Medical Cannabis in Canada

[Scotiaspirit]

To my fellow Canadian PALS. If you are taking or considering to take Medical Cannabis (Medical Marijuana) for your ALS or secondary symptoms as prescribed by your doctor, you may find that at least in some provinces that HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) are being charged on this product and most medical insurance plans DO NOT cover the cost of medical cannabis. I along with a few other PALS have started writing to our local Member of Parliament (MP) to first; see if the GST or HST charges can be waived, whereas it is being used for medical reasons, and secondly; where it does have beneficial effects (anecdotally and the medical evidence seems to be mounting that at least in some patients; it may slow progression; it helps stimulate appetite and relief of secondary symptoms such as cramping pain, etc.

Perhaps if enough people write to their MP's, it can help bring attention and changes to where it will no longer be taxable (when taken for medical reasons) and perhaps the government can legislate changes to have this paid or partially paid by medical insurance plans like they do for other pharmaceuticals.

This product is very expensive to purchase from a federal government approved dispensary; and since it is being taken lawfully, it should be exempt from taxes. In my opinion, since at least one Canadian MP has ALS, perhaps it is a good time to bring this topic to the attention of our members of parliament (MP's).

For example, in the maritime provinces of Canada, the HST is as high as 15%, so if we can convince the MP's to legislate the HST be exempt from this product, it will save a considerable cost on obtaining this product.

Thanks - Paul

 

[BlueTrain]

Hi Paul,

I also have a prescription for medical cannabis and you’re right, it is very expensive (especially the oils). I am on the South Shore of N.S. and my local MP has agreed to meet with me to discuss the state of Canadian ALS research, accelerated approval, special access, etc. Prescription drugs are typically zero-rated supplies under the Excise Tax Act, so prescribed medical cannabis should not (at least in theory) be treated differently than any other drug. I will definitely raise this issue at our meeting.

I’ll keep you posted.
Thomas

 

[Scotiaspirit]

An update on my last posting, my local MP (member of Parliament) has contacted me and is going to look into this issue. Despite being on a Federal Government Employee Health Care plan, our federal government will pay for medical cannabis for military members but not for civilian government employees. Seems like a double standard to me, and they (Insurance company) do not class cannabis for medical reasons as an approved or authorized medical treatment, but an herbal treatment that is taxable and not covered by drug plans. Hoping this can be changed, and any Canadian with ALS taking cannabis oil or other forms of it for treatment, we should have coverage just like any other medication rather for primary or secondary symptoms, especially if it has some therapeutic effects.

 

[affected]

wow that is a double standard to me too!

Cannabis laws in the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) are different to the rest of of Australia. Interestingly it is where the federal politicians and their families live or spend much of their lives. I've always wondered why they have their own slant on laws where they are but expect the rest of the country to live under a different set.

I hope you get somewhere with this!

 

[Lkaibel]

Minnesota is one of the few states that has legalized medical marijuana in the U.S. but it is very expensive and very restricted.

 

[Scotiaspirit]

If my information is correct; cannabis it is not classed as a medication (under Health Canada guidelines) and therefore is considered outside of the box for accepted therapeutic medications. I believe it is going to take a lot of advocacy and will need more medical practitioners to endorse it before change to the coverages will take place. Yet, a prescription for the synthetic drug called Marinol and Cessamet is covered? But we have to keep trying, I believe.

 

[ShiftKicker]

It seems to be an accepted treatment for neuro issues. EVERY single doctor I've encountered whilst looking for diagnosis/treatment has either recommended it or said "good choice" or words to that effect when I mention cannabis as an option. Even doctors who do not seem to be the type (I stereotype!) to think pot is legit have not batted an eyelash when I've asked about it. It is widely accepted by members of the medical community as a non harmful and very effective choice for neurological issues, but it takes a while for the gears of federal law to grind far enough to catch up.

Scotiaspirit- if you're contemplating the synthetic options, know that they are not as effective. One specialist I spoke to basically told me it was expensive and not worth it when there was a plethora of good under the table cannabis options out there.

Thanks for your advocacy.

Fiona

 

[KimT]

Some of the neuros I've talked with here in Florida (where it isn't legal) say they think it is helpful.

 

[Lkaibel]

THC is valuable in treating all sorts of cramping for one thing. I will never understand why it's legal to drink yourself to death, but medicinal marijuana is deemed sinful by so many. Actually had a Dr say he "morally disapproved". Bite me!!!!!

 

[Scotiaspirit]

I hate the smell of burning mmj, but the oil is gentle to take, and works far better than the other type of pain killers, for me anyway. I had another PAL that initially told me to get on it asap, and one of my docs agrèed. I was first given cessamet, the synthetic form, only to make me feel sicker, but the herbal oil works much better and gentle on the body. I never used mmj recreationally as I had no desire to get high, so I was hesitent to use oil initially, but glad that I did, it helped give me an appetite again (so far) anyway. For me, the oil has helped to a good degree in releiving cramping pain, relaxing me, and festoring some appetite.

 

[Scotiaspirit]

An update to this story, I was contacted by my local MP (Member of Parliament) to come meet and greet the Honourable Dr. Jane Philpot, the Federal Minister of Health on Thursday, July 28th. Pending what time allotment that I will be given, I will try to voice concerns such as getting the HST waived on medical marijuana for treatment of ALS, better access to experimental treatments, and more access to Federal Programs that assist with cost of care for Medical related programs. I will update further on this story as information evolves.
Paul

 

[Scotiaspirit]

I did get to ask Dr Philpott a question (her visit was shorter than expected as time constraints permitted) so only four people were selected to ask questions and luckily I was one of those. I asked her to explain why experimental treatments are so difficult to get access to? As politicians do best, they put a spin on their answers, saying how federal government sponsers the programs, which she says is administered by provincial governments. I also said about HST on certain health related items, and although she seemed empathetic to this problem, she only said she would look further into it. If enough voices are heard, perhaps changes will come, but at least I raised the issue