Does SAAQ reimburse medical cannabis in Quebec?

After a road collision, it is reasonable to ask whether SAAQ can reimburse cannabis for medical purposes. An official administrative response dated January 23, 2025 states that Quebec’s public automobile insurance plan does not allow SAAQ to reimburse these expenses.

SAAQ’s official answer

SAAQ explains that section 48 of the regulation respecting the reimbursement of certain expenses applies to drugs covered by Quebec’s public prescription-drug plan. According to the published response, cannabis is not included. SAAQ adds that it therefore has no cannabis policy within the services and programs offered after an automobile collision.

Clinical decisions and reimbursement decisions are different

A physician or nurse practitioner may assess whether cannabis for medical purposes is appropriate in an individual situation. That clinical decision does not create SAAQ coverage. The patient remains responsible for separately confirming the cost of the consultation, medical document and products before starting the process.

Why CNESST and IVAC are not equivalent

• CNESST — may provide reimbursement in certain workplace-injury files when its medical, administrative and billing criteria are met.
• IVAC — provides a possible reimbursement route for certain eligible crime victims, subject to its directive and written decision.
• SAAQ — states that its automobile insurance plan does not reimburse cannabis expenses. A file with another organization does not automatically change that rule.

Which options can be checked?

Depending on your situation, a group or private insurance plan may sometimes review a coverage request, but contracts, exclusions, forms and limits vary. IVAC or CNESST reimbursement should be considered only when the event and file truly fall under that organization. Coverleaf can explain the clinical pathway and commonly requested documents without promising a prescription or third-party reimbursement.

Before you begin

• Confirm the actual payer — request a written answer from SAAQ or your insurer before purchasing a product.
• Keep the steps separate — the clinical assessment, medical document and reimbursement decision are three different steps.
• Keep your records — retain decisions, forms and receipts, but never submit sensitive medical information through a public form.
• Never drive while impaired — a medical authorization never exempts anyone from road-safety laws.