If you receive cannabis benefits through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), you have probably already felt the change. As of April 1, 2026, VAC reimburses up to $6.00 per gram — down from $8.50. For anyone whose licensed producer charges more than that, the math suddenly stopped working. You are either paying the difference out of pocket or settling for less product than your authorization allows.

The good news is that you are not locked in. If your current producer no longer fits your needs — whether that is price, product quality, or service — you can move your VAC coverage to a different licensed producer (LP). And it is far simpler than most veterans expect. In most cases, you do not even need a new medical document.

Why more veterans are switching producers in 2026

The lower reimbursement cap changed the calculus for tens of thousands of veterans almost overnight. If your producer prices its flower above $6.00 per gram, VAC now covers less of the cost than it did a year ago. The shortfall lands on you.

That is why the producer you choose now matters more than it used to. Some licensed producers, including Coast Mountain Cannabis, cover the difference between the VAC rate and the retail price of their products — shipping included — so you stay at zero out-of-pocket cost within your authorized daily amount. The rate cut did not change what you pay; it changed which producers are still worth staying with.

Quality is the other reason veterans move. Coast Mountain Cannabis grows certified organic, living-soil cannabis in British Columbia, with full terpene preservation rather than the harsher, high-volume methods used by many larger producers. For veterans managing chronic pain, PTSD, or sleep, a cleaner, more complete product can make a real difference to how the medicine actually works.

Do you need a new medical document to switch?

Usually, no. As long as your current medical authorization is still valid, you can simply request that your existing medical document be transferred from your current producer to your new one. Health Canada’s rules are clear on this: when you ask for the transfer, your current licensed seller is required to comply.

The one exception is timing. If your authorization has expired or is about to, you will need a renewal from your healthcare practitioner first. If you are not sure where your authorization stands, that is the first thing to check before you start the switch.

How to switch your LP to Coast Mountain Cannabis

The whole process comes down to four steps:

1.Gather your VAC details. Have your VAC file number (K-number), your Summary of Assessment or decision letter, and a copy of your Medavie Blue Cross card ready. These confirm your eligibility and coverage.

2.Request the transfer. Contact your current producer and ask them to transfer your medical document to Coast Mountain Cannabis. They can fax it directly to us at 604-227-2030. If you would rather we guide you through it, email us first at clients@coastmountaincannabis.com and we will help you start the request.

3.We handle the Blue Cross pre-authorization. Once your document reaches us, we set up direct billing with Medavie Blue Cross on your behalf. You do not have to navigate the paperwork yourself.

4.Place your order. We ship certified organic medical cannabis Canada-wide. The cost above $6.00 per gram and the shipping are covered, so you pay nothing out of pocket within your authorized daily amount.

How long does it take? Most switches are complete within two to four weeks, depending mainly on how quickly your current producer processes the transfer request.

Will there be a gap in your coverage?

No — you do not need to pause your treatment while you switch. Your VAC authorization stays valid the entire time. You are only changing where you fill it, not your entitlement or your daily limit.

If you happen to place an order and pay out of pocket before your new direct billing is active, keep your receipts. Reimbursement claims can be submitted to Medavie Blue Cross’s National Reimbursement Centre. In practice, it is simpler to wait until your pre-authorization is set up — but either way, you are not left uncovered.

Switching from Aqualitas, Simply Bare, or another producer

Veterans switch producers for all kinds of reasons — cost, product quality, customer service, or simply wanting a producer that grows the way they prefer. Whatever producer you are with today, whether that is Aqualitas, Simply Bare, or another LP, the transfer process is the same.

When you are comparing options, three things are worth checking before you commit:

• Do they cover the difference? Confirm the producer absorbs the cost above the $6.00 VAC rate, including shipping, so you are not paying out of pocket.

• Do they ship to you? Coast Mountain Cannabis ships to veterans in every province and territory, including Ottawa, Halifax, Victoria, Edmonton, Petawawa, Gagetown, and Winnipeg.

• Does the product suit your needs? Look for clean, properly cured flower that matches what you and your healthcare provider have found works for your condition.

Ready to make the switch?

Coast Mountain Cannabis is a certified organic, living-soil licensed producer — and the only producer in British Columbia currently offering certified organic cannabis through the VAC program. We cover the cost difference above the $6.00 rate, ship across Canada, and handle the Blue Cross paperwork for you.

To get started, email clients@coastmountaincannabis.com or visit our Veterans Affairs Canada program page. We will take care of the transfer so you can focus on your treatment, not the admin.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a new prescription to switch licensed producers?

Not if your current medical authorization is still valid. You can request that your existing document be transferred to your new producer, and your current producer is required to comply. You would only need a renewal if your authorization has expired.

How long does the switch take?

Typically two to four weeks, depending on how quickly your current producer processes the transfer.

Will I pay anything out of pocket?

Not within your authorized daily amount when your producer covers the difference above the $6.00 VAC rate. Coast Mountain Cannabis covers that difference, plus shipping.

This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Speak with your healthcare practitioner about whether cannabis for medical purposes is appropriate for your condition. Reimbursement rates and program rules are set by Veterans Affairs Canada and may change.