Cannabis Use in Health PEI Facilities and Services

Health PEI has developed a cannabis (marijuana) policy to guide staff, patients, clients, residents and visitors on the use of cannabis products in facilities and on property of Health PEI.  

Health PEI recognizes that adults may choose to use cannabis for medical or recreational purposes. The information below outlines the rules and guidelines regarding the use of cannabis in Health PEI facilities and when accessing services. 

Should I tell my health care provider about my cannabis use? 

Yes, Health PEI encourages patients, clients and residents to tell their health care provider about all forms of cannabis use (medical and recreational) before receiving care. This information helps Health PEI provide safe, holistic, and patient and family-centered care.

Can I smoke or vape cannabis on Health PEI property? 

Health PEI is a smoke-free organization and must comply with the Smoke-free Places Act [PDF | 455 KB]. Smoking or vaping cannabis (medical or recreational) is not permitted on Health PEI property. However, if you are a resident in a public Long-Term Care home, you may be permitted to smoke or vape where designated smoking areas exist. 

Visitors to Health PEI facilities or long-term care homes are not permitted to smoke or vape cannabis inside or outside the property, or in any designated smoking areas. 

Smoking or vaping cannabis is not permitted in the designated smoking areas at Hillsborough Hospital. 

Can I use recreational cannabis on Health PEI property? 

No, like alcohol, recreational cannabis is not permitted on Health PEI property. However, if you are a resident in a public long-term care home, you may use recreational cannabis only if you agree to use it according to provincial regulations and follow the organization’s safety rules. Long-term care residents must read and sign an acknowledgement form that outlines Health PEI’s rules and resident responsibilities before they are permitted to use recreational cannabis in a long-term care home. 

Can I use my cannabis for medical purposes if I am admitted to a hospital or long-term care home?

Yes, under certain conditions. If you are an adult (18 years or older) and are registered with a Health Canada approved licensed producer to obtain cannabis products for medical purposes, you are permitted to use cannabis in Health PEI hospitals or public long-term care homes with approval from the physician or nurse practitioner caring for you. Your physician or nurse practitioner will determine if cannabis use is safe and appropriate for you. 

You will be asked to read and sign a form that outlines Health PEI’s rules and patient responsibilities before using cannabis for medical purposes in a Health PEI facility.  

Will I need to show proof that I am registered to use cannabis for medical purposes?

Yes, your health care provider will ask to see proof that you have registered with a Health Canada approved licensed producer to obtain cannabis for medical purposes. This can be a certificate or document from Health Canada or from the Health Canada approved licensed producer of medical cannabis. It can also be a copy of the medical document authorizing the use of cannabis for medical purposes signed by a physician or nurse practitioner. Please bring this proof and any other documents, along with prescribing or ordering information with you on admission to the hospital or long-term care home.  

Does Health PEI supply my cannabis for medical purposes when I am admitted to a hospital or long-term care home?

No, Health PEI does not supply cannabis for medical purposes. You will be asked to provide Health PEI with your cannabis product that must be purchased from a Health Canada approved licensed producer.  

What forms of cannabis for medical purposes are allowed in Health PEI facilities?

Your medical cannabis product must be labelled and in a form that can be administered (oil or capsules). Smoking or vaping dried or fresh cannabis for medical purposes is not permitted in facilities or on property of Health PEI.  

If this is different from your home routine, you and your health care provider can discuss if substitute medications are suitable for your care. 

What if I smoke or vape cannabis and I receive services in my home from Health PEI?

Clients who receive services in their home from Health PEI are asked not to smoke or vape inside their home at least 1 hour before a home visit or during the home visit to promote a smoke-free work environment for Health PEI staff. This can include home care, community care, palliative care, and/or public health services.