To get medical marijuana, you must have a condition that qualifies for medical marijuana use and need a written recommendation from a licensed doctor in provinces where it is available legally, although not every doctor is willing to recommend medical marijuana for their patients.

Medical marijuana is the therapeutic use of the marijuana plant or chemicals in it to treat diseases or conditions. The marijuana plant contains more than 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body. The main chemicals used in medicine are: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC also produces the “high” people feel when they smoke marijuana or eat foods containing it

Cannabinoids the active chemicals in medical marijuana are similar to chemicals the body makes which are known as endocannabinoids that are involved in appetite, memory, mood, movement, and pain. Through these pathways research suggests cannabinoids may reduce anxiety; inflammation and pain; support cancer chemotherapy by reducing nausea and vomiting; spasticity in those with MS; stimulate appetite and improve weight gain in people with cancer and AIDS.

Inside the brain, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors. These are found in large numbers in the hippocampus, where THC affects memory; the cerebellum, where it affects coordination; and in the basal ganglia, where THCV can also affect movement. These  tiny loops of protein also affect how you feel pain calming down pain signals.

Although marijuana is legal in the province of Ontario, there are several advantages to having a prescription to access medical marijuana which include:

• Safety and Physician Supervised: Taking Medical Marijuana may benefit your health, however as with any therapy may also have side effects or risks that can carefully be navigated by your prescribing physician or nurse practitioner.
• Insurance Coverage: Medical Marijuana may be covered under medical prescription by most major providers.
• Medical Tax Deduction: Medical Marijuana costs are applicable as a write off against your tax returns.
• Convenience: Easy ordering and delivery process makes it simple for you.
• Quality: Have confidence knowing that you are ordering from a physician approved Licensed Producer (LP)

Yes, all physicians in Canada can fill out the required documents and paperwork. Many physicians or specialists, however have chosen not to either because they are unfamiliar with the process or are not comfortable.  Our practitioners provide a service that is designed for those who want to work with a team that is familiar with the process and has experience in working in Medicinal Cannabis.

Our services are available directly to the public without a referral.

We do recommend that everyone in your health care team is informed of your therapies to ensure that your overall health is well looked after.

The risks and side effects of medical cannabis include:

• General

• • may distort perception (sights, sounds, time, touch)
  • may impair attention, memory and learning
  • may impair coordination
  • may cause dizziness, weakness, sleepiness
  • may impair thinking and problem-solving
  • may increase heart rate and reduces blood pressure
  • may produce anxiety, fear, moodiness, distrust, or panic
  • may cause nausea or vomiting
  • may contribute to pulmonary infections and respiratory cancer
  • may damage the cells in the bronchial passages which protect the body against inhaled micro organisms and decrease the ability of the immune cells in the lungs to fight o fungi, bacteria, and tumour cells. For patients with already weakened immune systems, this means an increase in the possibility of dangerous pulmonary infections, including pneumonia
  • may weaken various natural immune mechanisms, including macrophages and T-cel
  • Substance Abuse – mental illness and substance abuse often occur at the time same time. Having one can increase the risk of developing the other. Studies suggest that one in ten regular cannabis users become dependent on the drug.
  • Psychosis and Schizophrenia – using cannabis can increase the risk of psychosis, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, especially in teenagers, frequent use (daily or every second day), and or if there is a family history of anyone having these conditions
  • Withdrawal Symptoms – anxiety , insomnia, depression, and a disrupted appetite

Frequent high doses of THC may overstimulate the endocannabinoid system leading to a down-regulation of the system. People who develop problems form cannabis use may have less resilient endocannabinoid systems. CBD present in cannabis appears to reduce the risk of psychotic disorders, by counter acting the effects of THC. But CBD and THC are made from the same precursor chemical, so maximizing THC reduces CBD levels.

Scientists estimate that the lethal dose of THC, one of the active ingredients of this drug is in the range of 15-70g, which is beyond the daily consumption of even the most enthusiastic user. However, it is important to note that a US study found that street cannabis potency rose in 1995-2014, the ratio of THC to CBD rocketed from 14:1 to 80:1.¹ Thus we recommend working with a medical professional for the use of any cannabis.

Reference

1. ElSohly MA, Mehmedic Z, Foster S, et al, Changes in Cannabis Potency Over the Last 2 Decades (1995-2014): Analysis of Current Data in the United States, Biological Psychiatry, 79(7), April 2016, 613-619

There are 2 main components to marijuana: THC and CBD. CBD contains many of the anti-inflammatory benefits while THC is what makes you feel high. Depending on what is right for you CBD may be what is recommended to gain the benefits of Medical Marijuana without the feeling of being high.

We will review your overall health including laboratory testing to assess your general wellness and risks for therapy including drug interactions with your current medications.

Additional DNAGenes™ Cannabis testing is available at Revivelife™ with our medical team as an optional part of your therapeutic plan which looks at your unique and personal response to cannabis. The test is based on analysis of a multitude of genes to determine how your genes can influence the impact of cannabis on your long-term health and at the same time the efficacy of cannabis. The widespread use of medical cannabis is impeded by the reluctance of physicians in prescribing medical cannabis due to the potential adverse effects. Our genetic test helps overcome these concerns by identifying individuals predisposed to cannabis induced adverse effects.

The genetic test has been developed in collaboration with world renowned cannabis researchers and physicians along with our expert team in genetics with the most robust scientific evidence. Our in-depth scientific Cannabinoid Variant Report of your complete endocannabinoid system.

We Test Your Genetic Response to Cannabis for: Cognitive Function, Dependency, Cardiovascular Concerns,Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Sleep Quality, Depression, Metabolism, Pain Management, Psychosis and more…

Several options exist to take medical marijuana including:

• Apply it to your skin in a lotion, spray, oil, or cream
• Inhale it through a device called a vaporizer that turns it into a mist
• Place a few drops of a liquid under your tongue
• Smoke it

Eat it — for example, in a brownie or lollipop

No, the highway traffic act states that you cannot operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or marijuana. 

While traveling you are subject to the laws of the country you are traveling to. When travelling with Medical Marijuana you must ensure it is in the original packaging and that you have your ID card on you.

The price varies depending on the producer, strain and dose. Typically the rate is between $5-$12 per gram.

As each person is unique the dose may vary from person to person. The maximum allowable dosage is 5 grams per day or 150 grams per month.

Most third-party insurance companies do cover the cost of consultations but not cover the cost of Medical Marijuana or additional testing. We recommend checking with your insurance provider for the details of your plan.  Veterans affairs will cover most of the costs associated with medical cannabis use including the cost of vaporizers.

The complete process is generally 4 weeks. Your initial appointment can be provided usually within 2 weeks and then 2-3 weeks for the Licensed Producer to process your account.

The college of Physicians and Surgeons and the college of nurses of Ontario requires that physicians and nurse practitioners, respectively have ongoing monitoring to ensure that proper care and supervision is provided. We recommend following minimally up every 3 months initially and when your care is well established less frequently.