CBDNorth is here to help you navigate the complicated process of getting a prescription for CBD oil in Canada. The Cannabis Act, which came into effect on October 17th, 2018, made it legal for Canadians over the age of 18 or 19 (depending on their province) to purchase and consume recreational cannabis. However, when it comes to medicinal cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) products, things can get tricky. Here’s what you need to know about getting a prescription for CBD oil in Canada:
Understanding the regulations
The regulations surrounding CBD oil are different from those governing recreational cannabis because CBD oil is considered a therapeutic health product. This means that anyone who wants to use it must be approved by Health Canada before they can legally purchase and possess it. A healthcare professional must prescribe any product containing CBD so that it can be purchased from an authorized provider, such as a pharmacy or licensed medical marijuana producer.
Finding a qualified healthcare professional
Finding a qualified medical professional willing to write a prescription for CBD oil isn’t easy – but it’s not impossible! You can start by asking your GP if they are familiar with writing prescriptions for this type of therapy; if not, they should be able to refer you to someone who is experienced in prescribing cannabinoid therapies. Alternatively, you can use Weedmaps or Leafly (two popular online resources) to find doctors in your area who specialize in prescribing medical marijuana or other cannabinoid medications.
Getting approval from Health Canada
Once you have found a qualified doctor and received your prescription, the next step is to get approval from Health Canada before purchasing any product containing CBD oil. To do this, you will need to fill out an application form that includes details such as the type of product you are requesting (e.g. oils, tinctures), the dosage strength you require, and how often you plan to use the medication. Once you have completed the application form, mail or fax it directly to Health Canada, along with supporting documentation from your doctor to support your diagnosis.
Knowing what to look for in quality products
Once approved by Health Canada, you can shop for quality products with confidence that they meet all the necessary regulatory requirements set by the government agency responsible for overseeing health product safety standards in Canada (Health Canada). Be sure to shop only at reputable stores and look for third-party certifications such as GMP certification, which indicates that good manufacturing practices have been followed during the production process, as well as laboratory test results, where available, that show that potency levels are consistent with label claims and that no harmful contaminants are present in the final formulations before they are sold to the public.
Making an informed choice
It’s important when making any healthcare decision related to medication purchase that patients take the time to review relevant information regarding potential side effects associated with the treatments being considered as well as research the various brands/products available so that informed decisions are based on sound evidence-based research rather than relying solely on anecdotal reports from others.
Conclusion
Getting a prescription for CBD oil in Canada isn’t necessarily easy, but there are steps one can take to make the entire process smoother, including seeking assistance from qualified professionals knowledgeable about the procedures involved, understanding relevant regulations governing these types of products, verifying quality authenticity both before and after purchase, and most importantly making sure fully informed decisions are made prior to engaging in treatment plans involving cannabinoid therapies.
