis. You can also register with Health Canada to grow a limited amount for yourself or designate someone to grow it for you.

In addition to plants and seeds for growing, you can purchase medical cannabis in three formats: dried cannabis, cannabis oil and cannabis softgels (or capsules).