We do not prescribe narcotics, opioids or marijuana. These are best prescribed by your primary physician. We may provide recommendations in our correspondence with your referring or family physician. We will not complete forms to allow marijuana purchase through dispensaries or co-ops.
Sharing a friend’s medications
Many times we hear about someone offering a friend or relative some of their medication to try. This is extremely dangerous and we strongly advise against it. You wouldn’t take someone else’s heart medication so you should not take their pain killers. There is no way of knowing how you will respond. People who give you a sample of their medication, especially opioids or other controlled substances, are performing a criminal act called trafficking. Do not ask for or accept samples of someone else’s medications. Instead, write down the medication name and ask your doctor if this medication might be right for you.
The truth about marijuana
The truth is – we don’t know if it helps with pain or not. What we can say is that at best marijuana is just a mask, like any other analgesic. It may have a use in some cases but is not a wonder drug. Our philosophy is that passive therapies (anything that is done to you, including taking medications, needling, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, injections, etc.) are only useful if they facilitate active therapies such as stretching, strengthening and aerobic exercises. Active therapies are the best and most natural long term solution for pain. They are also the least likely to cause side effects! This does not mean that exercise will take away all pain, rather those who do it effectively have lower pain levels, higher function and higher satisfaction.
But my friend / relative says it worked for her
Great! We are glad she is better and does not need to see us. There are many powerful anecdotal stories about the usefulness of marijuana but there are simply too few well designed scientific studies to know the truth. Throughout history, there have been many drugs and natural therapies with strong anecdotal evidence that were ultimately pulled from the market after being proven ineffective or harmful in well-controlled trials.
Marijuana is safe because it is natural / organic
First off, this is not true, growing marijuana requires intensive chemical fertilization and pesticides and mold contamination is common. Everything has risks. Other natural substances used for pain and initially thought to be safe include opium, morphine (which comprises 10% of opium poppy extract), codeine (also found in opium extract), alcohol and salicin (white willow bark). Marijuana can cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which can cause death if not treated. Finally, natural does not mean safe. Many natural substances are extremely toxic.
Having said this, marijuana might be safer than some other painkillers and in moderation, some people may find it useful. Many modern medicines were developed by researching and refining natural substances. Research is gradually bringing to light the benefits and risks of marijuana and we will probably know a lot more about its use in the next 10-20 years.
Marijuana legality in Canada
Marijuana including dried leaf form, edibles and derivatives are legal to possess and use in Canada for recreational use. It is important to note that there are no pure CBD products on the market. Some companies advertise high CBD : THC ratio products but you will test positive on a drug test for THC if you take these. Therefore, if you are in a regulated or safety-sensitive position it is best to avoid these. Transport Canada, in particular, has a zero tolerance policy for any amount of THC in your blood when operating a commercial vehicle or airplane.