New resource for patients contemplating use of cannabis for medical purposes

Health Canada is introducing a new resource with information about the use of cannabis products for medical purposes in adults. The contents apply to legal cannabis products produced and sold in Canada. The publication is intended to support patients in making informed decisions about using cannabis for medical purposes. It is also designed to provide evidence-based information to assist healthcare providers in discussing cannabis use for medical purposes with their patients. The document recognizes that cannabis use involves health risks and the risks are not yet fully understood.Possible medical usesHealth Canada hasn’t authorized the use of cannabis products to treat any specific diseases or symptoms. However, limited research suggests that cannabis might relieve:Symptoms associated with end-of-lifeChronic noncancer pain (mainly neuropathic)Loss of appetite and weight loss associated with cancer or HIV/AIDSPain and muscle spasms from multiple sclerosisSeizures from treatment-resistant childhood epilepsiesInsomnia and depressed mood associated with chronic diseasesSevere cancer pain that doesn’t respond to conventional treatmentsSevere nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy that doesn’t respond to conventional treatments.Key topics discussed in the resource:Active substances The two most abundant cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD doesn’t cause a “high” and isn’t addictive, but THC can cause impairment, a “high” and lead to addiction.Situations when cannabis should not be used (e.g., pregnant/breastfeeding; males with fertility challenges; people under the age of 25 [unless advised by a healthcare provider]; liver or kidney disease; personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia or other mental illness)Substances that may interact with cannabis, including natural health products, prescription and nonprescription medicationsChoosing a cannabis product for a health condition Currently, there isn’t enough scientific information for Health Canada to recommend specific cannabis products for any particular health condition; trial and error will be required to determine which cannabis product works best for an individual.Ways to take cannabis (e.g., smoking, eating or drinking, dissolving under the tongue, vaping, applying topically, or nasal, vaginal or rectal application) and factors to consider when deciding on a method of intake (e.g., when effects could begin, when strongest effects could occur, how long effects could last, possible therapeutic uses)Finding the right dose Suggested starting doses are outlined for CBD and THC, and for specific routes of administration.How to decrease risks (e.g., “start low and go slow,” take cannabis in the evening so it doesn’t interfere with daytime activities, don’t drive or operate machinery after taking cannabis)Monitoring treatment Suggestions are provided for what information should be recorded (e.g., amount/dose, type and brand name of the product, how it is taken, intensity of symptoms before and after taking cannabis, side effects).Cannabis storage Cannabis can be poisonous to children and pets. Keep it out of reach and out of sight of children, teenagers and pets. Always store in the original child-resistant plain packaging. Side effects, including side effects from smoking/vaping, side effects from THC vs CBD, serious harm to the fetus and to brain development in children if taken during pregnancy, and where to report side effectsPossible health concerns from long-term use (e.g., chronic cough or other lung problems, especially if smoked regularly; changes in hormones that can affect the menstrual cycle and fertility; withdrawal-type symptoms if cannabis use is abruptly stopped; cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome; increased risk of triggering or worsening psychiatric or mood disorders; decreased sperm count and other changes in sperm that can affect male fertility)What to do if cannabis use becomes a problem (links to resources are provided). The guidance provided in this new resource is intended to be used along with medical advice from a healthcare provider, before an individual starts to use cannabis for medical purposes. Health Canada stresses that legal cannabis products produced and sold in Canada have not been reviewed by Health Canada to determine if they are safe or effective to treat specific diseases or symptoms. ReferencesHealth Canada. New clinical resource on cannabis for medical purposes. Health Product InfoWatch: February 2026. (accessed March 4, 2026).Health Canada. Information on the use of cannabis for medical purposes. January 2026. (accessed March 4, 2026).

New resource for patients contemplating use of cannabis for medical purposes

Register for free access or login.

Related Topics