In Canada, cannabis usage is granted approval by a healthcare provider instead of being formally prescribed. A medical document closely resembles a prescription and signifies that your healthcare practitioner has sanctioned your cannabis use for a medical condition.

A medical document is required to encompass specific details, such as the prescribed dosage (measured in grams per day), the designated duration (the authorized period for obtaining and using medical cannabis), and the stipulated THC potency thresholds (expressed as THC percentage)

Cannabis is generally regarded as a safe form of medication. Scientific research demonstrates that cannabis carries a lower risk of addiction compared to caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol. Nonetheless, excessive or prolonged misuse of cannabis can result in elevated tolerance, dependence, and the possibility of withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.

Notably, individuals under the age of 25 and those with specific mental health conditions have been found to be at a heightened risk of developing a dependency on cannabis.

Info from Health Canada

Public Health Agency

Smoking poses significant health risks. Health Canada advocates the consumption of dried medical cannabis through inhalation using a vaporizer, as opposed to traditional smoking. Utilizing a vaporizer enables patients to inhale the therapeutic components of medical cannabis without exposing themselves to the harmful byproducts of burning plant material and associated carcinogens. Vaporizers function by heating the cannabis beyond the boiling point of the active compounds but below the temperature at which plant matter ignites. This method of vaporizing cannabis is considered safer for respiratory health and is additionally more cost-effective.

There are alternative modes of using cannabis. For those who prefer it, orally ingested oils are an option, allowing you to avoid inhaling cannabis vapor. Furthermore, cannabis can also be applied topically for specific medical purposes.

The available information on potential side effects associated with the therapeutic use of cannabis is somewhat limited. A few acknowledged side effects encompass sensations of euphoria, effects resembling intoxication, feelings of dizziness, drowsiness, impaired memory, disorientation, dry mouth, and an accelerated heart rate. It's essential to note that this list is not exhaustive. Therefore, it is advisable to confer with your healthcare provider regarding any other conceivable side effects and to determine the appropriate course of action if you encounter any unexpected reactions following the use of medical cannabis.

Researchers have identified a multitude of active compounds within cannabis, but the primary focus of both scientific investigation and the medical community centers around two key medicinal components known as phytocannabinoids: Delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).

THC is responsible for generating psychoactive effects, commonly described as the sensation of "being high." Additionally, THC may exhibit analgesic, anti-nausea, appetite-stimulating, and anti-spastic properties, among other potential therapeutic advantages.

In contrast, CBD is non-psychoactive and does not induce the euphoric "high" associated with cannabis use. CBD is currently under intensive study for its potential neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antiepileptic, antipsychotic properties, and various other potential medical benefits.

Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds within the human body that are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes to maintain homeostasis, which is the body's internal balance.

There are two primary endocannabinoids that have been well-studied:

Anandamide (AEA): Anandamide is often referred to as the "bliss molecule" because it is named after the Sanskrit word "ananda," which means joy or bliss. It plays a role in mood regulation, pain perception, appetite, and other functions.

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG): 2-AG is another endocannabinoid that is involved in regulating various processes, including immune response, neuroprotection, and inflammation.

Endocannabinoids bind to and activate cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the body, which are part of the ECS. The ECS is involved in modulating a wide range of functions, including pain, inflammation, mood, appetite, and immune response. It also plays a role in response to external cannabinoids, such as those found in the cannabis plant.

The discovery of the endocannabinoid system has opened up new avenues of research and potential therapeutic applications in areas like pain management, neurology, and psychiatry, as it is closely tied to the effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD found in the cannabis plant.

Individuals with a medical document will proceed to place their cannabis orders through an accredited cultivator. Our team of educators will guide you in selecting the most suitable licensed cultivator for your requirements and provide support throughout the registration process.

Each patient's eligibility for medical cannabis will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by an experienced healthcare professional. If they determine that medical cannabis is appropriate for your specific condition, they will provide you with a medical document. Medical cannabis can be effective in treating a range of conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, cancer-related symptoms, and anxiety disorders, among others.

The Herb Clinic is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible healthcare. We do not impose fees for our appointments or services. If you are a Canadian citizen residing in Canada, your consultation with our medical team is consistently free. However, it's important to be aware that there is an application fee of $150 applicable to patients seeking a personal production license for cultivating their medical cannabis

At present, medical cannabis remains uncovered by OHIP due to the absence of a Drug Identification Number (DIN). Nevertheless, certain insurance companies offer coverage for medical cannabis, and patients may utilize their Health/Healthcare Spending Accounts (HSA/HCSA) to offset expenses. It is advisable to consult with your insurance provider to gain insights into their specific policies.

Notably, Canadian Veterans and retired RCMP Officers typically receive coverage for medical cannabis through Blue Cross insurance. Furthermore, it's important to remember that medical cannabis qualifies as a tax-deductible medical expense. Hence, ensure that you retain your receipts and claim your medication accordingly.

The expense associated with medical cannabis fluctuates depending on the volume consumed, the specific strains chosen, and the type of products used. We acknowledge that medical cannabis may not have coverage in your case. Therefore, we are committed to collaborating with you to identify products that align with your healthcare requirements and financial constraints. This includes offering support in applying for compassionate pricing programs, when applicable, to help alleviate costs.

Terpenes and terpenoids constitute a diverse class of organic compounds that occur abundantly in nature. They are synthesized by numerous plant species, and some insects produce them as well. Terpenes are renowned for their often potent and distinctive aromas, and they pervade a wide spectrum of products, ranging from household cleaners to cosmetics.

In the realm of cannabis, more than 200 different terpenes have been identified. Each cannabis strain possesses a unique combination and concentration of these terpenes, resulting in a rich array of scents and flavors. Beyond influencing aroma and taste, emerging evidence suggests that terpenes might also play a role in shaping and modifying the effects of cannabis. Ongoing research endeavors seek to unravel the individual and collective functions of terpenes, especially within the entourage effect.

Among the most frequently encountered terpenes in the cannabis plant are Myrcene, Pinene, and Caryophyllene.

When the natural bioactive compounds within cannabis are consumed in concert, they synergistically generate what is termed "the entourage effect." For instance, patients frequently report enhanced effectiveness and modulation of THC's psychoactive effects when they consume both THC and CBD in a "balanced" or "1:1" product.

When medications or products attempt to replicate the effects of cannabis in the human body, the entourage effect is forfeited, as only a portion of the plant's active components is replicated. This phenomenon is observable in pharmaceutical drugs that are centered around a specific cannabinoid, like THC, without considering the impacts of all the plant's efficacious constituents, including terpenes. Terpenes, which serve as the chemical building blocks of aroma and flavor, are also under investigation by researchers for their potential role in the entourage effect.