Medical marijuana has been legal in Canada for almost 20 years now. Over the past few years, renewed interest has been driving the cannabis industry forward. More medical research is propelling new insights and helping medical scientists develop new treatments for people with a wide array of different medical conditions.

With marijuana now legal in Canada, the number of licensed medical cannabis producers has been increasing as well. More companies are investing in cannabis as a legitimate medical treatment. The decision to provide legal recreational cannabis from licensed producers added to the growing market.

If you’re a patient, you’ve probably noticed the increase in producers in the last few years. New patients may even feel a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of companies they can choose to purchase from.

How can you choose a licensed medical cannabis producer?

You’ll want to look at their products, their track record, and their process and system, as well as pricing and several other factors.

Not All Licensed Medical Cannabis Producers Offer the Same Products

The first thing you’ll need to do when choosing a licensed medical cannabis producer is select one that offers the product you need and want.

Some products, such as oils or capsules, aren’t offered by all licensed producers. If you are interested in one of these products, you’ll want to ensure you choose a producer that offers them.

There are hundreds of different strains of cannabis. You’ll likely spend some time discovering what works for you to get greater relief of your symptoms. Once you’ve found a strain that works, you’ll want to stick with it.

Since there are so many different strains, however, you’ll need to ensure the licensed producer you choose carries the product you want.

If you’re just starting out on your medical marijuana journey, you might want to ask for recommendations from your doctor or the medical professionals at a medical cannabis clinic. They can help you decide on a strain, and then direct you to the licensed medical cannabis producers who carry it.

Take a Look at Pricing

There are no two ways around it. Medical cannabis can be quite expensive. It’s the major reason you’ll want to compare pricing between licensed medical cannabis producers.

On average, medical cannabis prices are about the same across producers, although some are more expensive and others are more reasonable. Keep in mind that there is no provincial coverage for medical cannabis, and many insurance companies don’t yet offer private coverage.

Some producers also offer discounts, such as compassionate pricing, for patients on disability and low income earners. If you qualify for such discounts, choose a producer who offers them.

Do Some Research

Some licensed medical cannabis producers have been around for a while. Others are quite new. You’ll want a balance of trust and experience. Take a look at any producer’s track record. How new are they? Do they have any marks against them?

You can also check online and see what other patients are saying. Delivery time and customer service are common issues with some producers, so you’ll want to check what other patients are saying about these factors.

Ask for Recommendations

Your medical cannabis clinic is a great resource with experience working with a variety of different producers. Ask the clinic staff if they have any recommendations for you and why they’re recommending certain producers over others.

Knowing these facts can help you decide who is trustworthy. While all producers are required to obtain a license, not all of them are necessarily as good as another. Selecting the right producer will help you access the medical cannabis you need for a successful treatment.