A guided treatment, a human assessment.

What is medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis refers to the use of the cannabis plant — or its compounds such as THC and CBD — under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as part of a treatment plan. Unlike recreational cannabis, it is based on a clinical evaluation, an adapted dosage and ongoing follow-up over time.

In practice, a practitioner reviews your symptoms, your history and the treatments you've already tried. If they judge medical cannabis to be a reasonable option for you, they issue a medical document setting your authorized daily amount. That document then lets you register with a Health Canada–licensed producer and order your products.

THC and CBD: what's the difference?

THC and CBD are the two most-studied compounds in cannabis. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effect and is often associated with managing pain, nausea and appetite. CBD is non-intoxicating and is more often studied for anxiety, inflammation and sleep. Most treatments combine the two in a ratio chosen by your practitioner. There is no universal dose — you typically start low and adjust gradually.

For which conditions?

Every case is unique and assessed individually. Medical cannabis is not a first-line treatment and is not right for everyone. Patients most often consult us for:

What to expect from your consultation

The consultation takes place by secure video with a licensed practitioner. They review your symptoms, your diagnoses, your current medications and what you've already tried. It's also your chance to ask questions: expected effects, format, driving, possible interactions. If medical cannabis is appropriate, the practitioner sets a cautious starting point with you and a follow-up plan.

What to have on hand

• Your symptoms — how long you've had them, their intensity and their impact on daily life.
• Past treatments — medications or approaches you've already tried and how they worked.
• Current medications — so possible interactions can be checked.
• Your questions — anything you want to clarify before starting.

Is medical cannabis right for you?

Medical cannabis may be an option when usual treatments haven't been enough, but it carries precautions. It is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with a personal or family history of psychosis. Caution applies with heart disease, certain mental-health conditions, or when taking other medications. Only your practitioner can assess your situation.

Safety and side effects

Like any treatment, medical cannabis can cause side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, changes in appetite or concentration. Most are mild and dose-related. These risks are reduced by starting at a low dose and adjusting slowly. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how you react. Always keep your products out of the reach of children.