For many Canadians, finding safe and reliable access to medical cannabis can still feel confusing. With hundreds of retail cannabis stores across the country, it’s easy to assume these are medical dispensaries — but they’re not. In fact, every cannabis storefront you see is licensed for recreational sales only. Under current Health Canada regulations, medical cannabis is not sold in retail stores. Patients authorized for medical cannabis must purchase their medicine online directly from a federally licensed producer (LP) that holds a medical sales licence.
This distinction is important. Recreational stores are legally restricted from offering medical advice or tailoring products for patient use. Medical cannabis, on the other hand, falls under federal jurisdiction through Health Canada. Licensed producers authorized to sell medical cannabis online meet strict quality and compliance standards and offer secure shipping to patients across Canada.
Once you’ve been authorized by a medical cannabis doctor — who confirms that cannabis may help manage your symptoms — you can register with the LP of your choice. Many patients work with cannabis patient educators, who guide them through the process of selecting a producer, understanding dosage, and even applying for a Personal Grow Licence under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). GrowLegally’s patient educators connect you directly with licensed producers to access your medicine, and we’ve vetted our LP partners to ensure the best quality, affordability, and customer service.
Some patients, including veterans managing chronic pain or PTSD, receive additional support through Veterans Affairs Canada. GrowLegally proudly helps veterans and civilians alike navigate Health Canada’s system, offering free services when registering with a licensed producer — including medical cannabis grow licence application support.
Although years ago, only certain severe conditions qualified for authorization, Health Canada has since clarified that there are no limitations on the conditions for which a practitioner may authorize medical cannabis. That means patients can access their medicine legally for a wider range of symptoms, with proper guidance and compliance.
If you’re ready to take the next step, GrowLegally’s experienced educators and medical cannabis clinic in Toronto are here to help. We’ll guide you through every step — from getting your authorization to choosing a licensed producer or applying for your own medical grow licence in Canada. Learn more at GrowLegally.ca.