There are many ways to access cannabis in Canada, but the first question to ask yourself is whether you’re using it for medical or recreational purposes. The answer determines where and how you can legally access it—and what kind of benefits come with it. Medical cannabis can be tax-deductible, prescribed, and supported by professional education and guidance, while recreational cannabis is limited to general retail sales with no medical support or tax benefits.

If your goal is medical relief, it all starts with a consultation. A licensed medical cannabis doctor will review your condition and, if suitable, authorize you to use medical marijuana. Once authorized, you can either register with a licensed producer (LP) to order your medicine online or apply for a personal grow licence through Health Canada, which allows you to legally cultivate your own cannabis plants at home.

In contrast, recreational cannabis is sold only through IAGCO-licensed retail cannabis stores. These stores operate under Ontario’s strict retail framework and are forbidden to provide any medical advice, guidance, or therapeutic recommendations. Recreational cannabis can only be sold to adults aged 19 and over, and its sale is regulated for personal enjoyment—not for health-related use. A great example is Wychwood Cannabis, a licensed retailer that provides legal recreational cannabis to adults in Toronto. While they offer a professional and compliant shopping experience, retail stores cannot advise on dosage, treatment, or therapeutic benefits. That’s where medical cannabis clinics make a real difference.

Through Health Canada’s Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR), patients can access a wide range of medical cannabis options with the guidance of trained professionals. Although in the past, only severe conditions qualified, today there are no restrictions on what conditions a practitioner can authorize medical cannabis for. Many Canadians use it to help manage chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, arthritis, insomnia, and more. Veterans, in particular, have found relief through medical cannabis, and programs like Grow Vets ensure they receive free assistance with authorizations and medical cannabis grow licence applications.

It’s also worth noting that the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario recommends that patients under the age of 25 be assessed with extra caution, as studies suggest cannabis may affect brain development in young adults. Doctors are guided by these recommendations to ensure cannabis use is both safe and appropriate for each individual.

If you choose to grow your own, a Medical Cannabis Grow Licence or ACMPR Personal Grow Licence Canada lets you legally cultivate a prescribed number of plants for personal medical use. Doctors only authorize; they do not assist with growing. That’s where cannabis patient educators come in—they can guide you through safe and compliant cultivation practices and connect you with a licensed grow consultant.

For patients or entrepreneurs interested in larger-scale opportunities, Health Canada also offers cannabis cultivation licences and nursery licences—ideal for small business owners or researchers focused on plant genetics and participation in Canada’s regulated cannabis industry.

At GrowLegally, we’ve been helping Canadians access medical cannabis safely and legally for over a decade. Whether you need an authorization, a grow licence, or help understanding your rights under Health Canada’s regulations, our medical cannabis clinic in Toronto and nationwide services are here to support you with compassion and expertise.

If you’re ready to explore whether medical cannabis is right for you—or you want to start growing your own medicine—learn more or book your consultation here.