What Does Medical Cannabis Treat?
Medical Cannabis is often prescribed to patients who have sustained injuries from a motor vehicle accident such as:
- Whiplash
- Headaches
- Bodily Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- And Insomnia
Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians injured in a motor vehicle accident can claim for medical expenses, including the use of medical cannabis to be paid through their own auto insurance company, referred to as the Accident Benefits Claim. This is irrespective of whether that person was at-fault for the accident.
Is Medical Cannabis Covered by Insurance in Canada?
Medical Cannabis use has been legal in Canada since 2001 and is regulated by the Government of Canada. It is subject to different rules than recreational Cannabis.
The only way to purchase medical cannabis is:
- From a federally licensed producer online
- By written order
- Over the phone and delivered by secure mail
Can You Grow Medical Cannabis Individually?
To grow medical cannabis individually, a license can be obtained from Health Canada.
The Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule
The Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule entitles individuals injured in an accident suffering from a predominantly minor injury to claim up to $3,500 in medical and rehabilitation benefits, if under the Minor Injury Guideline, OR if deemed out of the Minor Injury Guideline up to $65,000 in medical and rehabilitation benefits for up to five years.
Once an Accident Benefits Application is submitted and accepted, an Application for Expenses process must be initiated to seek reimbursement for medical Cannabis. The cost of consulting with a physician to determine whether medical Marijuana and/or Cannabis would be an appropriate form of treatment and the cost of obtaining the “medical document”, itself, are both covered under OHIP.
If you have been denied coverage for medical Cannabis after an accident, we at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP are here to help you. We understand the procedure for obtaining and covering the costs of medical Cannabis. Contact us today!