Medical vs. Recreational in Canada: 5 Reasons Patients Come Out Ahead

When Canada made history on October 17, 2018, by becoming the first G7 country to fully legalize cannabis for recreational use through the Cannabis Act, it opened new doors for millions of Canadians. But medical cannabis patients had already enjoyed legal access since 1999, which was further expanded in 2013 through the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR).

The medical cannabis system offers significant advantages over recreational use, from higher possession limits to tax benefits to specialized products. Here are some compelling reasons why medical cannabis is a better option for those who use it for therapeutic purposes.

1. Bigger limits, greater convenience

This is the biggest advantage for medical patients. While recreational users can only possess 30 grams of dried cannabis in public, medical patients can carry up to 150 grams or their 30-day supply, whichever is less. This is five times more than the limit for recreational users.

Additionally, medical patients can purchase up to 150 grams at a time, while dispensary customers are maxed at 30 grams. This reduces trips to dispensaries and helps ensure a consistent supply for ongoing treatment.

Going on holiday? If you're travelling within Canada, you're allowed to bring up to 150 grams of cannabis with you. This saves you the hassle of being limited to just 30 grams and searching for dispensaries in an unfamiliar city. However, it's crucial to remember that travelling internationally with cannabis remains illegal and carries severe consequences.

2. Medicine made for your needs

Medical patients enjoy access to a broader selection of products than recreational users. While recreational customers technically have access to the same options, these products are often difficult to locate at dispensaries.

Medical patients require specialized products designed for specific conditions. These include high-CBD products for epilepsy, balanced THC/CBD ratios for chronic pain, or specific terpene profiles that aren't available in recreational markets.

Herbal Dispatch is proud to offer a thoughtfully curated collection of over 100 CBD products, including high-CBD strains, pre-rolls, oils and capsules, suppositories, and more. Each product is carefully selected by our team of experts to ensure exceptional quality, potency, and effectiveness.

3. Professional care, tailored to you

At Herbal Dispatch, we understand that every patient's needs are unique, and selecting the right product can be a complex process. That’s why we offer personalized patient consultations with licensed clinicians who specialize in medical cannabis.

Unlike dispensary budtenders, who primarily focus on product knowledge, our clinicians take a holistic approach, assessing your medical history, symptoms, and specific health goals to provide tailored recommendations.

This ensures you receive expert guidance in finding the most appropriate treatment options for your condition. With this professional support, you can make informed decisions with confidence, achieving the best possible outcomes for your health and wellness.

4. Tax relief for patients

Medical cannabis can be claimed as a tax deduction through the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) on your federal income tax return. This means costs associated with medical cannabis can potentially reduce your taxable income, similar to other medical expenses.

To qualify for tax deductions, you must:

• Have a valid medical document from an authorized healthcare provider
• Purchase from a licensed medical producer
• Be registered as a patient of that licensed seller
• Keep all receipts and documentation

The amount you can claim is calculated as your total medical expenses minus the lesser of 3% of your net income or $2,759 (for 2024). For someone earning $50,000 annually with $2,500 in medical cannabis expenses, the deduction would be calculated as follows:

 

5. Insurance pathways for cannabis

While most Canadians don't have insurance coverage for medical cannabis, it's becoming more available. Group insurance plans through employers are starting to include coverage for medical cannabis, and some private insurance companies offer individual plans that cover it as well.

Some patients successfully claim medical cannabis through Health Spending Accounts or flexible benefits programs. It's worth checking with your insurance provider to see what options might be available.

And Veterans Affairs Canada provides full coverage up to $8.50 per gram for eligible veterans, significantly improving the quality of life for those who have served our country. No longer do vets have to choose between managing their symptoms and financial stability; they can have both.

 

Moving forward with confidence

Today, medical cannabis supports over 160,000 Canadians, offering benefits like higher possession limits, tax deductions, and stronger legal protections for those with qualifying health conditions. While legalization has made recreational cannabis widely available, Canada’s dual system ensures that patients get enhanced access and support through proper medical authorization.

If you use cannabis to manage ongoing health issues, be it chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, or something else, exploring medical cannabis can open the door to cost savings, better treatment options, and peace of mind.

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