FAQ | NHS

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book an appointment?

You can request online by selecting “request an appointment with our doctor.” or by calling our Patient Care team at 1-844-262-0942.

Will a referral help me get a sooner appointment?

All appointments are triaged on a case by case basis. Although a referral does not guarantee an earlier appointment, we do accept them from licensed physicians. We advise our patients against paying for any third party or consultant services and do not offer priority booking.

Selecting a Licensed Producer

Visit one of our Education Centres and a Patient Educator will help you choose a Licensed Producer (LP) that best suits your needs. LPs are regulated by Health Canada and can legally grow and sell medical cannabis to patients in Canada. Keep the following in mind when selecting your LP:

Product selection
Potency (THC/CBD)
Shipping costs
Product price & availability
Customer service
Delivery time
Compassionate pricing
Payment options

For a current list of the LP’s in Canada visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/licensed-producers/authorized-licensed-producers-medical-purposes.html

Vaping and Cannabis - Is it safe?

Please click here to learn more about Vape Related Pulmonary Disease.

Will LP's cover the excise tax for medical patients?

Some LP’s have stated they will cover the additional excise tax for medical patients, while others have stated this cost will be reflected in raised prices within their medical shopping portal.

Can I get a copy of my prescription?

Patients can request a copy of their medical document for their records. This request can only be processed in person by a supervisor or manager at one of our Education Centres. A $25 administration fee may apply.

If you are applying to Health Canada to grow at home under the Cannabis Regulations, we will mail the required documents directly to Health Canada with your application. To follow this process, please click here!

Can I buy my medication at your clinic after my appointment?

Natural Health Services (NHS) is a medical clinic, and is not licensed as a cannabis dispensary. Under the current legislation, the only way to legally purchase medicinal cannabis in Canada is through a LP, which is then delivered to your home. Although NHS works alongside many producers to provide you as much selection as possible, we have no other affiliations with them.

My workplace has requested a letter regarding my medical cannabis use. Can I get one?

You can request a note from your Natural Health Services doctor. We have attached a letter from our Medical Director, Dr. Mark Kimmins, explaining medical cannabis and workplace safety,

Is there a charge to see a doctor?

No, we believe all patients deserve access to medical services. You will not be charged for any appointments or education sessions.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring a piece of photo ID, your health care card and supporting medical documentation. In Saskatchewan and Ontario, documentation may include: Lab results, diagnostic reports and treatment plans (please no diagnostic images). You are welcome to bring a support family member or friend with you if needed, but please be mindful of limited space. Although we love animals too, please leave your pets at home. Service animals with supporting documentation are welcome.

Do I have to attend follow-up appointments?

The follow up is a good time to ask questions or discuss any changes you may have noticed with your medication. In Alberta, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta requires all patients to attend regular follow-up appointments every 3 months.

Can I get a copy of the Consent to Disclose form?

Yes, click here to print a copy of the Consent to Disclose form.

How do I prove my legality?

A medical cannabis patient can prove legality with:

Order invoice from LP
Online profile with LP
LP registration certificate
MCR document
Patient label on container (note: some LP’s no longer affix patient label to container)

**Health Canada does not issue a “Green Card” to patients. Some Licensed Producers will send you a membership type card with your first order, however this is not proof of legality.**

Can I travel with my medicine?

Yes! As long as you are travelling within Canada.

Keep your medicine in its original container(s) at all times
Only carry 30x your daily prescribed amount with a maximum of 150 grams
If travelling by plane, pack your medicine in your carry-on-luggage
Bring any supporting documents provided by your LP (receipt, order history, etc.)
DO NOT travel anywhere outside of Canada with cannabis

Remember: Even when travelling to countries with permissive cannabis laws, Canada’s export laws prohibit taking cannabis out of the country. Therefore, you should NOT take it across borders.

Can I receive a prescription for medicinal cannabis if I have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder?

Due to research which indicates cannabis can precipitate psychosis, we will not prescribe to patients who have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, or Schizoaffective Disorder. If you are under the care of a Psychiatrist or physician who is aware of your interest in obtaining a medical cannabis prescription we require a letter prior to your appointment and/or a referral from that physician.

Still can’t find what you are looking for? Contact our Patient Care team. We are here to help!