Is Medicinal Cannabis Here To Stay?
Cannabis became legalized in Canada on October 18, 2018 and many people questioned what would happen next in the medicinal side of the industry. Some medical professionals specifically were calling for Health Canada to put an end to the medicinal cannabis program that has existed since 2001.
They argued that since adult-use cannabis would be legal for everyone, they believed there was no need to continue with a medical program. Not only do some medical professionals question to the need for medicinal marijuana, but some patients do as well. Medical marijuana users wonder if they still need their licenses. The answer is, yes medical cannabis is here to stay — here are just a few reasons why.
Medicinal Cannabis as a Medical Expense
Many patients who turn to medicinal cannabis for relief are suffering from severe ailments and face high medical costs – especially when it comes to prescriptions. They may also face loss of income. With a cannabis prescription, patients can claim their prescription costs as a medical expense. All you need to qualify is a receipt and for the cannabis product to have been purchased from a Licensed Producer such as Starbuds.
Some insurance companies are now accepting cannabis as an extended health benefit. It is expected that all insurance companies will accept cannabis as a medical expense, meaning in some cases, you can utilize a health care spending account for your cannabis needs. Remember, you can only claim cannabis as an expense if you purchase it from a Licensed Producer, such as a local Starbuds near you offering medical cannabis.
Medical Professionals
If you require cannabis for medical reasons, you can get a prescribed medicinal marijuana license from a medical professional. Medical professionals are the only professionals who can legally make recommendations about medical cannabis.
This means that when you visit your local dispensary, a retailer cannot make a recommendation to help with things like chronic pain or reducing anxiety. Before prescribing a patient with a marijuana license, physicians are required to review a patient’s medical history, recommend the proper dosage and address any potential issues such as interactions with other medications. As marijuana has become more popular, cannabis clinics have become more common. You can now go to a cannabis clinic, where physicians and patient educators help patients choose the right Licensed Producer to fit their needs, prescription, and budget.
Medicinal Cannabis Patients Can Carry More
Another commonly overlooked issue with the Cannabis Act is the limit it places on personal possession. Legally, a person can carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public. Medicinal cannabis patients may need to carry more at times, especially if they are travelling or are picking up a 30-day supply. Without a medical marijuana license, a patient could be charged if they happened to be stopped by law enforcement while carrying a large amount of cannabis. A medicinal cannabis program is necessary for the allowances that some patients may need.
As the cannabis industry continues to change, the future of recreational marijuana remains unknown. It’s now more important than ever to learn about the benefits of a medical cannabis license. Adult recreational users don’t have to go through the same process as medical marijuana patients — and compared to medicinal cannabis, recreational marijuana provides a different mental and physical experience for the casual smoker. Just like any medical purchase, you should make sure there’s an expert that you can speak to for questions or problems that may arise. Medical professionals can provide proper dosing guidelines and provide advice on the strains and cannabis products best suited for your specific needs.
