Although marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, 29 states and the District of Columbia presently allow medical cannabis. It is a plant with two compounds, CBD and THC, that help ease pain and reduce nausea and vomiting. It can be used to treat Alzheimer’s, ALS, cancer, Crohn’s disease, hepatitis C, AIDS, glaucoma, and other conditions. Your doctor will review your medical records and history before certification. How to get a medical marijuana card If you have a medical condition that qualifies, you can be approved for a medical marijuana card to access and purchase cannabis. The process varies by state, but all require you to meet with a registered healthcare practitioner to have an evaluation. The practitioner will look at your medical history and do a physical exam. They will discuss your current treatment plan and ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect you. They will then provide you with a Patient Certification and Registry ID. You can use this documentation at any approved dispensary alongside your government-issued ID to buy cannabis. The state recommends that you recertify annually. Veriheal will contact you when your certification is coming up for renewal to schedule an appointment with a doctor. We are committed to making the evaluation and recertification process as easy as possible for patients. That’s why we only bill if you are approved! If you’re not approved, your appointment fee is refundable. What is a medical marijuana card? A medical marijuana card is a state-issued identification that allows patients to purchase and possess cannabis for medicinal purposes. A patient can only get a medical marijuana card by getting a recommendation from a doctor, who must also meet state requirements. The process varies by state, but it typically includes meeting with the doctor and filling out an application. Licensed physicians are allowed to recommend the use of cannabis for patients with serious, debilitating, chronic medical conditions that cause significant symptoms that limit a patient’s ability to conduct daily activities or may pose a threat to their physical or mental health. Symptoms that qualify include AIDS; anorexia; arthritis; glaucoma; chronic pain; and seizures. Depending on the state, applicants can usually register online or submit a paper application. They must have their physician sign their certification and complete a medical records form or CDPH 9044 (Written Documentation of the Patient’s Medical Records). Once approved, the patient will receive an ID card from the Department of Public Health. How do I get a medical marijuana card? Getting your medical marijuana card requires a consultation with a physician that is certified by the state of New York. Most doctors will take between 10-15 minutes to evaluate your ailments and discuss your questions and concerns about medical cannabis treatment. Your medical practitioner will upload your patient certification to the New York Medical Marijuana Database for approval and then you will receive a copy of your certificate. Once you have your registration and Registry ID, you can purchase medical marijuana at a state-licensed dispensary. Some patients choose to designate a caregiver who can purchase and cultivate cannabis on their behalf. Caregivers must also register with the state and must have a patient’s approval to do so. If you need to change or remove your designated provider, you must visit your medical cannabis practitioner and complete a new caregiver authorization form (Word). The medical marijuana program in New York is valid for up to 12 months. After that, you’ll need to reapply for your medical marijuana card. What are the benefits of medical marijuana? Many patients with debilitating conditions such as cancer, AIDS, chronic pain (including post-surgical pain), multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy benefit from medical marijuana. In addition to relieving chronic and severe pain, cannabis can also treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and other treatments. Marijuana is also useful in controlling tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease, as well as the muscle spasticity of MS and other neurological disorders. It can also relieve the anxiety and depression that often accompany these conditions. During the online consultation, your Veriheal doctor will evaluate your symptoms and determine if you meet the state’s criteria for a medical marijuana patient. If approved, you will receive a patient certification that includes your unique Registry ID. The doctor will upload this to New York’s database and send you a copy of it so that you can complete the remaining parts of the application online. You can then purchase medical marijuana at a licensed dispensary. how to get medical marijuana
