Hi Killer43,
From my experience a new application to Health Canada can take 3 months or longer. Once you have your papers you have a number of options left for you, but the exact steps really depend one what you plan to do. Once you have your license you can become a member of a compassion club locally and begin to purchase product from them (this can be done beforehand but there are some additional hoops to jump through).
Additionally, if you intend to grow your own medicine you can get some seeds and start growing, just be sure not to exceed your plant count at any time and do not start any growing until you actually receive your paperwork. All stages of the plant's growth count towards that plant count, including mother plant(s), seedlings, cuttings, growing and / or maturing plants. As soon as they are harvested then they count towards your dried product in storage limit instead and you can then start some new ones. Additionally, you are not allowed to sell any product or you can be charged with trafficking.
Do you plan to grow for yourself? The reason I ask is you filled out the form stating you would be, and if you later want to designate someone to grow for you, you will need to resubmit an application stating that you will have someone grow for you (including the appropriate forms), which could take 6 weeks or more for approval (on top of how long you have been waiting already).
If you do not plan to grow yourself, then would you just be looking to purchase product from a compassion club or society or would you be looking to have someone grow the medicine for you? Let me know and I can provide some more info on compassion clubs near you or help you with finding a DG.
Also, from my experience I have found it difficult to deal with Health Canada because they often tell you different information when you call and speak to different call center staff. I think it is best to read up on the program from their website and be aware of the rules so that when you talk to them on the phone you are better able to ask the right questions and make sure the information they are giving you is correct. I still think that if you have any questions or are unsure of things, it is best to talk to them and ask directly and see if they can send the information to you in writing.
Hope you find the information helpful, and if you have any other questions, I will try to help you out. Either post them here or email me at
[email protected]
Regards.