FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to the questions patients ask most — from registration and appointments through ordering and insurance.
All Questions
Getting Started
Do I need a referral from my family doctor?
No referral is required. You can register directly with Canada House Clinics online, by phone, or in person at any of our locations. Our team will confirm your eligibility and book your first appointment.
Is registration free?
Yes — registration is completely free. There is no cost to register as a patient, attend your initial Cannabis Therapy Educator appointment, or meet with a prescribing physician.
How do I register?
You can register online through the Canada House patient portal, call us at 1-844-852-0020, or walk in to any of our 12 clinic locations. Once registered, our team books your appointments and guides you through each step.
What conditions does Canada House treat?
We support patients with a wide range of conditions including chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, depression, migraines, ADHD, arthritis, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, cancer symptom management, HIV/AIDS symptoms, and fibromyalgia. Our physicians assess your individual health history to determine whether medical cannabis is appropriate for you.
Appointments
What happens at my first appointment?
Your first appointment is a Cannabis Therapy Educator (CTE) session lasting approximately 30 minutes. The CTE gathers your health information, provides an overview of cannabis therapy, helps you understand the difference between THC and CBD, and guides you in selecting a Licensed Producer that suits your needs.
What happens at the physician appointment?
The physician appointment is typically about 10 minutes. The prescribing healthcare practitioner reviews your health history, determines your dosage requirements and the duration of your prescription, and issues your medical document if cannabis is appropriate for you.
Are virtual (telemedicine) appointments available?
Yes. Canada House offers remote video appointments at no additional cost. Virtual appointments are available in every province except Québec and can be conducted from your home or a nearby Canada House location.
Ordering Your Medication
How do I order my medication after I receive a prescription?
Once your physician issues your prescription, Canada House faxes your Medical Document and Licensed Producer registration directly to your chosen LP. Allow 5–7 business days for the producer to process your registration. They will then contact you by email or phone, and you can place orders online or by telephone. Shipments are delivered by priority mail in completely discreet packaging.
Can I choose my own Licensed Producer?
Yes. Your Cannabis Therapy Educator will walk you through the available Licensed Producers (LPs) and help you find one that matches your preferences and needs. You are free to change producers at any time — simply contact our team and we will update your documentation.
What if I need help placing an order?
Your chosen Licensed Producer has dedicated service representatives who can walk you through the ordering process. You can also reach Canada House staff at 1-844-852-0020 or info@canadahouseclinics.ca for guidance.
What happens when my prescription is about to expire?
Canada House administrators contact you approximately one month before your prescription expires to schedule a renewal appointment. This ensures you have uninterrupted access to your medication without any gap in coverage.
Do veterans have a dedicated Licensed Producer option?
Yes. Canada House partners with Abba Medix, a Licensed Producer focused specifically on serving Canadian veterans.
Insurance & Coverage
Does my private insurance cover medical cannabis?
An increasing number of Canadian insurers now offer medical cannabis coverage through extended health benefits plans. Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) within many benefits plans can generally be used for medical cannabis expenses. Contact your HR department or plan administrator to confirm your specific coverage. Note that direct billing to insurance is not currently available — you pay the LP and submit for reimbursement.
How do I submit an insurance claim for medical cannabis?
First, confirm coverage with your HR department or plan administrator. Then complete your insurer's reimbursement form along with your prescription and receipts from your Health Canada-approved Licensed Producer, and submit the documentation to your insurance provider.
Can I claim medical cannabis on my tax return?
Yes. Medical cannabis expenses that are not covered by group plans or HSAs can be claimed as a medical expense on your Canadian tax return, provided you have medical authorization and purchased from a Health Canada-approved Licensed Producer.
Does Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) cover medical cannabis?
Yes. VAC provides coverage for medical cannabis for eligible Veterans. Canada House has extensive experience navigating VAC paperwork and works directly with your chosen Licensed Producer to submit documentation on your behalf. Visit our Veterans page for full details on VAC coverage and paperwork assistance.
About Medical Cannabis
What is the difference between THC and CBD?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It interacts with CB1 receptors in the brain and is commonly used for pain control and mood. CBD (cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive, works on the peripheral nervous system and immune regulation, and is used for pain, inflammation, and anxiety. CBD can also reduce the psychoactive effects of THC. Your treatment plan will be tailored to the balance of cannabinoids that best addresses your conditions.
Is medical cannabis safe?
All medical cannabis dispensed through Canada House comes from Health Canada-approved Licensed Producers, ensuring consistent quality and safety standards. As with any medication, cannabis is not suitable for everyone — it is generally not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for individuals with serious cardiovascular, respiratory, or psychiatric conditions. Any side effects are typically temporary. Your physician will assess your full health history before issuing a prescription.
Still have questions?
We're here to help
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our team is happy to help by phone or email, or you can visit any of our 12 clinic locations across Canada.