It's good you started this thread, there are probably a lot of people who don't know what the status of Compassion Clubs ( CCs) and dispensaries are. Here's what I know...If there are errors, please correct me folks, I'm no expert.
First off, they are not legal.
The CCs have been "operating" for many years nationwide, and recently we have seen dispensaries open up in BC, mostly Vancouver.
Although marijuana falls under Federal jurisdiction you will find that each Province, and even City handle the enforcement of the laws in different ways. BC is WAY more tolerant than anywhere else in Canada. I'm not sure why this is the case, perhaps it's because marijuana is so important to their provincial economy. Maybe it's just that they are way more chill than the rest of us. In BC there have only been two recent issues with CCs, and I think it's because they were pushing the envelope. They have vending machines, and have just introduced gift cards. There are many different establishments to choose from. A very open atmosphere. The police leave them alone, provided they don't cross the line ie selling to minors, no clones, etc...
In Ontario it is a lot more subtle, discreet. Locations are not publicized, memberships are stricter.
Most CCs have had problems with police in the past, not recently. I think most police visits have been brought on by complaints from neighbours. If there is a complaint, the police in Ontario will pay a visit.
For the most part the police do not bother the CCs. The conviction record isn't the greatest. The negative media isn't appealing. They know that there are sick people being helped. Usually there is no harm being done. They have bigger issues to deal with. Most CCs have a relationship with their local police force.
So...where you are located is an important factor, but keep in mind that they are not legal. Imo if you are a patient I highly doubt you will ever have a problem if you are dealing with a CC that has a good reputation like LCS here in London.
Some CCs are affiliated with other CCs. Some CCs are brick and mortar, some are online only, some are both. Online has potential privacy concerns imo. Each CC has their own criteria for membership. Most require a note from a doctor. Some will take a copy of your ATP under the MMAR, some will take a copy of your MMPR label.
The fairly recent addition of edibles, hash, oil, wax etc...might draw the ire of some police forces. The reason is these extracts and concentrates can be consumed in vpens, and seem to be very popular with the younger crowd. Minors are the real concern. I could be off base here...dunno
All in all I think CCs are a good option. They are in the business to make money for sure, but they do seem to have empathy, and do care about their patients. Again, they are not legal.
Doctors...
Our gatekeepers!
Over the past 10 years there has been a well known issue in getting doctors to endorse the medical marijuana programs. Lots of reasons why, but I think ignorance and the concern over losing their licence is the biggest reasons.
You will find some doctors were comfortable signing with the MMAR and interacting with Health Canada, some doctors are ok with the MMPR and the LPs, and there are other doctors who still prefer to recommend CCs to their patients. There are two main reasons that some doctors prefer the CC route over the old MMAR and new MMPR route. The first being that the doctors believe the CCs are the best option for their patients. They think their patients will get the best variety, quality, and information from a CC. The other reason that I've noticed is that with a CC the doctor stays "off the radar". There is no central reporting. HC doesn't have a copy, and perhaps more relevant the College of Physicians and Surgeons don't know what they are doing.
That is why you still see doctors signing notes for patients to join CCs.
My son's doctor, great guy, pain specialist still recommends CCs over Sativex or the MMPR program.
Hope this helps somewhat.
My neighbours are from there, 2 of the brothers live up there now, in conversations with them they say $250-$300 oz is cheap up there in the BM, no wonder you buy online, it's probably cheaper to buy through an LP for you.
whatever passed through TBay was what we got, and still is to this day, and at $80/quarter I'd say we were the ones being raped. No price breaks, and sells out in a day
