How medical cannabis programmes work

Why there is no single answer

Medical cannabis is organised differently in every country, state and province. Some places have a registry, some rely on a prescription from a doctor, some limit which professionals can recommend it, and some limit the products allowed. This guide describes the common pattern so you know what to ask, not what applies to you.

The usual path

1. A conversation with a health professional who is allowed to discuss or recommend cannabis in your place.
2. An assessment of your history, current medicines and whether a programme route is appropriate.
3. A recommendation or prescription, where the law provides for one.
4. Registration, in places that keep a patient register.
5. Supply through a licensed pharmacy, dispensary or approved supplier.
6. Follow-up to review how it is going and adjust.

Things that vary

• Who may recommend or prescribe.
• Which products are allowed and in what forms.
• Whether there is a patient card and how long it lasts.
• Who pays: the patient, an insurer or a public programme.

Where to check

Your health regulator or health ministry is the authority. For the underlying law, see ganja.global. This site does not tell you whether you qualify.