Is Medical Marijuana Covered By OHIP? | Facts & Frequently Asked Questions
In this guide, we explain what OHIP does and doesn’t cover, how medical access to marijuana works in Canada, and where reimbursement may come from. Our goal is to give patients clear steps and realistic expectations so you can make informed decisions within Canadian regulations.
This is adult-only, non-medical education. Talk to a healthcare professional (your family doctor, pharmacist, or a specialist) about medications, interactions, and treatment options. We don’t provide dosing advice.
Is Medical Cannabis Covered by OHIP in Ontario
No—OHIP does not pay for cannabis products. OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) covers healthcare services like doctor visits and hospital care for OHIP-insured Ontarians, not the cost of medical cannabis.
To get medical marijuana in Canada, you must meet with a healthcare professional to determine suitability; if appropriate, they’ll issue a medical document (authorization). With that, register online with a licensed seller that sources from licensed producers. After verification, you can legally order regulated cannabis products (e.g., dried flower, oils, edibles, topicals) for delivery.
How Do I Get Coverage for Medical Marijuana in Ontario?
There’s no blanket OHIP coverage for cannabis itself. To maximize your chances of coverage or reimbursement, you’ll need a valid medical document, to purchase from a licensed seller, and to match a program or insurer’s specific criteria—then submit proper receipts.
Where Coverage for Medical Marijuana May Come From
Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) / OHIP+ (public drug plans): Cannabis products sold by licensed sellers are not ODB-listed drugs (no DIN). However, prescription cannabinoids like nabilone (and sometimes Sativex) may be considered via formularies or the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) when clinical criteria are met.
Trillium Drug Program (TDP): Trillium helps households with high drug costs relative to income, but only for listed medications. It does not cover recreational cannabis or unlisted medical cannabis products from licensed sellers.
ODSP / Ontario Works (OW): These programs can assist with certain medications and supports, but routine cannabis coverage is not standard. Ask your caseworker about any current, case-by-case options.
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC): VAC operates a separate federal policy for medical cannabis. If you qualify as a Veteran, VAC may reimburse within set eligibility rules and daily gram limits. Apply through VAC, follow their documentation and supplier requirements.
Private insurance (Extended Health Benefits & HSAs): Some plans may reimburse medical cannabis treatment on a case-by-case basis—often for conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, arthritis, or sleep disorders.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – Medical Expense Tax Credit: Cannabis purchased for medical purposes with a medical document is commonly claimable as a medical expense at tax time. Keep official invoices from your licensed seller and your medical authorization.
Practical Steps to Pursue Coverage/Reimbursement
Get a medical document from a healthcare professional (not a brand).
Buy through a licensed seller linked to a licensed producer; keep itemized receipts.
Ask your insurer/benefits administrator for written criteria (conditions covered, paperwork, caps).
If you’re a Veteran, apply through VAC and follow their policy.
Claim with CRA at tax time using receipts and your medical document.
Medical Marijuana & Insurance in Canada (2025): Coverage, VAC & Tax Credit
What Private Insurance Companies Provide Coverage for Medical Marijuana in Ontario?
Coverage is plan-dependent (not automatic) and usually requires pre-authorization, a valid medical document, and purchases from a Health Canada–authorized licensed seller/producer. Major insurers that offer plans that can cover medical cannabis include:
Sun Life — Optional coverage for specific conditions with prior approval; requires buying from a Health Canada–licensed producer.
Manulife — Medical cannabis program available on certain plans (e.g., Flexcare/Guaranteed Issue Enhanced); prior authorization and clinical criteria apply.
GreenShield Canada — Optional medical cannabis offering with defined eligible conditions and annual limits; plan sponsor must add it.
Canada Life — Provides medical cannabis pre-authorization forms; some employer or personal plans may cover it when criteria are met.
Important: Each employer/individual policy sets its own conditions, caps, and eligible diagnoses. Always check your booklet and ask your insurer/benefits admin for written criteria before purchasing.
Do Veterans Get Coverage for Medical Cannabis?
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) has a dedicated program that may reimburse medical cannabis within policy limits (e.g., daily grams, approved suppliers, documentation). You’ll still register with a licensed seller and follow VAC’s evidence and shipping, and handling requirements. VAC is separate from OHIP/ODB, so contact VAC directly for current rules.
Medical Document vs Prescription
In Canada, you don’t get a traditional “prescription” for cannabis; you receive a medical document authorizing purchase for medical purposes. With that document, you register with a licensed seller (operating with Health Canada authorization under the Cannabis Act/ACMPR legacy framework) and order cannabis products (e.g., oils, concentrates, ingestion options) directly.
How the Medical Channel for Marijuana Works in Canada
Medical assessment (in-person or video appointments/telemedicine) with your doctor or clinic
Medical document issued if appropriate.
Order online
Keep receipts for CRA and potential private insurance.
Ask your clinician about treatment options, ingestion/inhalation choices, and whether compassionate pricing programs apply.
Medical Marijuana Coverage in Ontario, CA: Frequently Asked Questions
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Confirm Health Canada status and transparent product information. Evaluate the user experience, customer service, and delivery timelines
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Personal production under federal regulations is possible with a Grow Your Own License, but it doesn’t create coverage under OHIP or the Ontario Drug Benefit. It carries its own compliance responsibilities under marijuana legalization.
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No. Buy through a licensed seller if you need invoices for private insurance coverage or Canada Revenue Agency medical-expense claims.
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You can start online with Flodega, which connects patients to licensed healthcare practitioners for assessments and, once authorized, registers you with a licensed seller sourcing from licensed producers.
