Getting A Medical Cannabis Card Important Things To Keep In Mind - Health Regulations

If you think that you are a candidate for a medical cannabis program in your state, the only way to know for sure is by seeing a doctor and being evaluated so that you can get your medical marijuana recommendation. You can't just buy a card, or hold onto a doctor's note and think that you are protected. All of the states that have legalized medical marijuana have created medical cannabis cards to track patients who are using this medicine lawfully. The only way that you are legally protected is by holding a valid medical cannabis card that has been issued by the state in which you reside, after your doctor has seen you and recommended you for medicinal marijuana for your medical situation. How to obtain a Medical Cannabis Card is an important step you have to follow here. Top Five Things to Know About Medical Cannabis There are some important things that you should be aware of with regards to medical marijuana. To better help you be as prepared as possible, here are the top five things to know about it before you get your medical cannabis card. 1. Medical cannabis cards are only issued in 15 states. In DC - check with your state to find out if yours is on the list. Medical cannabis cards are only issued in 15 states. In DC - check with your state to find out if yours is on the list. 2. You can't get a prescription for marijuana, only a card that offers you legal protection in your state and affords you access to marijuana dispensaries. 3. It's illegal to drive or operate machinery when using medical cannabis; the laws are same with regards to alcohol use. 4. Getting a Medical Cannabis Card is only valid for a year after it has been issued, then it must be renewed. 5. Your medical cannabis card is only valid for the state in which it was issued, no other states, even if they have a medical cannabis program.

Checklist for Your Medical Cannabis Appointment Once you have made an appointment to be evaluated for a Medical recommendation by a doctor, there are some things that you will want to make sure that you bring along with you. This way you are as best prepared as is possible, and you can ensure that your appointment goes as smoothly as anticipated. Make sure to take some notes on these important items that you should bring with you, prior to your appointment. Also, if you are seeing a new doctor, don't forget to bring along your medical history so that they can review it while examining you for a medical marijuana evaluation.

* Photo ID/Proof of Identification: Make sure that you bring any of the following to your appointment to provide proof of your identity: current and valid state driver's license or current and valid state ID card, current military issued ID card, out of state ID, passport, and proof of residency (current utility bill, mortgage statement or bank statement, etc.). * Medical History: This includes any recent medical records that you have, any prescriptions that you are currently using, any test results including MRIs X-rays or blood work, and information about your most current doctor. * Form of Payment: Make sure that you bring a credit or debit card with you or cash to pay for your appointment costs.

 

Medical Marijuana ID Program

Do I have to be a Sonoma County resident in order to receive a MMIC?

No, any California resident that is a qualified patient can apply for a MMIC; however, you must apply for your MMIC in the county where you reside. Proof of residency is required.

What can I submit as proof of residency?

- A current and valid motor vehicle driver's license or identification card issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This includes the DMV DL43 "Change of Address Certification Card;" or
- A current and valid California motor vehicle registration bearing your name and your current residence within the county; or
- A current rent or mortgage receipt or utility bill in your name bearing your current address within the county.
Can I obtain my recommendation for medical marijuana from an out-of-county physician?

Yes. The attending physician must have a license in good standing issued by the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, but there are no residency requirements for the physician.

Is a medical marijuana recommendation considered a prescription?

No. Federal law prohibits doctors from writing prescriptions for illegal drugs. Marijuana is not considered legal by the federal government, and federal law still provides that use or possession of marijuana is a crime.

Can my caregiver also obtain a MMIC?

Yes. If you designate a primary caregiver on your application form, your primary caregiver must present photographic identification, and complete Section 4 on the form at the same time you submit your application. The application fee for the caregiver card will be based on the application fee of the patient/applicant.

Can I have more than one primary caregiver?

Yes, if your primary caregiver is the owner or operator of a facility providing medical care and/or supportive services to a qualified patient. No more than three employees can be designated as "primary caregiver" by the owner or operator.

Can a primary caregiver care for more than one patient at a time?

Yes. However, if an individual has been designated as the primary caregiver by two or more qualified patients, the primary caregiver and all the qualified patients must reside in the same city or county.

Can I have a caregiver who lives out of the county? Yes. The primary caregiver must prove California residency. Is further restricted to being the primary caregiver for only that patient. The primary caregiver must prove California residency. Is further restricted to being the primary caregiver for only that patient.

Can I be a primary caregiver for a resident of another county?

Yes, but that will restrict you to being the primary caregiver for only that patient.

Is my MMIC recognized in other California counties?

Yes. This is a statewide identification card program.

Does a MMIC protect me from all law enforcement?

No. In particular, it does not protect you from federal law enforcement agencies.

What information will appear on the MMIC?

- A photo of the cardholder.
- A unique user identification number issued by The California Office of County Health Services Medical Marijuana Program.
- The expiration date.
- The name and telephone number of the county agency that approved the application.
- A web-based Internet URL that will enable state and local law enforcement officers, the public and others to have immediate access to verify the validity of the card.
What MMIC cardholder personal information is available to anyone (including law enforcement) accessing the MMIC website?

When the MMIC unique identification number is entered through the MMIC website, a "valid card" or "invalid card" response is generated. No other information is accessible.

How long will a MMIC be valid?

Qualified patient and primary caregiver cards are valid for one year. If the primary caregiver applies for a card at a later date than the patient's MMIC, the primary caregiver MMIC will have the same expiration date as the patient's MMIC.

How do I renew my MMIC?

Renewing a MMIC requires the same process as applying for a new MMIC. This includes submitting the application form with supporting documentation and paying the appropriate application fee.

How do I replace my MMIC if it is lost, stolen or damaged?

To replace a lost, stolen or damaged card, the applicant must reapply for a new MMIC and repay the current application fee. The Office of Vital Statistics will notify the California Office of County Health Services Medical Marijuana Program to invalidate the Unique User Identification Number (UUID) on the missing card. Vital Statistics has the option of referring to applications. Supporting documentation on file or to require the applicant to submit a new application with supporting documentation. In either case, the application information and supporting documents must be verified.

What medical documentation is needed to apply for a MMIC?

You must provide written documentation completed by your physician that states that you have been diagnosed with a serious medical condition and that the medical use of marijuana is appropriate. Your doctor must maintain a copy of the statement in your medical file. The California Department of Health Services offers the use of the Written Documentation of Patient's Medical Records Form (MMP Form No. 9044) as a convenience.

Can a minor apply for a card?

Yes, a minor can apply as a qualified patient or caregiver. If a minor is applying as a qualified patient, they must be lawfully emancipated or have declared self-sufficiency status. If the minor applicant is neither of these, the minor's parent, legal guardian, or person with legal authority to make medical decisions for the minor applicant must complete Section 2 of the medical marijuana ID card program application.

When Should Medical Cannabis Be Used?

Medical cannabis refers to preparations of the cannabis plant that patients use to treat medical conditions.

The cannabis plant has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years by many civilizations. As of January 2020, 33 states and the District of Columbia had put laws into place so physicians can certify the use of “medical marijuana,” or medical cannabis, for debilitating medical conditions-although cannabis remains illegal federally. After obtaining a certification, patients may buy medical cannabis in special stores called dispensaries. Although this cannabis is not different from the cannabis that was available before medical marijuana laws, cannabis sold in dispensaries is subject to various state safety regulations and taxes.

Is There Scientific Evidence Supporting Use of Medical Cannabis?

Many physicians debate the strength of the evidence supporting the benefits of medical cannabis and cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemicals like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabidiol (CBD) found in the cannabis plant. Beyond conditions for which cannabinoids are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), such as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, appetite stimulation in wasting conditions associated with HIV and other diseases, and pediatric epilepsies, there is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that cannabis and cannabinoids are effective for managing chronic pain and muscle spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis. It is important to note that the majority of the evidence comes from studies of the 3 FDA-approved cannabinoids, which are very different from cannabis obtained from dispensaries, calling into question whether these findings extend to medical cannabis. Medical cannabis may ultimately prove to be effective in treating many other medical conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder and Tourette syndrome, but as yet, there is little evidence to show that this is the case.

Risks of Medical Cannabis

There are risks involved with both short-term and long-term cannabis use. Using cannabis in the short term may result in problems with learning, memory, attention, judgment, and coordination, while long-term use is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric illness and addiction and worse outcomes in pregnancy. There are other possible side effects as well, including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sedation, confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations.

When Should Medical Cannabis Be Used?

The scientific evidence suggests that medical cannabis is neither a first- nor second-line treatment for any medical condition. However, if a patient has tried many medications or procedures to treat a medical condition and none has worked, it is reasonable to try medical cannabis after a conversation between the patient and their clinician about its potential risks and benefits. Whenever possible, the medical cannabis certification and associated follow-up should be handled by the clinician treating the medical condition and not a clinician who only provides certificates for medical cannabis use.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health nccih.nih.gov/health/marijuana-cannabinoids

To find this and other JAMA Patient Pages, go to the For Patients collection at jamanetworkpatientpages.com.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Dr Hill reported receipt of personal fees from Hazelden Publishing and Wolters-Kluwer.

Sources: Hill KP. Medical marijuana for treatment of chronic pain and other medical and psychiatric problems: a clinical review. JAMA. 2015;313(24):2474-2483.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2017.

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