Are you wondering where to buy or get medical cannabis in 2026? Whether you’re new to medical cannabis or looking to renew your prescription, this guide by Apollo Cannabis Clinics will walk you through everything you need to know—from getting your medical cannabis prescription to finding the right product for your needs.
Where to Get a Medical Cannabis Card in Canada
You can get a medical cannabis card in Canada by booking an appointment with a specific clinic, licensed doctor, or nurse practitioner who can assess your condition and issue a medical cannabis prescription. A medical cannabis card – now more commonly called a medical cannabis prescription – functions like any other prescription and confirms that a healthcare practitioner has authorized cannabis as part of your treatment plan. Medical cannabis appointments are available Canada-wide via virtual appointments.
How to Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription
To access medical cannabis legally in Canada, you must:
- Book an appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner
- Discuss your medical condition and symptoms
- Receive a written medical document (prescription)
Some healthcare practitioners choose not to prescribe medical cannabis due to time constraints or a lack of patient education resources. This is where specialty medical cannabis clinics can help. As of March 2025, approximately 172,600 Canadians were actively authorized to access cannabis for medical purposes under the federal Cannabis Act.
Using a Medical Cannabis Clinic
Clinics like Apollo specialize in medical cannabis care and offer:
- Free appointments
- Canada-wide access
- Support from booking to ordering your medication
To book an appointment, you must have a valid provincial health card from the province where you live. The clinic team guides you through the entire process, making it simple and accessible.
Medical Cannabis Rules in Canada
While recreational cannabis laws vary by province (such as Ontario and Quebec), medical cannabis is regulated federally by Health Canada. This means the medical cannabis program is consistent and valid across Canada, regardless of where you live.
How to get a medical card online in Canada for free?
Many clinics offer free online/phone consultations. Here’s how it works:
- Book a virtual appointment with a healthcare practitioner
- Discuss your medical history and symptoms
- If approved, your practitioner will provide a medical document
- The cannabis clinic’s education team will help you register with a licensed producer (LP) so you can order medical cannabis directly online
- Once approved by the LP, you can start ordering products
How Long Is a Medical Cannabis Consultation?
A typical initial medical cannabis appointment in Canada is 15-30 minutes. Once you have completed your triage form before the appointment, the physician or NP will go over your medical history with you, discuss your condition(s) and symptom(s) you are looking to utilize medical cannabis for, and assess if you are a good candidate. Renewal appointments are often shorter, around 10-15 minutes.
Cannabis Care Experts
At Apollo Cannabis Clinics, our qualified healthcare practitioners assess your needs and help you decide if medical cannabis is right for you. Our knowledgeable educators provide personalized guidance, answer your questions, and support you throughout your journey. All consultations are secure and online, ensuring privacy and convenience.
How do I get medical cannabis?
Once you are approved for medical cannabis by an HCP, you can purchase medical cannabis from a licensed producer. You may only buy medical cannabis from Health Canada approved Licensed Producers, and Apollo’s team makes it easy to set you up with an account with one. You can choose from a wide range of products, including dried flower, oils, capsules, edibles, and topicals. These LPs undergo strict quality and health regulations to ensure dose and product consistency.
How Long Until Your First medical Cannabis Delivery Arrives?
From appointment to doorstep, most patients receive their first medical cannabis order within 3–5 business days.
Typical timeline:
- Consultation & approval: Same day
- Registration with licensed producer: 1–2 business days
- Shipping via Canada Post or courier:
- Standard shipping: 2–5 business days
- Express shipping (where available): 1–3 business days
What symptoms can medical cannabis help with?
Medical cannabis may help with symptoms such as:
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
- PTSD
- Arthritis
- Endometriosis
- Autoimmune Conditions
- IBD & IBS
- Nausea and loss of appetite (often related to cancer or HIV/AIDS)
- Multiple sclerosis symptoms
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Traumatic brain injuries
Your healthcare provider will determine if your symptoms qualify for medical cannabis treatment. You do not need a referral to book an appointment at Apollo, although we are more than happy to accept them from your primary healthcare provider.
Do I need to smoke medical cannabis?
Absolutely not. As a doctor’s office, we do not recommend smoking, as there are many safer ways to utilize medical cannabis. Typically, patients will start out with ingestible oils and soft gels as they are easy to dose, precise, and discreet. For those looking to find relief from quick-onset symptoms, vaporization is recommended over smoking.
Do I ever need to renew my prescription?
Yes, just like any other prescription, the doctor or nurse practitioner will set a time period and amount of medication that can be obtained during that time frame. Prescriptions are normally for anywhere from 1 month to 12 months, depending on the patient’s medical history and experience with cannabis.
What are the regulations concerning the use of medical cannabis in Canada?
Medical cannabis is legal in Canada for patients with a valid medical document. You must:
- Be approved by a healthcare practitioner
- Register with Health Canada or a licensed producer
- Possess only the amount allowed by your prescription
- Not use cannabis in places you are not allowed to use recreational cannabis or smoke
- Not bring it over any international borders
What Are the Possession Limits for Medical vs Recreational Cannabis?
Medical cannabis patients in Canada are legally allowed to possess both the recreational limit of 30 grams (or equivalent of), as well as up to 30 days of their prescribed amount (capped at 150 grams). It is recommended to keep proof of your prescription, either digitally or printed.
What are the ways to purchase medical cannabis in Canada?
You can buy medical cannabis in Canada by ordering online or by phone from licensed producers (LPs). Their online stores are easy to navigate, like any online shop, where you can place your selected items into a cart and check out once you are ready. You will have a specific login that will allow you to see how much you can order according to your prescription/medical document. Your medication will then be delivered discreetly by mail to your residence. Always ensure you are buying from legal, licensed sources.
How Much Does Medical Cannabis Cost per Month in Canada?
The average monthly cost of medical cannabis ranges anywhere from $50-$300, and is highly dependent on a multitude of factors, including product format, symptom severity, and your own endocannabinoid system’s sensitivity. Most new patients begin at very low doses in order to find what works for them – lessening the overall cost. Medical cannabis is typically cheaper per gram than recreational cannabis, and there are options available to help with cost, including compassionate pricing, insurance coverage, and tax breaks. Care specialists at cannabis clinics can assist you in finding products and price points that fit your needs and budget.
Who is the biggest supplier of cannabis for medical use?
Canada has several large licensed producers, all offering a wide range of products and product types. Your HCP and patient educator can help you decide what products best fit your needs based on CBD and other cannabinoid ratios, product types, cost, and more.
Where to apply for medical cannabis?
You can apply for medical cannabis through:
- Your healthcare provider (doctor or nurse practitioner)
- Online medical cannabis clinics that specialize in medical cannabis, like Apollo Cannabis Clinics
- Health Canada, if you want to grow your own cannabis for personal medical use (but you still need a valid prescription from an HCP)
Does OHIP cover medical cannabis?
Currently, OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) does not cover the cost of medical cannabis. However, some private insurance plans may offer partial reimbursement. Check with your insurance provider for details.
How Much Is the Medical Cannabis Tax Deduction Worth?
You can claim medical expenses exceeding the lesser of: 3% of net income, or $2,759 (2024-2025 tax year). This can add up quickly, especially if you have other claimable medical expenses.
Canada’s Top Medical Cannabis Resource – Find the strain that’s right for you
Discover a wide selection of medical cannabis products tailored to your preferences, whether you’re seeking Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid strains, or prioritizing CBD or THC dominance. Choose from various consumption methods—including inhalation, ingestion, topicals, and more—to find the option that aligns with your lifestyle and health goals. This service, available nationwide in Canada, is designed to support patients in improving their quality of life by providing reliable access to medical cannabis.
How it works:
- Book a free online consultation
- Meet with a healthcare practitioner to discuss your symptoms
- If approved, get your medical document
- Register with a licensed producer
- Order your medical cannabis online and have it delivered to your door
Get educated:
Our educators provide resources to help you understand medical cannabis, its uses, and potential benefits. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way by phone and email 7 days a week.
What is the difference between the words cannabis, marijuana, weed, and canna?
- Cannabis is the scientific name for the plant
- Marijuana and weed are common slang terms for cannabis
- Canna is a casual abbreviation sometimes used online
All these words refer to the same plant, but cannabis is the preferred term in medical and legal settings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to get a medical cannabis card?
You can typically get an appointment within a week. Once you have seen the doctor or NP and have been provided a prescription/approved for medical cannabis, you will be ready to sign up with an LP and place your first order.
Can I get a medical cannabis prescription without a family doctor?
Yes, you can visit a specialist cannabis clinic, with no referral needed.
Can I use my medical cannabis card in other provinces?
Yes, Health Canada governs medical cannabis, a part of the federal government and once you have a prescription/card, you can use it nationwide when ordering from an LP.
What if my application is denied?
You may look to request a second opinion from a different HCP if you so choose.
Is medical cannabis legal in Canada?
Yes, for those with a valid medical document/prescription. It has actually been legal since 2001, but the system and the necessary conditions that need to be met have changed drastically since.
Can I travel within Canada with medical cannabis?
Yes, for those with a valid medical document/prescription. Be sure to travel only with the legal amount, and keep documentation of your prescription with you.
What’s the difference between cannabis from an LP and a dispensary?
The main difference is product selection, especially around CBD-based products. LPs offer a wide variety of oils and softgels with different ratios and doses to ensure all patients can accurately dose their medication. The guidance of a healthcare professional also plays a huge role in best utilizing your medical cannabis to find relief while minimizing any unwanted side effects.
If you have more questions or want to start your medical cannabis journey, book a free consultation with Apollo Cannabis Clinics today. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. It is intended to support discussion and general understanding of medical cannabis and related services in Canada. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional or legal advisor regarding your specific circumstances.
