Canada has swiftly become one of the world’s best countries for weed. You can now find stores in many parts of the country offering up all kinds of weed strains and cannabis products to buy. It’s also exceptionally easy to buy weed online in Canada, making things even more convenient. However, new consumers may wonder- do you need a medical marijuana card in Canada?
The cannabis laws in Canada are much less restrictive than the United States. You don’t need a medical card in any part of the country, and as long as you’re 19 or over, you’ll have no problem buying cannabis. With that said, you can access cannabis for medical purposes and medical patients get certain perks. Here’s a guide to medical marijuana in Canada.
Do You Need a Medical Marijuana Card in Canada?
You don’t need a medical marijuana card in Canada to buy any kind of marijuana product. The marijuana laws in Canada allow any adult aged 19 or above (18 in Alberta and Quebec) to buy marijuana from any licensed store or online. It’s now easy for anyone to buy all kinds of marijuana strains, concentrates, oils, and other products.
When you go to buy marijuana from a store, all you’ll need to take is a valid form of identification such as a driver’s license or a passport. This is simply to prove that you’re of legal age, which is still strictly enforced. Even when you buy online, you’ll need to provide proof of age, either via a scan or by showing your ID to the delivery person.
You’re free to buy marijuana for medical purposes, and medical products such as THC and CBD Oils are also widely available. But while you don’t need a medical marijuana card, Health Canada does give medical marijuana patients certain advantages when they buy cannabis.
Becoming a Medical Marijuana Patient in Canada
Although Canada doesn’t hand out medical marijuana cards, it still has a medical marijuana program which gives certain advantages to patients accessing cannabis for medical use. Certified medical marijuana patients can get access to cheaper products and also have a much higher public possession limit.
Previously, medical cannabis patients were covered under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). With the Cannabis Act now in effect, there are new regulations for accessing cannabis for medical purposes, but the medical marijuana program still works in much the same way.
Patients are able to gain authorization from their healthcare provider to access cannabis for medical use. Medical patients can visit a licensed physician and gain a registration certificate for medical marijuana if they have a severe or chronic condition. Although it’s not really necessary, medical patients do get a few perks which can make it worth it.
Advantages of being a Medical Marijuana Patient in Canada
With marijuana now widely available to all adults in Canada, users may wonder if there’s even a point in gaining medical certification. However, while you don’t need to get a registration certificate, there are a few reasons why you may want to.
Health Canada notes that becoming a registered medical marijuana patient gives you access to many more licensed producers and sellers. Medical marijuana patients can get access to cheaper products and also buy much more cannabis than regular users. You can also grow more cannabis or designate someone to produce it for you.
The nationwide public possession limit for cannabis is 30 grams of dried flower. However, registered patients can possess up to 150 grams in public. That also means they can possess higher amounts of other kinds of cannabis products. Patients will need to present their registration document or certificate if requested by law enforcement.
Buying Marijuana Without a Medical Card in Canada
Of course, while becoming a medical marijuana patient does have its perks, it’s not at all necessary. As long as you’re of legal age in your province and have ID to prove it, you won’t have any issue whatsoever getting your hands on marijuana.
There are now many licensed stores all over Canada which provide marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes. The Cannabis Act states you can possess up to 30 grams of dry flower. Different kinds of products have different possession limits, which you can see on the Government of Canada website. Despite lower possession limits, you can keep more marijuana at home.
For even more convenience, users can also buy marijuana online in Canada. Buying online usually gives you access to a much wider range of products at better prices. You can buy whatever you want and have it delivered directly to your door wherever you are in Canada. No medical registration is required, but you’ll still need to provide proof of age.
Best Marijuana Strains for Medical Use
Whether you’re a medical marijuana patient or just a regular user, you can use marijuana for medical use. Marijuana strains, concentrates, and other products can help relieve pain, stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and many other physical and mental symptoms. Here are some of the best strains to buy for medical use.
Medibud – Medibud is a strain that’s tailored to medical users. The THC content isn’t too high, so you can enjoy the helpful medical effects without overwhelming psychoactive effects. With a ratio of 60:40 indica to sativa, it gives you intense relaxing effects along with an uplifting and stimulating head high.
Blue Dream – Blue Dream is known as one of the best sativa strains on the market. It’s also known as one of the best medical strains. It gives you some incredibly stimulating effects that will instantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also gives you a smooth body high to help tackle pain and physical distress.
Strawberry Cough – Another popular strain for medical use, Strawberry Cough provides stimulating sativa effects which are perfect for helping with issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It also provides some soothing body effects. Strawberry Cough has an amazing fresh strawberry taste which makes it even more enjoyable for users.
Conclusion
Do you need a medical marijuana card in Canada? The answer is no. All you need to buy marijuana is a valid form of ID to prove you’re aged 19 or over (18 in Alberta and Quebec). You can get a registration certificate if you plan to use marijuana for severe medical symptoms, but it isn’t required and it’s easy for any adult to get their hands on legal marijuana.
