Is Medical Weed Legal In Canada?

Yes, medical marijuana is legal in Canada for those who have obtained a prescription from an authorized medical professional. Medicinal marijuana is currently regulated by a set of guidelines known as the Access to Cannabis For Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR).  Under these provisions, patients must be diagnosed by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner, and source their marijuana from a licensed producer.  Alternatively, patients may also grow, or designate someone to grow cannabis for them. In order to legally grow cannabis, you must submit your prescription to Health Canada and endure a vetting process.  Should you be approved, you will be required to source all growing materials from an approved source; A Canadian licensed producer.

At present, store front dispensaries are not licensed and are considered illegal. Their products are not properly tested or regulated and are deemed unsafe by the law. Currently, medical marijuana is only available for purchase online on approved websites of regulated and authorized growers and distributors.

There are strict regulations in place which prohibit illegal sale and possession of marijuana. To prevent prosecution, ensure you have your cannabis card on you at all times while in possession of your legally obtained marijuana. While most would presume that a cannabis card is similar to that of our southern neighbors, it is, in fact, a simple document which your licensed producer mails to you with your first shipment.

In addition, when you purchase marijuana from an approved distributor, make sure your marijuana remains in the original packaging as it corresponds with your cannabis card and is proof of purchase from an authorized distributor. Any marijuana found in your possession if you do not have a cannabis card and if you have an unlabeled package will be considered illegal and prohibited and fall under schedule II of Controlled Drug and Substances Act. Marijuana found illegally in your possession is punishable by law.

The liberal government has recently announced their intent to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes by July 2018. Of course this new legislation will come with a new set of regulations to be strictly adhered to and enforced.