There are many reliable licensed producers (LPs) and compassionate pricing programs that help make medical cannabis more affordable for Canadians. For example, Aurora Medical offers one of the most comprehensive compassionate care programs, providing reduced pricing for eligible patients, including those on disability support or with limited income.

For patients who are eligible for medical cannabis but unable to grow it themselves, working with a Designated Grower can be a supportive and practical option. A designated grower is someone legally authorized under Health Canada’s regulations to grow cannabis for a registered patient. If you know someone already growing for personal medical use, and you’re able to come to a mutual agreement on cost coverage and fair compensation for their time, this setup can work very well. While designated growers once often provided cannabis free of charge, today it’s important to have clear, legal agreements that reflect the time and resources involved.

We encourage patients to steer clear of unlicensed sources or grey-market dispensaries, which lack the oversight and accountability required under Canadian law. Instead, consider attending local cannabis education events, connecting with the medical cannabis community, or working with a clinic like GrowLegally that can connect you with the right LP and willing Designated Growers.

If you’re interested in growing your own medical cannabis, it’s helpful to start practicing now. Under current recreational laws, every Canadian household may grow up to four plants—a great way to build knowledge before applying for a Health Canada–approved personal production licence through GrowLegally.

Thankfully, with Health Canada no longer directly supplying cannabis, and with more flexibility in choosing your LP or growing your own medicine, patients today have more control and better access than ever before. With trusted support from a medical cannabis clinic like GrowLegally, finding the right source—and the right method—of medical cannabis can be simpler and more empowering.