Patients

High quality medical cannabis healthcare and support

for patients and their communities.

 

PATIENT SERVICES:

•  Clinical visits with highly trained doctors and nurses
•  Education sessions on medical cannabis
•  Patient support groups
•  Advocacy and skill-building
•  Opportunities to participate in research

Patients and their caregivers are the heart of why we’re here.

Find out more about what to expect from our clinics, and our additional services and supports for patients and their caregivers by clicking on the options below

BECOME A PATIENT - Referral

There are two ways to become a patient at Santé Cannabis:

  1. Referral from your doctor
    or
  2. Self-Referral, if you are unable to receive a referral

Referral from your doctor requires: 

  • Completed referral form
  • Summary of medical file or recent notes (required)
  • List of medications (last 3 years) (required)
  • Medical imagery report (if applicable)
  • Psychiatric report (if applicable)

Once complete, send it to us via fax, email or mail.

After reviewing your case we will let you know if Santé Cannabis may be a good fit for you. If yes, we will schedule an appointment.

For doctor referrals wait time is approximately 4 weeks.

Please note review cannot begin until supporting documents are received. 

If your doctor has any questions please direct them to the referral section of our doctor’s page here. 

BECOME A PATIENT - Self-Referral

If you are unable to receive a referral, Santé Cannabis offers appointments by self-referral under specific requirements.

A SELF-REFERRAL REQUIRES: 

  • Completed self-referral form
  • Make sure you include:
  • Summary of medical file or recent notes (required)
  • List of medications (last 3 years) (required)
  • Medical imagery report (if applicable) 
  • Psychiatric report (if applicable)

once you have collected all your information, send it to us via fax, email or mail.

After reviewing your case we will let you know if Santé Cannabis may be a good fit for you. If yes, we will schedule an appointment.

For self-referrals wait time for first appointment is approximately 8 weeks due to review requirements.

Please note review cannot begin until supporting documents are received. 

PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

When scheduling your first appointment, we will send you the Santé Cannabis Terms and Conditions, Informed Consent and two questionnaires.

  • We ask you to carefully read the documents
  • Documents should be completed within 24 hours prior to your appointment and returned by email.

Note: If you do not have an email, documents will be sent to you by mail. We ask you to read them carefully and complete them within 24 hours prior to your appointment. Santé Cannabis team will review the documents with you.

Your first appointment

1. Welcome from a medical office assistant

A medical office assistant will greet you, and you will verbally confirm that you agree to respect our terms and conditions and whether or not you have given your consent to participate in the research. You will then be asked to sign the documents that were emailed to you. If applicable, they will then review your questionnaires and make sure all points are complete in order to present your file to our healthcare team.

2. Meet with your Santé Cannabis healthcare team

Your primary support at Santé Cannabis is your nurse. They will go over your health form, goals, and work on a possible treatment plan before you see the doctor.

Our nurses also provide education on dosing, selecting products, and how to administer your medical cannabis after you see your doctor.

After discussion with your nurse and you, your doctor will decide if cannabis treatment is approved. If yes, your doctor will review your treatment plan, make adjustments if necessary and write your prescription.

3. Use your patient handbook 

You will receive your Patient Handbook. Our Handbook has helpful information, frequently asked questions, and a notes section to track your treatment progress

4. 1-month check-in by phone

5. Follow-up appointments

You will be expected to come to follow-up appointments in order to make sure you are reaching your treatment goals.

Follow-up appointments usually take 1-1.5 hours.

At your follow-up appointment our Santé Cannabis team will review your handbook notes and adjust your treatment plan if required.

Clinical trial visits

These appointments are not regular clinic appointments.

Only those who are registered in our clinical trials are asked to come on site, and only for specific appointments. If you are booked for a specific on-site visit for a research project, you will be clearly instructed to come on-site and given the address as well as other instructions.

When scheduling your appointment, details will be sent to you by email with the study Informed Consent Form. We ask you to carefully read the consent form before you come to the clinic and contact us if you have any questions.

Strict preventative measures are in place to support safety of all patients and staff.

FEES AND COSTS

There are no clinic appointment fees at Santé Cannabis with presentation of your valid Quebec health card (RAMQ card.)

Most treatments (medical cannabis products) are not covered by public insurance but may be covered by private insurance. We strongly suggest you contact your insurance company to obtain more information, as it varies highly between plans.

In your appointment, our nurses will talk with you about different options that are available considering your budget.

More details about fees and costs can be found on our FAQ page. 

HOW OUR CLINIC WORKS

For Quebec Patients

Clinical care

Medical appointments by referral (doctor or self-referral) with our nurse-doctor team. Receive a treatment plan and extensive education on your personalized medical cannabis treatment.

First appointments are about 2 hours.

Follow-up at 1 month via phone, and additional follow-ups until stable.

Research

All patients are given the option to enroll to participate in our observational study, which tracks how their treatment plan is working. This study helps us understand more about medical cannabis, possible benefits and risks and warnings. The study is administered via a questionnaire filled by your nurse during your regular session.

Enrollment is voluntary.

For patients and caregivers nationwide

Patient Education

We provide in-depth one-on-one education for Quebec patients at their appointments. For these patients and other individuals interested in education, there are opportunities to participate for free and without referral in our learning series offered in both French and English throughout the year. Find details regarding upcoming sessions on our events page.

As topics cover therapeutic uses of medical cannabis, the information is intended for adults 18 years or older.

PATIENT EVENTS

At Santé Cannabis we know there’s so much more to your health than what goes on a prescription pad. Creating a sense of community, accessing learning opportunities and sharing are all part of health and wellness.

We often provide patient learning series covering items such as chronic pain, mindfulness and cannabis 101; support groups; Forums; and special events. Check out our events page for the next events.

“Santé Cannabis’ Patient Support Groups exist to provide patients a safe, judgement and stigma-free space to address their concerns and feelings.”   Rebecca Fogel, patient, advocate and staff member

Keep up to date by subscribing to our newsletter, following us on social media and checking our events page.

PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH

Santé Cannabis runs an observational study to track the outcomes of patients who use medical cannabis treatments. This study has no extra appointments required, just a few extra minutes during your regular appointments. Patient information is anonymous and confidential, with no possibility of linking it to your name.

Your participation supports the training of doctors and healthcare professionals and even helps to change the clinical practice of medical cannabis – broadening the understanding of medical cannabis treatments and their components (like THC or CBD), the best ways to administer it (like oil or vaporizer) and the types of symptoms cannabis can help with (like pain or anxiety).

Participation is optional and you will be asked if you consent to taking part in this research. If you ever have any concerns about the study, please inform any member of our staff. You may withdraw from the study at any time with no penalty.

Santé Cannabis also runs clinical trials, which are more specific studies that require extra commitment from participants. There may be opportunities to participate in different trials in the future.  We will announce these opportunities on our website and in our patient newsletter. If you’re interested, make sure to sign up for our newsletter.

Training for your doctor

We offer a free training program for Quebec doctors and their healthcare teams who are interested in learning more about medical cannabis. We suggest you share this information with your family doctor or specialist at your next appointment.

For your doctor:

Support:

  • Shared-care service
  • Education sessions for patients
  • Ongoing phone support for physicians

Resources:

  • Clinical toolkit for patient assessment and follow-up
  • Practical reference guidebook
  • Online self-learning modules

Knowledge:

  • Webinars
  • Clinical preceptorships
  • On-site and virtual training

Quebec doctors can register for our training program here

ADVOCACY & SUPPORT

Santé Cannabis was founded in 2014 to improve patient access to medical cannabis and we are working towards full integration of medical cannabis into the healthcare system; from patients to healthcare professionals and the pharmacy.

We are proud to employ several medical cannabis patients, include patients in our events as experts in their own care, and support patients to speak to the government.

“There’s still a lot of stigma associated with medical cannabis … I want a system that works.”   – Daphnée Elisma (patient and advocate)

Aube: la voix des patients: 

Santé Cannabis provides in-kind support to the patient organization Aube.

Aube is committed to improving access to cutting-edge treatments by promoting cannabis education, research and pushing for appropriate funding.

If you are interested in getting more involved in advocacy, we suggest you check out their webpage (coming soon!)

There are two ways to become a patient at Santé Cannabis:

  1. Referral from your doctor
    or
  2. Self-Referral, if you are unable to receive a referral

Referral from your doctor requires: 

  • Completed referral form
  • Summary of medical file or recent notes (required)
  • List of medications (last 3 years) (required)
  • Medical imagery report (if applicable)
  • Psychiatric report (if applicable)

Once complete, send it to us via fax, email or mail.

After reviewing your case we will let you know if Santé Cannabis may be a good fit for you. If yes, we will schedule an appointment.

For doctor referrals wait time is approximately 4 weeks.

Please note review cannot begin until supporting documents are received. 

If your doctor has any questions please direct them to the referral section of our doctor’s page here. 

If you are unable to receive a referral, Santé Cannabis offers appointments by self-referral under specific requirements.

A SELF-REFERRAL REQUIRES: 

  • Completed self-referral form
  • Make sure you include:
  • Summary of medical file or recent notes (required)
  • List of medications (last 3 years) (required)
  • Medical imagery report (if applicable) 
  • Psychiatric report (if applicable)

once you have collected all your information, send it to us via fax, email or mail.

After reviewing your case we will let you know if Santé Cannabis may be a good fit for you. If yes, we will schedule an appointment.

For self-referrals wait time for first appointment is approximately 8 weeks due to review requirements.

Please note review cannot begin until supporting documents are received. 

When scheduling your first appointment, we will send you the Santé Cannabis Terms and Conditions, Informed Consent and two questionnaires.

  • We ask you to carefully read the documents
  • Documents should be completed within 24 hours prior to your appointment and returned by email.

Note: If you do not have an email, documents will be sent to you by mail. We ask you to read them carefully and complete them within 24 hours prior to your appointment. Santé Cannabis team will review the documents with you.

1. Welcome from a medical office assistant

A medical office assistant will greet you, and you will verbally confirm that you agree to respect our terms and conditions and whether or not you have given your consent to participate in the research. You will then be asked to sign the documents that were emailed to you. If applicable, they will then review your questionnaires and make sure all points are complete in order to present your file to our healthcare team.

2. Meet with your Santé Cannabis healthcare team

Your primary support at Santé Cannabis is your nurse. They will go over your health form, goals, and work on a possible treatment plan before you see the doctor.

Our nurses also provide education on dosing, selecting products, and how to administer your medical cannabis after you see your doctor.

After discussion with your nurse and you, your doctor will decide if cannabis treatment is approved. If yes, your doctor will review your treatment plan, make adjustments if necessary and write your prescription.

3. Use your patient handbook 

You will receive your Patient Handbook. Our Handbook has helpful information, frequently asked questions, and a notes section to track your treatment progress

4. 1-month check-in by phone

5. Follow-up appointments

You will be expected to come to follow-up appointments in order to make sure you are reaching your treatment goals.

Follow-up appointments usually take 1-1.5 hours.

At your follow-up appointment our Santé Cannabis team will review your handbook notes and adjust your treatment plan if required.

These appointments are not regular clinic appointments.

Only those who are registered in our clinical trials are asked to come on site, and only for specific appointments. If you are booked for a specific on-site visit for a research project, you will be clearly instructed to come on-site and given the address as well as other instructions.

When scheduling your appointment, details will be sent to you by email with the study Informed Consent Form. We ask you to carefully read the consent form before you come to the clinic and contact us if you have any questions.

Strict preventative measures are in place to support safety of all patients and staff.

There are no clinic appointment fees at Santé Cannabis with presentation of your valid Quebec health card (RAMQ card.)

Most treatments (medical cannabis products) are not covered by public insurance but may be covered by private insurance. We strongly suggest you contact your insurance company to obtain more information, as it varies highly between plans.

In your appointment, our nurses will talk with you about different options that are available considering your budget.

More details about fees and costs can be found on our FAQ page. 

For Quebec Patients

Clinical care

Medical appointments by referral (doctor or self-referral) with our nurse-doctor team. Receive a treatment plan and extensive education on your personalized medical cannabis treatment.

First appointments are about 2 hours.

Follow-up at 1 month via phone, and additional follow-ups until stable.

Research

All patients are given the option to enroll to participate in our observational study, which tracks how their treatment plan is working. This study helps us understand more about medical cannabis, possible benefits and risks and warnings. The study is administered via a questionnaire filled by your nurse during your regular session.

Enrollment is voluntary.

For patients and caregivers nationwide

Patient Education

We provide in-depth one-on-one education for Quebec patients at their appointments. For these patients and other individuals interested in education, there are opportunities to participate for free and without referral in our learning series offered in both French and English throughout the year. Find details regarding upcoming sessions on our events page.

As topics cover therapeutic uses of medical cannabis, the information is intended for adults 18 years or older.

At Santé Cannabis we know there’s so much more to your health than what goes on a prescription pad. Creating a sense of community, accessing learning opportunities and sharing are all part of health and wellness.

We often provide patient learning series covering items such as chronic pain, mindfulness and cannabis 101; support groups; Forums; and special events. Check out our events page for the next events.

“Santé Cannabis’ Patient Support Groups exist to provide patients a safe, judgement and stigma-free space to address their concerns and feelings.”   Rebecca Fogel, patient, advocate and staff member

Keep up to date by subscribing to our newsletter, following us on social media and checking our events page.

Santé Cannabis runs an observational study to track the outcomes of patients who use medical cannabis treatments. This study has no extra appointments required, just a few extra minutes during your regular appointments. Patient information is anonymous and confidential, with no possibility of linking it to your name.

Your participation supports the training of doctors and healthcare professionals and even helps to change the clinical practice of medical cannabis – broadening the understanding of medical cannabis treatments and their components (like THC or CBD), the best ways to administer it (like oil or vaporizer) and the types of symptoms cannabis can help with (like pain or anxiety).

Participation is optional and you will be asked if you consent to taking part in this research. If you ever have any concerns about the study, please inform any member of our staff. You may withdraw from the study at any time with no penalty.

Santé Cannabis also runs clinical trials, which are more specific studies that require extra commitment from participants. There may be opportunities to participate in different trials in the future.  We will announce these opportunities on our website and in our patient newsletter. If you’re interested, make sure to sign up for our newsletter.

We offer a free training program for Quebec doctors and their healthcare teams who are interested in learning more about medical cannabis. We suggest you share this information with your family doctor or specialist at your next appointment.

For your doctor:

Support:

  • Shared-care service
  • Education sessions for patients
  • Ongoing phone support for physicians

Resources:

  • Clinical toolkit for patient assessment and follow-up
  • Practical reference guidebook
  • Online self-learning modules

Knowledge:

  • Webinars
  • Clinical preceptorships
  • On-site and virtual training

Quebec doctors can register for our training program here

Santé Cannabis was founded in 2014 to improve patient access to medical cannabis and we are working towards full integration of medical cannabis into the healthcare system; from patients to healthcare professionals and the pharmacy.

We are proud to employ several medical cannabis patients, include patients in our events as experts in their own care, and support patients to speak to the government.

“There’s still a lot of stigma associated with medical cannabis … I want a system that works.”   – Daphnée Elisma (patient and advocate)

Aube: la voix des patients: 

Santé Cannabis provides in-kind support to the patient organization Aube.

Aube is committed to improving access to cutting-edge treatments by promoting cannabis education, research and pushing for appropriate funding.

If you are interested in getting more involved in advocacy, we suggest you check out their webpage (coming soon!)