Frequently Asked Questions

Accessing Medical Cannabis 

To access medical cannabis in Canada, patients must complete the following steps:

  1. Consult with a healthcare provider:
    A qualified healthcare professional assesses whether medical cannabis is appropriate for you.  
  2. Obtain a medical document:
    If approved, a signed medical document is issued outlining your daily amount and duration of use.  
  3. Register with a licensed medical seller:
    Patients must register with a Health Canada–licensed medical seller before placing an order.  
  4. Order your medication:
    Once registration is approved and your medical document is received, products can be ordered online or by phone, depending on the seller’s options. 

Patients who complete their medical assessment through Apollo Cannabis Clinics will be guided through this process as part of their onboarding. Patients who already have a medical document may proceed directly to registration.

Yes. A medical document functions similarly to a prescription and specifies the daily amount and duration of use required to access medical cannabis.

Some private insurance plans and Healthcare Spending Accounts (HCSA/HSA) may reimburse medical cannabis expenses. Coverage varies by provider and plan, so patients should confirm eligibility directly with their insurer.

Yes. With specific authorization from Health Canada, eligible patients may register to grow a limited amount of cannabis for personal medical use or designate another individual to grow on their behalf.

Registration & Ordering 

To purchase medical cannabis, patients must be registered with a Health Canada–licensed medical seller. Registration typically includes: 

  • Creating a patient account on Spectrum Therapeutics 
  • Verifying your identity using government‑issued photo ID 
  • Submitting a valid medical document 

Spectrum patients who complete their medical assessment through Apollo Cannabis Clinics will be supported throughout the registration process. If you require assistance please contact Customer Care.  

Yes. Even with a valid medical document, patients must register directly with a licensed medical seller before placing an order. No additional clinic appointment is required if your medical document was issued by another healthcare provider.

Once all required documentation is submitted, approval is often completed within a few business days. Patients will be notified when ordering access is activated.

Once registration is approved, patients can: 

  • Browse available medical cannabis products 
  • Place orders online or by phone, depending on the seller 
  • Manage reorders and account details through their patient portal 

No. Patients do not need to re‑register for each order, provided their medical document remains valid. Registration may need to be updated if a medical document expires, changes, or if the patient switches licensed medical sellers.

Licensed medical sellers are required to collect, use, and store patient information in compliance with Canadian privacy and healthcare regulations.

Support is available through: 

  • Our Customer Service Team
  • Your healthcare provider or medical cannabis clinic, such as Apollo Cannabis Clinics 

Product Formats & Use 

Availability may vary by licensed medical seller. Formats* may include: 

  • Dried flower 
  • Oils and capsules 
  • Edibles and beverages 
  • Vape products 
  • Topicals 

*Not all medical sellers carry all formats.

Everyone experiences cannabis differently and individual experiences will vary.  However, patients often report that with inhalation, including vaping, effects may begin within minutes and last up to several hours. With ingestion, including through use of oils, edibles,and beverages, effects may begin within 30 minutes to 2 hours and can last longer.

This principle encourages patients to begin with a low amount and increase gradually to find the lowest effective dose while minimizing any unwanted effects.

Dose adjustments should be made gradually and with guidance from a healthcare provider. Patients should monitor effects carefully and report concerns to their care team. 

Yes. Some vaporizers are designed for dried cannabis flower and are available through the regulated Canadian market.

Safety & Side Effects

Cannabis—especially products containing THC—can cause impairment. Patients are legally responsible for ensuring they are not impaired before driving or operating machinery. Avoid driving until you understand how cannabis affects you.

Everyone experiences cannabis differently. Side effects that a patient experiences can be discussed with your healthcare provider. Some commonly reported side effects of cannabis include dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, or changes in perception. Not everyone experiences side effects.

Yes. Cannabis may interact with medications such as blood thinners, sedatives, and some antidepressants. Always discuss cannabis use with your doctor or pharmacist.

Research on long-term medical cannabis use is ongoing. As with many long-term therapies, potential benefits and risks can vary based on the individual, product type, amount, and duration of use. 

The goal of medical cannabis therapy—like any treatment—is for the benefits to outweigh potential risks. Patients are encouraged to review their treatment regularly with a healthcare provider. 

Cannabis should be stored in its original packaging, kept in a cool, dry place, and secured away from children and pets.

Shipping 

Cannabis products are shipped only within Canada, as required by federal regulations. Non‑cannabis products are also limited to Canadian addresses.

Cannabis products are shipped using secure, odorless packaging that complies with the Cannabis Act requirements.

Responsibility transfers once the order is handed off to the courier. We cannot reimburse orders lost due to incorrect address information provided at checkout. 

Returns & Exchanges 

Returns or exchanges for cannabis products may be accepted in accordance with applicable federal regulations. If you believe a product is defective or has caused an adverse reaction, please contact us promptly via email at Care@spectrumtherapeutics.com OR via phone at 1 (855) 558 9333. 

Yes, if the product is defective and returned within 30 days in its original condition.Products that are used, damaged, or outside the return window cannot be accepted.

Legal & Purchasing Guidelines 

Yes. Patients must verify their identity when registering and placing orders with a licensed medical seller.

Orders for medical cannabis are limited to the quantity authorized on your prescription. Your healthcare practitioner determines the appropriate daily amount and total quantity based on your medical needs and treatment plan. 

Patients may possess up to 150 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent, or a 30-day supply, whichever is less pursuant to Cannabis Regulations (SOR/2018‑144), unless otherwise authorized by Health Canada through registration for personal or designated production. 

Medical cannabis may be transported within Canada only and should be accompanied by appropriate documentation. International travel with cannabis is not permitted, even to countries where cannabis may be legal.

This FAQ is intended to provide general educational information. It does not promote cannabis use and does not make medical or therapeutic claims. Always consult a qualified healthcare professionalregardingthe appropriateness of medical cannabis for your individual circumstances.