#1: Medical Cannabis in Canada: The Benefits of Having a Medical Document
#1: Medical Cannabis in Canada: The Benefits of Having a Medical Document
The advent of recreational cannabis in Canada has provided easy access to a product that was, until recently, only available to those with a medical document. If you live close to one of the thousands of retail cannabis stores now open across the country, it may seem like there is no need to opt for medical cannabis, especially if you're only looking to use cannabis for recreational purposes.
However, there are several reasons for Canadians to continue using the medical cannabis system. If you don't already have a medical document, here's a look at some of the benefits of obtaining one.
Better quality products
One of the biggest benefits of having a medical document at Herbal Dispatch is that you get instant access to a wider range of premium products. Through the partnerships that we have formed with our craft producers, we can offer exclusive strains and small-batch products that you won't find anywhere else.
From unique indicas to potent sativas, our medical patients have the pick of the litter when it comes to high-quality cannabis. This is in contrast to recreational cannabis that is sourced by the provincial distribution boards, often produced by Big Cannabis, and warehoused for months before it reaches retail stores.
Taxes, taxes, taxes
Medical cannabis patients also have the benefit of being able to claim their cannabis purchases on their taxes. According to the Government of Canada, the "amounts paid for cannabis, cannabis oil, cannabis plant seeds, or cannabis products purchased for medical purposes from a holder of a license for sale" can be claimed as long as the patient holds a medical document.
As of 2022, this amount you can claim is $2,421 or 3% of your net income (whichever is lower, unfortunately). You can also claim the cost of a Health Canada-approved vaporizer as a medical expense on your taxes.
Increased purchase and possession limits
As a medical cannabis user, you can order up to 150 grams of dried cannabis (or its equivalent) at a time, which is 5x greater than the recreational limit of 30 grams. Medical cannabis users will also be legally allowed to possess "the lesser of 150 grams or a 30-day supply of dried cannabis (or the equivalent in cannabis product)."
Travel within Canada is also much easier for medical cannabis users. While recreational users are only allowed to travel with a maximum of 30 grams of dried cannabis, medical users can possess the lesser of 150 grams or a 30-day supply while travelling within Canada's borders. Make sure to bring your medical documentation with you when travelling, and check the regulations in each province or territory that you are planning to visit as they may differ from your home province.
Veterans and Compassionate Care
In addition to what you can claim on your taxes, Canadian Armed Forces Veterans who have been prescribed cannabis are eligible for reimbursement of $8.50 a gram and up to three grams a day (90 grams per month) through Veterans Affairs Canada. With Blue Cross Direct Billing, our veterans do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses for their medical cannabis.
There are also compassionate care programs to assist those who might not be able to afford the full price of their cannabis. At Herbal Dispatch, we offer eligible members a 10% discount on their total purchase. Check out our Compassionate Pricing page for more details.
Signing up is smooth
Previous experiences with medical cannabis pre-legalization were tedious - you would have to go to a sketchy store to get approved for a medical card that didn't seem real. Now, the process is much simpler. You can simply sign up for an appointment online from the comfort of your own home and get a medical document approved within minutes.
Services like HelloMD can connect you to a doctor quickly and you can easily reap the above benefits at no cost to yourself. Once approved, your medical document will be valid for up to one year and can quickly be renewed online.
Herbal Dispatch benefits
We know that making the right purchase can be daunting for cannabis users, so we're here to help you get the most out of your experience at Herbal Dispatch. Here are some extra benefits that you'll get by being a member:
• An active and engaged online community where users can ask questions, give and receive advice, and connect with others who understand their needs and issues.
• Points with every purchase that you can redeem for free gear, exclusive offers, and other great rewards.
• A referral program that gives you points for every new person you refer, and rewards them with a $20 discount on their first order.
• Subscriptions on your favourite products so you never have to worry about running out.
• Excellent customer service that is always here to help.
In closing
While recreational cannabis is now legal in Canada, there are still several reasons why medical cannabis is a good option. With a medical document, you can get a better quality product, access higher purchase limits, have your cannabis expenses reimbursed, and sign up for compassionate pricing programs. While it may seem like an extra step, the sign-up process is easy and can be done from the comfort of your own home. So if you're not yet a member, come join today and take advantage of all the benefits that we have to offer!
