(NC) — Medical marijuana, also called cannabis, is a treatment option for conditions ranging from pain, inflammation due to arthritis or the nausea from chemotherapy.

Health Canada rules have changed. Patients can only buy medical marijuana from a licensed producer. Here are five important things to know:

Talk to your doctor about medical marijuana and decide together if it’s the right treatment option – only with a physician prescription can you access it.

New forms, available on the licensed producer’s website, need to be filled out by both you and your doctor. For example, the website of the first producer licensed under this new system is www.cannimed.ca

Pick a licensed producer who puts patient safety first. Ensure they comply with extensive quality control standards and security requirements, and conducts testing for the amount of active ingredient. You need to be reassured that your medicine will not vary in quality or potency.

This new system gives patient’s a variety to choose from. Studies have shown that higher THC is beneficial for patients with chronic pain or arthritis. While varieties with higher CBD are effective on epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The dosing of medical marijuana is still uncertain so the general guideline is start low and go slow.

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