Ontario Canada Marijuana Information
Quick FAQ
Medical marijuana users in Ontario can rejoice – not only is it legal for patients with a prescription to smoke marijuana, but the province of Ontario has legalized smoking in some public places. Although the law has been tightened since it’s initial passing in late 2015, it still allows marijuana patients to smoke and vape outside of their homes. An entrepreneur in Windsor, Ontario has taken advantage of the law by opening Canada’s largest vape lounge for medical marijuana users, called Higher Limits. The lounge is over 6,000 square feet and due to Canada’s health privacy laws, customers do not have to share their medical marijuana prescription cards.
In 2000, Canada became one of the first countries in the world to rule that its citizens have a right to use cannabis for medicinal purposes. In 2013, the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations passed, overriding the previous medical marijuana legislation, and the new law changed some of the rules surrounding medical marijuana access. One of the most major shifts was that under the new medical marijuana legislation, medical marijuana patients were not allowed to grow their own marijuana. However, that clause in the law was overruled in February 2016 when a federal court judge ruled that it is a constitutional right for medical marijuana patients to be allowed to grow their own cannabis. This allows patients to control the strains and doses needed for their treatment.
One unique feature of Canada’s medical marijuana program is that patients must receive their medicine by courier. There are no legally operating storefronts for patients to go and pick their marijuana strains; instead, marijuana ordering is done online with strain recommendations from a patient’s healthcare provider. However, there are dispensaries operating in a legal grey area all over the country. These dispensaries are not entirely legal and do not obtain their marijuana from licensed sources, so unless the government amends the law to approve these medical dispensaries, it expected they will be shut down. At this time, the government is not actively closing dispensaries.
As of October 17th, 2018 Recreational Cannabis is now legal and shops are opening their doors!
To find a directory of Canadian Medical Marijuana Producers, click here!
ONTARIO CANADA FAQ
Is Marijuana legal in Ontario?
Yes, medical and recreational cannabis are both legal in all of Canada with a qualifying medical condition and prescription from a licensed doctor. As of October 17th, 2018 Recreational Cannabis is now legal and shops are opening their doors!
How can I get marijuana?
Canada is unique in that medical marijuana must be obtained via mail, not by visiting a medical marijuana dispensary in person. If you are a Canadian resident with a qualifying medical condition (conditions listed in the question below), you can obtain medical marijuana. You must first meet with your healthcare practitioner who will complete a Medical Document. Then, choose a Licensed Commercial Producer and register your medical document to become a client. A list of authorized producers can be found here. After registering and receiving a prescription, will be able to order directly from your Licensed Commercial Producer. You can find a list of Licensed Commercial Producers here. There are currently sixteen open in Ontario.
As of October 17th, 2018 Recreational Cannabis is now legal and shops are opening their doors!
What are the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana?
Patients can receive a prescription for medical marijuana to treat a variety of ailments, including, but not limited to:
- ADD/ADHD
- Arthritis
- Anxiety and Depression
- Cancer
- Chronic Pain
- Eating Disorders
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/Aids
- Loss of Appetite
- Migraines
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Sleep disorders
What types of marijuana will be available?
The Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations specifies that licensed producers will only be permitted to sell dried marijuana and oils for taking orally. There will be a number of different strains to choose from, ranging from strong Indicas to strong Sativas and everything in between. Each strain can have different effects, so be sure to ask your physician for assistance in choosing the best marijuana strain to help treat your condition. Sativas strains are known for giving a stronger head high, with generally uplifting and energizing effects. Indica strains are known for their full body highs and sedative, tiring effects – Indica strains are more likely to give you couch-lock.
Medical marijuana patients can also get fresh weed from the clinics for use in making their own edibles at home. At the unlicensed dispensaries, patients can also find pre-made edibles (like lollipops and chocolates) as well as concentrates (for dabbing).
How much will it cost?
This is dependent on the marijuana providers, which product you will be purchasing, as well as potency and quality, but patients can expect prices to be between $7-$12 per gram. Prices tend to be closer to the $7 per gram when purchasing from a licensed clinic (via mail) and closer to $12 per gram when purchasing from an unlicensed dispensary. Patients pay for marijuana out of pocket – it is not covered by health insurance.
How much Marijuana can I have?
Patients are permitted to possess up to a 30-day supply of marijuana as prescribed by the patient’s healthcare practitioner, with a maximum of 150 grams. Patients are also permitted to grow marijuana in their homes, as ruled in February 2016.
Where can I consume my recent purchase?
At the end of 2015, Ontario passed a new regulation that allows medical marijuana patients to smoke marijuana in public, where smoking is otherwise banned. However, business owners have the right to disallow the smoking and vaping of marijuana in their place of business. So, if you have a prescription, you can head to the nearest park to toke up.
You can also head to a vape lounge. Ontario is home to Canada’s largest vape lounge, Higher Limits, which is over 6,000 square feet and has smoking paraphernalia available!
Can I take my purchase home if I live in another country?
No. All marijuana products purchased in Canada must be consumed in Canada. However, you may travel between provinces without issue.
Nothing on this website should be considered legal advice or as a substitute for legal advice. Please respect the current state of Marijuana law in your area.
