One of the most common questions I get is, “Is it difficult to get a medical cannabis card?” I always respond, “Not as difficult as you might think.” There are all sorts of ways of getting one, but we shall mention the obvious (and perhaps easiest) one first …
Telehealth
Getting to a doctor that specializes in medical marijuana can be tough. Not everyone lives near one, and even if they do, a patient might go there and find out it’s too busy or they’re unable to book an appointment at a time they’d like. Plus, some of these doctors aren’t necessarily in the safest neighborhoods, which is sad but unfortunately true in some instances.
Telehealth saves a person from all this hassle. You can literally:
- Sign up
- Fill out the medical marijuana evaluation form, attaching any relevant medical records you may already have proving your condition/s.
- Talk to the doctor.
- If you qualify, you will be given a signed recommendation letter.
- This recommendation letter can be emailed to you, so you can start using your recommendation letter straight away.
- A medical marijuana card can be sent to you via post – not necessary, but highly recommended.
Telehealth is a massive plus for sick and disabled patients who might have difficulty getting around, as well as those living out in the boondocks.
Should you be worried about privacy and security, don’t worry. Any decent, reputable doctor will have a safe and secure website, with all of your personal information kept private in accordance to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Law Enforcement can access these records, but only by court order. This information cannot be given out to police departments willy-nilly.
The Direct Way
You can call me, Doctor Frank, on +1 888-351-7807 and set up an appointment over the phone. My practice address is 4110 1/2 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065, USA, which you can come to once you’ve booked your appointment (no stalking, please!). I can help walk you through the process. However, whilst I do try and make time for all my patients, many find seeing me online to be just as quick and efficient, and you needn’t leave the comfort of your living room.
Of course there are other Doctors out there and speaking to a friend or family member who uses MMJ might be able to advise you. Regardless of what route you take please make sure they are HIPPA compliant!
What Conditions Usually Get Medical Cannabis Recommendations?
Usually cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, AIDS/HIV, diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease and any chronic condition that may impact a person’s life over the long-term.
I Want One Now! What Do I Need to Get a MMJ Card?
Now that you know you want a medical cannabis card, all you need are the following things:
- Any form of valid, state-issued U.S. identification (e.g. ID card, driver’s license, passport).
- Proof of residency in the state of California (e.g. rent or mortgage agreement)
- Personal health records proving your condition – not necessary, but helpful
Will My Insurance Cover Medical Marijuana?
Whilst there are often vast differences in policy from one insurance company to the next, it is unlikely that most insurance companies will cover medical marijuana, especially as it’s a Schedule I drug. Unfortunately, using medical marijuana may put your insurance at jeopardy in some instances (especially if it’s health insurance paid for by an employer), so be careful and read all your terms and conditions on your health policy properly.
As you can see, getting a medical marijuana card is a lot simpler than you might think. There’s no secret club. No special handshake. No magic words. It’s just a matter of is getting on the phone or computer and booking your appointment. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch.
