Cannabis for Medical Purposes

Last revised: February 27, 2026

Talk to your health care provider before using cannabis for medical reasons, especially if you:

• have health problems
• don’t know how cannabis might affect you
• have experienced challenges with substances, including alcohol
• take any medications or other substances

Health Canada has information to help people understand the safer use of medical cannabis, including:

• possible benefits and risks
• types of products
• safer use tips
• side effects and drug interactions
• when cannabis may not be recommended

For more information, please visit Health Canada’s cannabis for medical purposes webpage.

The College of Family Physicians of Canada has developed a simplified guideline for prescribing medical cannabinoids in primary care.

Concurrent Disorders – Mental Health and Cannabis

• Mental illness and problems occurring with substance use often occur at the same time. Having one can increase the risk of developing the other.
• Regular cannabis use can increase the risk of experiencing psychosis and schizophrenia. The risk is higher for individuals who:
  • Start using cannabis in adolescence
  • Have a personal or family history of psychosis or schizophrenia
  • Use high-potency cannabis products
• Some people with mental illness report using cannabis to help cope with their symptoms such as anxiety or depression. However, cannabis use may worsen mental health symptoms over time.
• There is increasing evidence linking frequent cannabis use to depression and anxiety, particularly among young people.
• If your client or someone in their family has a history of mental illness or a substance use disorder, it is best to avoid using cannabis. For individuals seeking support with managing stress, anxiety, or other mental health and/or substance use health challenges, visit our Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Services and Resources webpage.

Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (LRCUG)

The Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (LRCUG) are an evidence-based tool that allows people who use cannabis to modify and reduce their risks for health harms associated with cannabis use based on evidence-informed recommendations. Make an informed decision about cannabis use. No use is an option but if you plan to use, follow these tips: lower-risk cannabis use tips.

For more information on resources and services, visit our Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Services and Resources webpage