Medication Information
Accessing and using cannabis and cannabis-related products
This video contains some information on staying safe when taking or using cannabis and cannabis-related products. This information is also described below in more detail.
In Canada, it is legal to use cannabis for medicinal use. In Canada, the supply of medical cannabis is monitored by the federal government, which oversees production and distribution Refers to how the medication moves through the body’s bloodstream and tissues. . People with SCI/D Spinal cord injury or dysfunction. may find cannabis or cannabis-related products helpful for managing symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Spasticity Condition in which muscles become stiff, tight, and difficult to control.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
What is cannabis and what is it used for?
There are two main types of cannabis plants: sativa and indica (there are also various hybrids). Cannabis plants contain two main active ingredients (cannabinoids): THC and CBD. THC does not have many therapeutic benefits and is the ingredient in cannabis that makes one feel “high”, while CBD is the ingredient that has been shown to reduce spasticity Condition in which muscles become stiff, tight, and difficult to control. , pain, and anxiety. Cannabis producers will list the CBD/THC levels on the packaging. Sativa contains more THC and indica contains more CBD, so indica is more often recommended for medicinal use.
Healthcare providers can sign an authorization form that allows you to buy cannabis from a licensed producer. You can also buy cannabis from specialized stores (you do not need an authorization form to buy cannabis from a specialized store).
You can access cannabis and cannabis-related products for medical use by:
- Buying directly from a federally licensed seller (e.g. licensed online cannabis stores)
- Registering with Health Canada to produce limited amount of cannabis for your own medical purposes
- Registering with Health Canada to designate another person to produce cannabis for medicinal use for you
How is cannabis prescribed?
Cannabis is available in three forms: dried flower, oils and extracts, and edibles.
- Dried flower: Smoking cannabis is not recommended. A vaporizer can be used to heat the flower to release vapor containing the active ingredients
- Oils and Extracts: Cannabis oils can be vaped, added to food or drink, or rubbed onto specific areas of the body
- Edibles: Cannabis can be purchased already mixed in food or drinks (e.g. chocolate, candy, soda)
How can I stay safe when taking cannabis?
If you are considering using cannabis, here are some general strategies you can use to be safe:
- Talk to a Healthcare Provider: Before using cannabis or cannabis-related products, talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on how you can use cannabis for symptom relief (e.g. pain relief, muscle spasms) and about potential interactions of cannabis use with other medications you are taking.
- Slowly Change Dose: Start with a low dose and gradually increase it in consultation with your healthcare provider. A slow approach will help you find the lowest dose that will help with your symptoms. Consider choosing a product with lower THC content or a higher ratio of CBD to THC to limit side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. of high THC levels (e.g. dependence Is a condition in which you develop a physical and/or psychological reliance on a medication. Your body becomes so used to having a drug regularly that you require that drug to function. , mental health problems).
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking cannabis can have negative effects on the health of your lungs. Consider other methods of taking cannabis.
- Track Your Symptoms: Ask your healthcare provider about what you can expect with cannabis usage. Keep a journal (e.g. on your phone or written down) to track your symptoms, cannabis usage, and improvement or changes in symptoms. See medication and symptom tracker table. Cannabis use may have psychological impacts, if you notice any changes, talk to your healthcare provider.
Having this information will help you discuss cannabis usage with your healthcare provider. This resource can be downloaded and completed on your computer or mobile device, or it can be printed.
References
Acland, R. (2018). The enigma of cannabis use in Spinal Cord Injury. Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-018-0098-z
Arthritis Society Canada. (2020, November). Medical cannabis for arthritis pain treatment. Arthritis Society Canada. https://arthritis.ca/treatment/your-patient-journey/medical-cannabis
Bourke, J. A., Catherwood, V. J., Nunnerley, J. L., Martin, R. A., Levack, W. M., Thompson, B. L., & Acland, R. H. (2019). Using cannabis for pain management after Spinal Cord Injury: A qualitative study. Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-019-0227-3
CAMH. (2018). To reduce risks to your health when using cannabis. https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/pdfs—reports-and-books—research/canadas-lower-risk-guidelines-cannabis-pdf.pdf
Health Canada. (2024a, February 13). Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/medical-use-cannabis.html
Health Canada. (2024b, February 13). Government of Canada. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/medical-use-cannabis.html
HealthLink BC. (2018, October 10). Medical cannabis. Medical Cannabis. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/medical-cannabis
Kinnunen, K., Robayo, L. E., Cherup, N. P., Frank, S. I., & Widerström-Noga, E. (2023). A preliminary study evaluating self-reported effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on neuropathic pain A type of pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction. It can feel like burning, tingling, or shooting sensations and is often chronic (long-lasting). and pain medication use in people with spinal cord injury. Frontiers in Pain Research, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpain.2023.1297223
Spinal Cord Injury BC. (2019, September 14). Weed 101: An SCI User’s Intro to Cannabis and Legalization. https://sci-bc.ca/yes-we-cannabis/#:~:text=The%20pot%20prohibition%20has%20made,Pain https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thc#legality-in-the-u-s
Spinal Cord Injury Canada. (2023, March 14). Could medical marijuana be just what the doctor ordered? here’s what you should know. https://sci-can.ca/blog/could-medical-marijuana-be-just-what-doctor-ordered-here%E2%80%99s-what-you-should-know