Medical cannabis and VAC: understanding reimbursement for Veterans

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) has a specific policy for reimbursing cannabis for medical purposes. Reimbursement is not automatic: it depends on the Veteran's eligibility, the connection to a benefit-entitled condition, and compliance with VAC and Health Canada requirements.

Who may be eligible?

Under VAC policy, some Veterans entitled to a Disability Pension, Disability Award, or Pain and Suffering Compensation may be eligible for treatment costs related to their entitled condition. Other situations may be considered under the applicable programs. VAC always makes the reimbursement decision.

How many Veterans use this program?

VAC’s quarterly statistics report 32,106 cannabis-for-medical-purposes recipients across Canada in fiscal year 2025–26, including 3,602 residents of Quebec. These figures describe program use; they do not prove that cannabis is effective for a condition or that any individual will be eligible.

Documents generally required

• A medical document — completed by a physician or nurse practitioner and stating the authorized daily amount.
• Proof of registration — issued by a federally licensed seller.
• An eligible VAC file — coverage must fit the program rules and the Veteran's recognized circumstances.

The VAC 1763 pre-authorization form

Since July 16, 2026, VAC has published form VAC 1763 for new pre-authorization requests for medical-cannabis reimbursement. A physician or nurse practitioner, where permitted, may complete it for a request of up to 3 grams per day. A request above 3 grams must be completed by a medical specialist with expertise related to the condition. The form does not guarantee approval: VAC decides reimbursement.

The standard reimbursement limit

VAC's published policy sets the usual maximum daily reimbursement limit at the equivalent of 3 grams of dried cannabis. A request above that amount can be considered, but it requires additional medical information and remains subject to VAC approval.

The rate in effect since April 2026

VAC states a maximum reimbursement rate of $6.00 per gram, or equivalent, since April 1, 2026. Eligible tax and certain shipping charges may be added under the policy. If a product exceeds that ceiling, the difference may remain payable by the Veteran.

Where must products be purchased?

VAC reimburses eligible products only when they are purchased from a federally licensed seller under the terms of its policy. A recreational-market purchase or a purchase outside Canada is not treated the same way.

Checklist before you begin

• Your VAC file number — and information about the benefit-entitled condition, if you have it available.
• Your current medication list — so the practitioner can assess relevant interactions and precautions.
• Treatments you have already tried — including what helped, what did not and any adverse effects.
• Questions about formats — such as oils, capsules or inhaled products; the final choice depends on the clinical assessment and coverage.
• Confirmation before ordering — verify authorization and direct billing with the medical seller to avoid an uncovered expense.

How Coverleaf supports the file

Coverleaf coordinates an assessment with a licensed practitioner and helps the Veteran understand the required documents, registration with a medical platform, and administrative steps. A prescription or reimbursement is never guaranteed: those decisions belong to the practitioner and VAC respectively.