Prior to the legalization of recreational marijuana (cannabis), medical cannabis was prescribed by physicians to treat a limited variety of medical conditions.The cost of medical-grade cannabis is higher than recreational cannabis, (due to the purity and strains) and often more difficult to obtain.This discussion is about MEDICAL CANNABIS only; not recreational or self-medicating cannabis use.

Although there can be negative effects with cannabis use (as with any drug), there are now many more studies showing the benefits of medical cannabis to treat a variety of conditions.However, there are still limitations and challenges associated with medical cannabis use in our health care system.

Based on your personal thoughts, or further research:

1.What are two or more barriers faced by patients seeking to: (1) acquire a prescription for medical cannabis, and (2) for patients to access and then purchase the grade of medical cannabis needed to treat their particular condition?

2.Given the costs and ability to access medical cannabis, do you feel that the ODB (Ontario Drug Benefits), OHIP, or all Extended Health Insurance should cover medical cannabis as a therapeutic medication, and that it should be available from a greater number of regulated providers? Please explain how this would benefit patients.

3.Do you believe that medical cannabis should be more widely studied, and prescribed to patients?How would the health care system and medical personnel need to change to decrease the stigma and increase patient education regarding medical cannabis use?