# 2021-020 Medical and Dental Care, Medical Treatment, Spectrum of Care
Medical Treatment, Spectrum of Care (SoC)
Case Summary
F&R Date: 2021-03-10
The grievor argued the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) should allow his physicians to prescribe cannabidiol (CBD) to address medical conditions, as it is a natural alternative to conventional treatments, with fewer undesirable effects.
The Initial Authority (IA) denied the grievance because CBD is not approved within the CAF Spectrum of Care (SoC). The IA explained that Canadian Forces Health Services pharmacies are therefore unable to acquire or distribute CBD.
The Committee found that, as CBD has not been formally included in the CAF SoC, the decision not to prescribe or provide CBD to the grievor was appropriate and made in accordance with policy.
FA Decision Summary
The Director Canadian Forces Grievance Authority, acting as the Final Authority (FA), agreed with the Committee's findings and the recommendation not to afford redress.