Note: Certain LPs offer direct billing for CNESST. If you have any questions about medical cannabis coverage through CNESST, please email Apollo Clinics at bonjour@apolloresearch.ca. We offer free virtual appointments and ongoing support.
Understanding Medical Cannabis Coverage in Quebec
What is Medical Cannabis?
Medical cannabis refers to the use of cannabis plant products, such as dried flowers or CBD and THC infused oils, prescribed by an authorized healthcare professional to treat certain medical conditions. In Quebec (and across Canada), medical cannabis was first legalized in 2001, following federal regulations under Health Canada. Today, patients must obtain a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider and purchase medical cannabis from a Health Canada-approved licensed producer. Recreational and medical cannabis are regulated separately; only medical use is supported by a prescription and recognized for compensation programs and insurance coverage.
In Quebec, medical cannabis is frequently prescribed to manage a variety of health conditions, but chronic pain remains one of the most common reasons. Other recognized uses include relief from symptoms related to cancer, multiple sclerosis, arthritis epilepsy, and nausea from chemotherapy. For patients with chronic pain—a condition often resulting from workplace injuries or persistent illness—medical cannabis can provide an alternative to opioids and other pharmaceuticals, typically prescribed when conventional pain management has been ineffective or caused significant side effects.
Overview of CNESST
CNESST stands for Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail. This Quebec governmental body oversees labor standards, pay equity, and—importantly for this topic—workplace health and safety compensation. CNESST is responsible for administering workers’ compensation benefits, which include covering medically necessary treatments and medications for workplace injuries or occupational diseases.
When a worker in Quebec suffers an injury or develops an illness in the course of their employment, CNESST may provide financial compensation and coverage for medical care related to recovery. Coverage can include doctor’s visits, rehabilitation, prescription drugs, and medical cannabis. Approval for medical cannabis coverage through CNESST requires a formal prescription and clinics like Apollo help their patients get approval, free of charge.
- CNESST is the main channel for workplace-related injuries and may provide coverage if certain medical criteria are met
- IVAC is dedicated to victims of crime and may on a case-by-case basis consider medical cannabis when traditional therapies are inadequate
- RAMQ is Quebec’s public health insurance, but at this time, it does not reimburse any medical cannabis costs
- Private Insurance policies sometimes provide partial medical cannabis reimbursement, especially when prescribed for chronic pain or conditions explicitly listed in the policy. Claims typically require medical documentation and pre-approval from the insurer. Coverage fully depends on the plan. If you have a reimbursable Healthcare Spending Account in your plan, you may be able to submit your medical cannabis through that as it is now considered a medical expense by the CRA
By understanding these distinctions, individuals can better identify which pathway—and documentation—may lead to successful reimbursement or coverage of medical cannabis for chronic pain in Quebec.
Eligibility Criteria for Medical Cannabis Prescription Coverage by CNESST
Who Qualifies? Types of Workplace Injuries and Chronic Pain Conditions Considered
CNESST considers coverage for workers who have suffered workplace injuries resulting in chronic pain, physical injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, or other recognized medical conditions that have not sufficiently responded to conventional therapies. Conditions commonly approved for medical cannabis coverage include chronic neuropathic pain, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and other persistent pain syndromes directly linked to a workplace accident or recognized occupational disease.
To be eligible for CNESST coverage of medical cannabis:
- The treating physician or NP (which you can find at Apollo Cannabis Clinics) must confirm that medical cannabis could be medically beneficial and may be more suitable than alternatives like more harmful pharmaceuticals
Required documentation when communicating with CNESST generally includes:
- A prescription (medical document) completed by a licensed healthcare professional
- Detailed medical reports demonstrating the persistence and severity of symptoms
- A list of all current medications and treatments attempted
- Documentation from the CNESST showing your file number, injury date, and recognized diagnosis
- Regular follow-ups and progress reports from your physician are typically mandated to confirm ongoing necessity
CNESST Acceptance Criteria
Disclaimer: Apollo Cannabis Clinics cannot ensure your claim will get accepted/approved, but will look to provide you with the needed documentation of your prescription.
Required Medical Indications – Approval generally depends on:
- Chronic pain directly related to a workplace accident or recognized occupational disease.
- Failure to get full relief from standard treatments/experienced intolerance of their side-effects
- The HCP ensuring the THC limit, gram allowance, and format type of the medical cannabis are appropriate
Approved Forms of Medical Cannabis
The CNESST recognizes several forms of medical cannabis for coverage:
- Ingestible oils
- Gel capsules / soft gels
- Topicals
The prescribing HCP may add more options depending on the symptoms and needs of the patient.
Key Points for Applicants:
- Coverage is highly individualized. All claims undergo a review process, but approval rates have risen drastically since 2024.
- Strict compliance with documentation and medical justification is essential—ensure every form and report meets current CNESST and Health Canada standards.
- Seek guidance from a healthcare provider familiar with CNESST claims and medical cannabis protocols for the best chance of approval. Apollo’s healthcare team has been helping patients across Canada since 2014 and is ready to assist you.
By meeting the above eligibility and acceptance criteria, injured workers or those with chronic pain may qualify to have their medical cannabis prescription covered by CNESST in Quebec.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Medical Cannabis Reimbursed/Refunded by CNESST
Step 1 – Obtain a Medical Prescription
Book a free virtual appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner like those at Apollo Cannabis Clinics who specialize in medical cannabis and CNESST coverage submissions. They will work with you to assess if you are qualified to receive medical cannabis as a treatment option for your condition and associated symptoms. Once approved, they will write you a medical document (prescription) with the necessary information on it that can be submitted to CNESST for approval. The medical document will also be sent to a licensed producer where you will order your medical cannabis from.
Step 2 – Build Your Application File
List of required documents:
- Medical prescription (Apollo will provide this based on your eligibility for medical cannabis)
- Documentation from the CNESST showing your file number, injury date, and recognized diagnosis
Step 3 – Submit Your Claim to CNESST
Fill out the “Worker’s Claim” form (Demande du travailleur) for CNESST. Send the completed claim form and all required documents to CNESST (the form provides instructions for mail or electronic submission). CNESST reviews all submitted materials to determine if the claim is admissible. For reimbursement of medical expenses, submit the Application for reimbursement of expenses with supporting documents to CNESST after your claim is accepted. (Some LPs offer direct billing so you won’t need reimbursement.)
Step 4 – Medical Follow-Up and Renewals
You will have a follow up appointment booked by Apollo’s education team after your initial appointment between 3-12 months out. If at any point you have questions about your coverage or medicine, Apollo’s team is available 7 days a week by phone and email. If you would like to book an appointment sooner than your follow up, please let us know and we can schedule you in sooner.
Private Insurance vs. CNESST: What You Need to Know
Private Insurance Coverage for Medical Cannabis
Some health plans now include coverage for medical cannabis. Be sure to check with your employer or plan coordinator to see if you have coverage. If you have a reimbursable Healthcare Spending Account (HSA/HCSA), you can now claim medical cannabis through that as it is now considered a valid medical expense by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You can submit your medical cannabis expense to your insurance like any other expense but be sure to check with your insurer if they need extra documentation like your medical document (prescription) for proof.
Comparing CNESST, IVAC, RAMQ, and Private Insurance
| Plan | Coverage for Medical Cannabis | Key Criteria | Application Process |
| CNESST | Yes (with criteria) | Medical need, injury link, prescription | Formal claim with documentation |
| IVAC | Case-by-case | Victims of crime, medical need | Similar to CNESST |
| RAMQ | Generally No | Rare exceptions | Not standard |
| Private | Varies by plan | Plan-specific, often strict. Often submittable through a reimbursable healthcare spending account. | Submit via insurer |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I get reimbursed for medical cannabis by the CNESST?
A: Obtain a medical prescription, gather all required documents (prescription, invoices, proof of injury), and submit your claim to the CNESST for review. Apollo’s team can help you with the prescription, free of charge.
Q2: What are the CNESST’s criteria for reimbursing medical cannabis?
A: Proof of chronic pain linked to a workplace injury, a valid medical prescription, and compliance with CNESST’s dosage and product guidelines.
Q3: What documents do I need to provide for reimbursement?
A: Medical prescription, purchase receipts, medical follow-up notes, and proof of injury/chronic pain diagnosis.
Q4: Does private insurance cover medical cannabis in Quebec?
A: Coverage varies by plan; check with your insurer for specific criteria, a reimbursable healthcare spending account, and required documents.
Q5: Does the RAMQ reimburse medical cannabis?
A: RAMQ does not generally cover medical cannabis except in rare, specific cases.
Q6: Can I get help building my CNESST file?
A: Yes, certain legal and support services can help prepare your file and maximize your chances of acceptance.
If you are curious about medical cannabis and want to speak to a healthcare practitioner about obtaining a prescription or getting it covered via CNESST, book your free virtual appointment here.
