Medical Cannabis Tax Expenses are now allowable by the Canada Revenue Agency, permitting patients to claim costs for medication.
August 24, the Canadian Medical Cannabis Industry Association (CMCIA) received a letter from the CRA detailing that prescription cannabis from a government licensed producer now qualifies as a medical expense.
“This is an important step, because it allows patients to write off a major component of their health-care costs,” CMCIA spokesperson Cam Battley told CBC News.
The CRA website lists medical marijuana and marijuana seeds along with other eligible medical expenses.
The CRA states that, “the amount paid to Health Canada or a designated producer for a person authorized to possess or use the drug for medical purposes under the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations or exempt under section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act” will qualify.
Battley estimated that the average cannabis prescription for patients cost is about $7.60 a day, or $2,774 annually, though the price varies depending on dosage.