This is correct for the recreational side of the market in Canada, but the experience of the medicinal cannabis market since the most recent legislation is unparalleled. There's some intake forms to fill out with your physician e.g., https://www.auroramj.com/patients/. Once you're in the door though, you have access to D2C e-commerce the likes of which the rec market cannot currently compare to. Cannabinoid profile analysis for each lot is mandated, so you know exactly what you're getting, and many insurance plans will subsidize the cost.
Is the list of ailments that will get you a cannabis medical card in Canada as flimsy as what can be found in California? E.g. a slightly sore back ten years ago?
No list, it's at your doctor's discretion. There are also online/remote doctors that you "visit" via facetime/skype/whatever that will just write you a prescription.
