Work-injury coverage
CNESST — Medical cannabis
At Grail Culture, we can guide you through the process with the CNESST (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail) and through the reimbursement process.
Important
After your registration and once you have obtained your medical document, we will be able to provide you with direct billing options as well as any documentation to support your claim. Please note that approval is up to the CNESST and we cannot guarantee acceptance. You will be required to meet the CNESST requirements.
Coverage by the CNESST
Under the Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases (LATMP), medical cannabis may be considered a reimbursable medication (s. 189). Quebec administrative tribunals — the Commission des lésions professionnelles and the Tribunal administratif du travail — have recognized medical cannabis as a reimbursable medication under this provision in several decisions.
Recognized work-related injury
The CNESST covers medical cannabis only when it is required because of a recognized workplace accident or occupational disease.
Prescription from a healthcare professional
Cannabis must be prescribed by the healthcare professional who is following you for your work-related injury.
Licensed seller authorized by Health Canada
You must be registered with a seller licensed by Health Canada, and the supplier must also be authorized by the CNESST.
Coverage limit
The CNESST generally covers up to the equivalent of 3 g of dried cannabis per day, or about 90 g per month.
Eligible routes of administration
Products consumed orally or transdermally are eligible. Inhaled cannabis may be covered exceptionally when this route is justified by the healthcare professional.
Delivery fees
Delivery fees may be covered up to $20 per delivery.
How does reimbursement work?
The process is a little different from a typical insurance reimbursement: normally, you do not have to pay for medical cannabis out of pocket and then request reimbursement. The authorized supplier bills the CNESST directly. The official form states that no amount may be charged to the worker by the supplier.
Medical authorization
Your doctor or nurse practitioner authorizes medical cannabis in connection with your work-related injury.
CNESST confirmation
The CNESST confirms that cannabis is reimbursable in your file, including eligible products and quantities.
Order from an authorized supplier
You place an order with a supplier authorized by the CNESST.
Reimbursement request
The supplier fills out the "Reimbursement Request – Cannabis for Medical Purposes" form with your CNESST file number, the products, quantities, THC/CBD concentrations, and the amount.
Direct billing
The supplier sends the invoice directly to the CNESST and receives payment directly. No amount may be charged to the worker.
The key point is to obtain authorization from the CNESST before ordering, since the supplier must obtain confirmation that the products and quantities are eligible in your file.
Need help with your steps?
Our team can guide you through the registration and billing process.