Frequently Asked Questions

Cannabis (sometimes called marijuana) is a plant that contains biologically active substances in its leaves, flowers, and buds and their extracts. Medical cannabis is the use of the cannabis plant for medical and therapeutic purposes.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) — discovered by scientists in the 1990s — is a communications system within the brain and body that affects a number of important human functions, including metabolism, circulation, energy and organ function.

The ECS exists in species throughout the animal kingdom, however, the human ECS is composed of three key components:

1. Cannabinoid receptors found on the surface of cells.

2. Endocannabinoids, small molecules that activate cannabinoid receptors.

3. Metabolic enzymes that break down endocannabinoids after they are used.

Research suggests there are at least 100 cannabinoids, however the most well-known are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

The most famous and well-studied cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for a variety of physiological effects and has psychoactive properties, which means it acts to alter brain function, resulting in temporary changes in mental processes, cognition, perception and mood. CBD, however, has been reported as having a wide range of health benefits, including pain management, without the psychoactive qualities of THC.

The specific combination of CBD to THC included within a particular strain is known as the

CBD:THC ratio. As THC has psychoactive properties and CBD does not, this ratio is important in deciding which products are best for a patient.

THC, CBD and other various compounds (such as terpenes) work together to create an end result known as the “entourage effect”. It’s this combination of the plant’s specific cannabinoid, terpene and flavonoid properties that provide varying unique benefits for the human body.

The separation between sativa and indica was originally created in the 18th century to differentiate between two species within the cannabis genus (indica and sativa), classifying them based on structure and resin. Later, as strains were crossbred, the term hybrid was added as a way to classify cannabis. As the science and understanding of cannabis continues to widen, terms are changing. What are often called cannabis “strains” should be called “cultivars.”

However, historically the strains of sativa, indica and hybrid were distinguished in the following ways.

Sativa has generally been thought to be higher in THC and lower in CBD, which makes it more psychoactive. Sativa cultivars were often reported as having more focused, creative, uplifting effects. It is known for its narrow leaflets, light green colour and is often more suitable for outdoor growing, especially in warmer climates.

Indica is thought to be higher in CBD and lower in THC, for a reduced psychoactive effect. Indica cultivars were commonly thought to have more relaxing, calming, sedative effects. It has broad and bushy broad leaflets that are darker green in colour.

Hybrids are varying combinations of both sativa and indica strains and are thought to create a balance of the effects of each.

Today, most cannabis plants are a hybrid of some sort, however they exhibit dominant qualities of one species over another, allowing them to be categorized as an indica or sativa.

Terpenes are a class of organic compounds created by a variety of plants — not just cannabis — responsible for the flavour and smell of the plant. It’s also a widely held belief that different terpene profiles & combinations are responsible for the unique benefits & effects of a particular cultivar. Terpenes are secreted from the tiny hairs that cover the buds, called trichomes.

Over 100 different terpenes have been discovered and multiple types can be found in just one cultivar of cannabis. It’s the unique and varying combination of these terpenes found in each cultivar that creates a specific aroma and flavour, along with an individualized set of potential benefits.

Common terpenes found in cannabis include:
Caryophyllene – Woody/spicy smell of cloves/pepper
Cymene – Sweet, somewhat citrusy
Humulene – Earthy, woody, spicy
Limonene – Fresh, zesty citrus
Linalool – Floral, lavender
Myrcene – Earthy, musky
Nerolidol – Woody, fresh bark
Ocimene – Herbal and woody
Alpha-Pinene – Fresh pine
Beta-Pinene – Piney, herbal
Terpinolene – Piney, herbal

Cultivar-specific medical cannabis products are dried cannabis and extract products produced using the same, single genetic input material every time. All Emblem cannabis products are cultivar-specific, providing a consistent therapeutic experience.

Yes, medical cannabis is considered safe for the vast majority of people, cannabinoids are non-toxic, and studies show they are well tolerated when used appropriately and with the support of a qualified medical professional.

However, every patient reacts differently to the effects of medical cannabis. THC-related side effects are most common, but can be reduced or prevented by a “start low and go slow” dosing strategy. CBD typically does not produce side effects. Working together with your healthcare professional and Patient Educator you can design a cannabinoid therapy that minimizes side effects and risks.

A few notable exceptions include women who are pregnant, those with a history of substance abuse, people with a family history of schizophrenia or children under 25 where the medical benefits of treatment do not outweigh the risks.

Every patient reacts differently to using medical cannabis.

Common effects of being “high” include mind and body relaxation, a skewed perception of time, spacing out, feeling joyful or euphoric, and increased sensory awareness. Psychoactive effects or a “high” from cannabis are typically attributed to THC.

Different cultivars and varying THC levels can create different results and effects. It is always good to “start low and go slow” when using any strain with high THC.

Cannabis can be both inhaled, via smoke or vapor, and also ingested, for example in capsule form or infused into baked goods or beverages. Both routes deliver medicinal benefits for patients, however there are big differences between the inhalation and ingestion in terms of onset time, potency, peak, and duration.

Inhalation features the fastest onset of all available methods, as patients feel the effects of inhalation within seconds to a few minutes (depending on many factors, including individual physiology, proximity and nature of one’s previous meal, etc.). Inhalation yields fast-acting effects and may be more suited to situations requiring immediate relief. Full effects can peak within 30 minutes and last up to 4 hours after use. Inhalation allows for a more robust cannabinoid profile with full exposure to the plant’s terpene profile. Note, smoking is not recommended as a mode of administration of medical cannabis. The option of vapourizing dried flower can be considered in situations requiring immediate relief.

Ingestion of cannabis extracts and edibles is generally recommended to achieve a long-lasting therapeutic effect. Ingestion has a longest onset time, with effects being felt within 45 minutes to 2 hours. Longer duration of effects can peak within 4-8 hours. Ingestion is often easier to dose once optimal therapeutic dose has been determined and offers a discreet and convenient method of administration.

Note, onset times for both inhalation and ingestion can vary depending on many factors, especially a patient’s tolerance and average weekly and daily consumption levels.

Both ethanol and C02 critical extraction are processes to extract the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant in order to make concentrates and other cannabis products.

Ethanol extraction is a single-stream process that can be conducted under warm or cold conditions. This technique involves boiling ethanol, condensing the alcohol then dripping it through the packed flower material, stripping cannabinoids and terpenes during the process. While ethanol extraction is time efficient and of relatively low solvent-to-feed ratio, the technique can require additional dewaxing and clarification steps.
Emblem’s activated cannabinoids are extracted using our supercritical CO2 extractor and then purified using a winterization process to remove any uninvited plant material that snuck in with the cannabinoids. Carbon dioxide based extraction is considered to be more environmentally friendly, considerably safer, cleaner and less toxic than using fossil fuel based extraction – and results in a consistent product that is more palatable.

Vapourizing is heating cannabis without burning it. The heat generated by the vapourizer releases cannabis vapour, without the harmful smoke generated by burning.

Medical cannabis can be procured with a Medical Authorization – often referred to as a prescription, which is obtained by scheduling an appointment with your doctor, a cannabis education centre, or cannabinoid clinic.

If you qualify for medical cannabis, the physician or nurse practitioner will give you a Medical Authorization for Cannabis (the Canadian cannabis industry’s version of a prescription) at the end of your appointment. This document can be sent to a Licensed Producer (LP) of your choice, (or split across LPs if you prefer) where you will then be able to purchase and send your medication by mail or courier. It can also be registered with Health Canada to allow you to grow your own supply of medical cannabis if that’s what you prefer.

First, complete your registration form online, or print and complete the Registration Form, and take it to your doctor along with the Medical Document. If you need assistance, please call us toll free at 1-844-546-3633.

Next, schedule an appointment with your doctor, a cannabis education centre, or cannabinoid clinic. Download and print the Medical Document and take it along to your appointment to be completed by the doctor.

After your doctor sends us the completed original Medical Document via secure fax or mail, our Client Care team verifies your information with your doctor. Once fully registered, you’ll receive an email with everything you need to shop online or order by phone.

Currently, research is still on-going regarding the effects of Cannabis on various conditions and symptoms. If you are interested in exploring medical cannabis, we recommend speaking to your doctor. Alternatively, you can book an appointment through Canabo medical clinic. Their healthcare professionals can provide personalized guidance and information tailored to your needs.

Click here to complete the form to book an appointment.

Cannabis’ medical applications are currently being reviewed and verified by physicians and scientists. To determine whether medical cannabis is appropriate for you, please consult with your healthcare provider or you can complete the form linked here to book an appointment through Canabo Medical Clinic.

The registration process should be completed within 24-48 hours provided all of the proper documents – the Medical Document and Registration form – have been completed. The Medical Document must be submitted via secure fax or regular mail, while registration forms can be submitted online, via email or regular mail.

Once registration is confirmed and you place your first order, it should arrive either on the same day or within 1-3 business days depending on the geography and the shipping method.

We are happy to address any issues with the received medical cannabis products or accessories. Please contact our Client Care Team at 1-844-546-3633 between Mon-Wed 8AM-6PM EST, Thur-Fri 9AM-5PM EST.

Your Medical Document – authorizing the purchase and use of medical cannabis – is only valid for a specific and specified time period set by your doctor. Once it expires, you need to complete a new Registration Form and have a new Medical Document submitted to renew with Emblem.

After you’ve submitted a new Registration Form and your physician has sent us a new Medical Document we will process your documents as quickly as possible. The steps are exactly the same as the first time you registered, as we must verify your Medical Document with your physician and process your information before activating your renewal. However, we always try to give priority to those patients renewing with us.

You can order up to 150g dried flower equivalent in a single order.

Emblem accepts the following forms of payment: Major credit cards (including American Express), Debit Visa, Prepaid credit cards, available at Canada Post or local convenience stores.

If you run out of product, you can visit the website to place another order or contact our Client Care team to place an order, provided that your Medical Document has not expired.

The new regulations remove personal storage limits for patients. Like any adult Canadian, you can store as much cannabis as you want at home.

Public possession limits remain the same for authorized patients who are registered with a federally licensed seller or with Health Canada:

The lesser of 150 grams or a 30-day supply of dried cannabis (or the equivalent in cannabis product) in addition to the 30 grams allowed for non-medical purposes

As a medical cannabis patient, you must be prepared to show that you are legally allowed to possess more than 30 grams (or equivalent) in public, if requested by law enforcement. This can be done by showing your registration document issued by Emblem.

When carrying medical cannabis on your person when you are outside of Canada, you will be subject to the laws of that country. Please research the laws of individual countries you will be visiting outside Canada carefully before you travel.

Note: It is NOT legal to leave Canada with cannabis of any sort, in any format, for either medical or adult use – regardless of whether you have a valid medical authorization or medical documents.

Emblem works with a variety of shipping partners, including Canada Post, Purolator and AssureHome Delivery, all which vary in time and cost.

For more information, see shipping details at checkout or contact the Client Care team. In addition, registered Emblem patients in the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding communities can leverage direct-to-door medical cannabis delivery service, AssureHome Delivery, which provides same-day and next-day delivery. The service offers patients secure and on-time delivery of medical cannabis with a discreet, convenient delivery option – which includes notification phone calls 15 minutes in advance of medical cannabis delivery arrival.

Provincial health coverage does not currently cover medical cannabis. However, as private insurers begin to recognize the value and benefits associated with cannabinoid therapy, some now offer coverage for specific conditions, so check (periodically) with your benefits provider. Additionally, some insurance companies will cover medical cannabis in an HSA account.

It’s worth noting that even if medical cannabis isn’t covered by your health insurer, it may still be a more cost-effective option than using other prescription products with a co-payment insurance plan.

Finally, if you deal with Veterans Affairs or are in a position to benefit from our Compassionate Pricing Program, our physicians or Patient Educators can assist you with the process of applying for coverage.

Emblem is committed to offering patients exceptional value – the best service and access to top-quality and a safe & reliable source of medical cannabis. We offer quick and easy same-day registration, fast free shipping across Canada (average 2 days, same-day delivery currently available in the Greater Toronto Area), an award-winning customer service team, pricing programs for those in need, 100% coverage for Veterans, and innovative, medically-focused products.

Emblem offers cannabis Oils, Capsules and Sprays in varied formulas and formats:

Oil drops in THC, CBD and Balanced formulas
30 mL or 60 mL bottle sizes
Capsules in THC, CBD and Balanced formulas of various potencies
30 Capsule or 60 Capsule containers
Atmosphere Sublingual Sprays in a single metered-dose packaging in both THC, CBD and Balanced formulas 15mL sprays

Emblem cannabis oils are full-spectrum, odourless & flavour-neutral, and cultivar-specific extracts – creating a consistent experience.

However, if you don’t like the taste of your oil, we recommend mixing it with fatty foods, such as yogurt or peanut butter.

Cultivar-specific products are important because the therapeutic effect of cannabis varies greatly according to the content and ratio of THC and CBD compounds of specific cultivar types.

All Emblem cannabis extracts are therefore produced using the same, single genetic input material every time. This results in cultivar-specific medical cannabis products and is important for a number of reasons, including:

Offering continuity of treatment across different delivery methods
Better consistency, so patients can expect the same effects each time
Anticipated effects of the oil based on its dried flower counterpart.

The amount of medical cannabis you have been authorized to purchase, as written by your healthcare professional on your Medical Document, is quantified by the number of equivalent grams of dried cannabis flower you can obtain on a daily basis. Each product will have an associated ‘Equivalency Factor’ which will help you understand how many units of each product you can purchase at a given time.

For example, Emblem’s equivalency factor for cannabis oils is 6 – this means that 6mL of oil = 1g of dried cannabis. For your possession / purchase limits, this means one 60mL bottle is equivalent to 10g of dried flower.

Note, it’s important to remember the equivalency factor is not to be used for dosing calculations. Please speak with your healthcare professional about dosing medical cannabis or contact our Client Care team for more information.

Titration is a process to find your optimal dose of cannabinoid-based medication. Every patient’s optimal dosage will depend on several factors, including how well your body metabolizes the product, but also the cannabinoid (THC, CBD) concentrations of the product you are taking, so we always recommend patients start low and go slow.

Due to the complexity of the cannabis plant and variability between products, it’s important to gradually increase dosage to ensure the maximum benefit and lowest level of side effects are achieved. Slow titration is especially important for patients who are new to using cannabis or cannabis-based medications.

Track and monitor your dosage (mg of THC and/or CBD) onset, duration and effects, as well as symptom relief and no adverse side effects on a titration schedule.

An example of a dose titration chart can be found here, for illustrative purposes only.

Medical cannabis is best stored in a cool, dry and dark place. Cannabis quality is influenced by elements like oxygen, light, heat, and moisture. Exposure to any of these influences can cause mold or dry out the cannabis buds entirely.

Air-tight jars, like a mason jar, will protect dried cannabis from these elements. If you can get a darker coloured glass that’s even better, as it will protect your cannabis from light exposure, too.

Cool, yes, freeze, no. Storing cannabis in the freezer is not recommended. Freezing cannabis can degrade the buds and lead to bacterial growth from the temperature change, and freezing cannabis can also cause trichomes to become icicles and break off.

Cool, dry and dark storage is not just ideal for dried cannabis, but also cannabis concentrates, such as oils and edibles.

Always store medical cannabis, including edibles, in the same way you would keep other prescription drugs – stored securely away from children and teens.

Every patient experiences the effects of medical cannabis individually, however common potential side effects can include:

Dry mouth
Redness in eyes
Dizziness/feeling faint
Impairment of motor skills
Anxiety
Rapid heart beat
Psychoactive effects

It is important to track the occurrence of side effects. If you’re experiencing side effects, especially those that outweigh the therapeutic benefits of your medical cannabis use, please speak with your healthcare provider.

Psychoactive effects commonly occur when using products containing higher levels of THC. These effects can sometimes be mitigated by including CBD-dominant products into your medical cannabis regimen. Research evidence and clinical experience suggest that CBD has the potential to lessen the psychoactive effects resulting from THC.

It is important to ensure that any side effects experienced do not outweigh the therapeutic benefits of your medical cannabis use.

Be sure to regularly speak with your healthcare provider about any side effects you may be experiencing.

No matter where you’re travelling, it is important to understand the rules and regulations regarding travelling with your medical cannabis. Unlike your other prescription medications, you cannot simply put your medical cannabis into a carry on and be on your way. The Canadian government has very specific rules when it comes to leaving the house with your cannabis.

All adult Canadians — including medical patients — may travel with up to 30g of cannabis (or the equivalent in cannabis oil products) within Canada’s borders. If carrying more than 30g, you must have medical authorization documentation with you at all times. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has specifically stated that you are allowed to fly within Canada with the legal amount of up to 30g of cannabis without documentation. If your trip requires you to take more than 30g you will need to carry your medical authorization documentation.

Note: It is NOT legal to leave Canada with cannabis of any sort, in any format, for either medical or adult use – regardless of whether you have a valid medical authorization or medical documents.

Under human rights law, employers have the duty to accommodate the use of medical cannabis to the point of “undue hardship” to the employer, just as they would accommodate anyone else taking a prescribed medication. What constitutes “undue hardship” depends on the circumstances of the business. However, where cost is rarely considered sufficient undue hardship, health and safety considerations often are.

Authorized individuals with Medical Documents still have to take into account how cannabis may alter their ability to perform their job requirements efficiently and safely. After all, both employee and employer are held under specific obligations to maintain a safe working environment for everyone involved. Before you approach your employer, we suggest talking to your doctor about the times and hours you need to medicate for your particular symptoms. If your doctor agrees that medicating during work hours is a necessity for you, you’ll already have a medical professional on your side.

Though patients have been accessing medical cannabis for over a decade, with the introduction of legalization of adult (non-medical) use of cannabis, employers have started to add cannabis clauses to their workplace impairment policies, typically prohibiting use at work.

Luckily there are many Canadian companies who respect their employees’ rights to use medical cannabis at work based on their debilitating conditions, symptoms or diseases. If yours is one of them, always keep a form of legal proof with you at work such as, your Health Canada-issued registration certificate, the product label from your Emblem-purchased medicine or the Confirmation of Registration document you received upon registering with Emblem, which includes the same information that’s found on your patient label.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to negotiate with your employer on the specific terms of your medical cannabis usage. Just make sure to prepare yourself with a letter from your physician if possible, as well as your prescription info and then see how the discussion goes.

If you are unsure about how much information you are required to disclose on your personal health visit the Canadian Human Rights Commission to learn more about the questions your boss can and can’t ask you about medical issues.

Our Compassionate Pricing Program helps reduce the financial burden of paying for medication providing eligible patients 20% off their purchase of Emblem cannabis products.

To be eligible for Compassionate Pricing the patient must earn less than $40,000 per year and meet our required criteria:

1. Recipient of federal or provincial income assistance program
2. Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency proving a total annual income of less than $40,000.

This program cannot be stacked or combined with additional discounts.

In recognition of their service and dedication, Emblem provides “top-up coverage” across a range of Emblem medical cannabis products, complementing what is available through the Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Reimbursement Policy for Cannabis for Medical Purposes program.

Veterans are eligible for reimbursement of up to $8.50/g for 3g per day (90 grams per month) on the purchase of medical cannabis. In some instances, VAC may authorize higher daily gram limits. Emblem covers any remaining cost over the $8.50 VAC limit. This means that if a product costs $10/g the government will cover $8.50/g and Emblem will pay the difference, covering the remaining $1.50/g.

After registering with Emblem as a veteran, Emblem will cover the first $8.50/g (plus the remaining balance as explained above) for the first month as we await approval for coverage by VAC. If we do not receive approval after one month, the patient will revert to normal pricing until approval is received and processed by our Client Care Team.

Emblem will coordinate with VAC for you, submitting the necessary documents, ensuring you have coverage and arranging for direct billing.

During registration, send Emblem’s Client Care team a copy of your diagnosis, ensuring it exactly matches what’s in your VAC file and provide us with your authorized K number. Our Client Care team will do the rest.

Emblem offers patients 65 years of age and older an automatic 10% discount off their medical cannabis purchases. Proof of Age is cited on the patient’s Medical Document, so no further verification is required.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Emblem has extended the Compassion Pricing eligibility to patients in permanent First Responder roles including:

Police Officers
Firefighters
Paramedics
Select Healthcare Providers & Support Staff

Eligible recipients will receive 20% off their purchase of Emblem medical cannabis products. Participants must submit verifiable documentation to prove eligibility.

This program cannot be stacked or combined with additional discounts.

Emblem Pricing Programs cannot be combined with additional discounts. However, if you qualify for more than one of our programs, you will get the highest discount that you’re eligible to receive.

We work with a variety of shipping partners, including Canada Post and Purolator. Carrier options may vary depending on your location.

We’re pleased to offer tiered shipping options with Canada Post to better meet your needs.

Canada Post Express: A $9.99 shipping fee applies to orders under $75, while orders of $75 or more qualify for free shipping.

New! Canada Post Priority: Need your order sooner? Opt for Canada Post Priority for expedited delivery. Pricing is based on your location and package size.

Please contact Canada Post directly if you have any concerns about your order while in transit.

Prefer Purolator? Choose it at checkout for a flat rate of $14.99 on all orders (starting September 11, 2024). Deliveries shipped as early as the same day.

Orders on average take approx 2-3 business days to receive (Delivery timing may fluctuate based on location). Please contact Purolator directly if you have any concerns about your order while in transit.