The corona virus has plummeted the nation into a prolonged crisis. As the country gathers the courage to fight back and get back to normal life, telemedicine comes as a blessing in disguise. Particularly for medical marijuana patients who require 420 evaluations to treat a certain medical condition. And with the rise in new patients registering for cannabis use, it becomes mandatory to educate yourself on how to safely qualify for an MMJ evaluation.
According to New Frontier Data, there are close to 3.7 million medical marijuana patients in the US and California accounts for 2 million cardholders. These staggering numbers indicate that a large no. of Americans use medical cannabis to treat state-qualifying conditions. At present, more than 33 states provide patients with a medical marijuana program. And despite lock down unrest and long-standing policies of marijuana prohibition on the federal level, the essential status allowed patients to stock up on cannabis and get a medical marijuana card.
In this post, we will cover everything you need to learn about getting a medical marijuana evaluation. This guide aims to help new patients who seek cannabis care. So, read on to find out how to get a medical cannabis card in legal states.
What Is A Medical Cannabis Evaluation?
Theoretically speaking, a medical marijuana evaluation requires you to have a face-to-face consultation with a licensed medical health professional. Post corona virus pandemic, patients would get an evaluation either by walking up to a clinic or simply through telemedicine. However, since the pandemic turned the world into a giant prison, telemedicine came to the forefront. More and more people started getting an appointment online and mainstream doctors allowed online consultations.
For safety reasons and to help curb the spread of the virus, you can get your evaluation through the process of telemedicine. The process will allow you to consult with a doctor over a video call. The doctor will access your candidacy and decide whether or not your medical condition qualifies for cannabis use.
Ideally, the evaluation consists of three steps. You have to fill a medical form, provide your personal details along with proof suggesting you are a state resident. After the submission of the form, you will be connected to a licensed medical health professional via a video call. The doctor will analyze your medical condition, study your medical records, and ask you a few questions. Soon after a thorough evaluation, the doctor will provide you with a soft copy of the recommendation on your email address. However, you have to keep in mind that you will receive a recommendation only after the doctor’s approval.
Note: People residing in states with complete legal status, do not require a recommendation to avail of cannabis from state-licensed dispensaries. They can use an ID proof to get high-quality marijuana products. However, medical marijuana cardholders get certain advantages that non-cardholders will not be entitled to.
What Are The Qualifying Medical Conditions?
The list of state qualifying conditions varies across states. You can check with your local state authorities to learn which medical conditions qualify for cannabis use. For instance, according to the New York Medical Marijuana Program, you will be allowed to use cannabis if you have a severe or life-threatening medical condition such as:
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Inflammatory Bowel’s Disease
- Huntington’s Disease
- Chronic Pain
- Epilepsy
- Neuropathy
- Spinal Cord Injury With Spasticity
- PTSD
In addition, any pain associated with bodily dysfunction or health deterioration als qualifies the list. In a recent amendment, opioid abuse has also been listed in the list. This means that cannabis can be used as an alternative to opioids. Also, the debilitating medical conditions must have complications like severe chronic pain, cachexia, wasting syndrome, seizures, muscle spasms to qualify for marijuana use.
Several other conditions may qualify for cannabis recommendations in your state. The reason why we advise you to check your state qualifying medical conditions.
How To Talk To A Doctor During 420 Evaluation?
First things first, it is vital to understand that a medical cannabis evaluation is like any other medical appointment. This means that the doctor will look at your medical condition, ask you questions, and study your medical history. But, believe it or not, how you interact with the doctor can make a huge difference. So, make sure that you stay relaxed and calm during the evaluation process.
Always keep in mind that the doctor is under no legal obligation to approve your recommendation. And for some patients having a conversation with the doctor can be quite difficult. Despite all the odds, you have to feel comfortable while the doctor tries to break the ice. In my personal opinion, you should also read about medical cannabis a little before going inside the doctor’s office.
Most vitally, be honest about your medical condition and discuss the medical possibilities. Do not leave anything out and discuss every detail. For instance, cannabis consumption history or an underlying serious medical condition the doctor should be aware of. Bear in mind that most medical marijuana providers are adept at writing recommendations because they are qualified. So, approach doctors with an acting state license.
Things I Need For Medical Cannabis Evaluation
When you fill the form, you will be required to submit certain documents. A state ID or residence proof. In place of that, you can also submit your driver’s license or a copy of the passport. Besides these essential documents, you also have to submit the medical records. Particularly when you have a medical condition that requires attention and urgent care. Once you have submitted the documents you will qualify for a consultation with the doctor.
When you approach a physician, don’t forget to feed your mind with knowledge of medical cannabis. This will help the doctor understand that you are aware of the medical uses of cannabis. And you are ready to use cannabis for a state-qualified medical condition.
It is also important to note, different states run a specific marijuana program. Each program issues its own guidelines. For example, the laws in New York are sterner than the laws in other states. This means that if you live in New York you have to register yourself under a New York Medical Marijuana Program. While other states simply allow patients to get a recommendation from licensed physicians.
How To Pass A Marijuana Evaluation?
There’s no concrete formula for passing an evaluation. If you simply walk inside a clinic and ask for cannabis, your chances of receiving the recommendation are next to impossible. Trying such tactics will leave the doctor under the impression that you have come here to get marijuana for a high. In contrast, when you educate yourself on cannabis, study the laws, and have a genuine medical condition. You will automatically ask questions out of curiosity and concern.
Some of the questions that patients usually ask during an evaluation look something like this. Can I use cannabis with my existing medicines? Will cannabis work for my medical condition? Should I be aware of any side effects? What is the safest consumption method? Is smoking cannabis a viable option? Although, it completely depends on the doctor whether or not you will get a green light. But, in most cases, patients with a state-qualifying condition are given a medical recommendation.
Where To Find A Cannabis Patient Evaluation?
In most states, you will find dedicated medical cannabis physicians. Or else marijuana evaluation centers. You can check-in with our state authorities and find a suitable evaluation clinic or center. Although, you should consider finding registered and licensed doctors online. This step will help curb the spread of the virus. There are several online medical recommendations providers. They will request you to fill a form under the HIPAA compliant rules. Soon after the provider will help you get an appointment with a licensed medical health professional.
Unfortunately, not every state has a wide range of evaluation providers. So, you might have to search online and find a suitable doctor. We recommend that you get your card or consultation from licensed practitioners only. Because there are several fraudulent out there that might trick you into paying extra money for a fake recommendation. To stay on the safe side, read the reviews about the clinic, or simply check the license of the doctor. And always remember that a legit clinic will always ask for net after you qualify for a medical cannabis recommendation.
Final Thoughts
After marijuana businesses were deemed essential, cannabis businesses saw a huge spike in sales. Especially states such as California and Colorado. This sudden change during a crucial time clearly indicated that cannabis holds a crucial place. Particularly in the lives of people who use cannabis for medicinal purposes. However, getting a cannabis recommendation or a 420 evaluation is quite easy. All thanks to telemedicine! People use telemedicine to get an evaluation and so can you. After all, it is the safest way to get medical cannabis recommendations from licensed physicians.
Author Bio:-
Oliver Stone is a content writer at Bakersfield 420 Evaluations. Besides his love for writing, he loves to paint and travel the world.
