how to get a medical marijuana card

Things You Should Know Before Applying For Your Medical Marijuana Card (According to a Doctor)

By: Dr. Lewis Jassey – Medical Director at Leafwell

Many people are nervous about undergoing an evaluation for a medical marijuana card. This is understandable.

Cannabis is still federally illegal, after all. Many are first-timers to the world of cannabis, having grown up during a time where the plant was demonized and Reefer Madness was still in the air.

Here’s several reasons why there is no need to be nervous about going through a medical marijuana evaluation, alongside some tips on passing one and the advantages of getting a medical marijuana card.

3 Simple Steps to Getting a Medical Marijuana Card Online

Although the process to getting a medical marijuana card online differs between the states, the general process looks something like this:

  1. Register online with Leafwell.co and speak to a licensed physician. Use discount code MMO to get $10 off your appointment.
  2. Complete your application form for the state medical marijuana program.
  3. Get approved and receive your medical marijuana certificate and card. A copy of your certificate will be sent to your email address.

Once you have done these three things, you will be able to go to a dispensary and buy your medicine.

You can renew your medical marijuana certificate and card online as well.

What Is a Medical Marijuana Evaluation or Consultation?

A medical marijuana evaluation is a consultation with a licensed physician, where the doctor will assess whether or not you qualify for medical marijuana.

The decision will be based on your medical records and determining whether or not you suffer from a qualifying condition.

Most consultations only take about 10-15 minutes, sometimes less, and people are often surprised by how easy the whole process is.

In most states in the US, you need to have a medical marijuana certificate from a physician and a medical marijuana identity card in order to be able to use cannabis legally.

You will also need to register with the medical marijuana program (MMP), with California being an exception, where signing up to the MMP is voluntary.

You will need to sign up to the MMP before, during or after the evaluation, depending on your state’s regulations.

Can I Get a Medical Marijuana Consultation Online?

Since COVID-19, many states have expanded their telemedicine services, including medical marijuana consultations. You can speak to a physician online and have a medical marijuana evaluation with Leafwell in the following states:

Which Conditions Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card?

Different states have different qualifying conditions. Some states have more restrictive MMPs, others are more liberal.

In general, suffering from from one or more of the following conditions will qualify you for medical marijuana:

Depression and anxiety that is not responding well to traditional treatments are also common qualifying conditions.

Insomnia, depression and anxiety are common side-effects of chronic pain as well, so tell your Leafwell physician if you are suffering from these issues.

What Documents Do I Need for a Medical Marijuana Card Evaluation?

Again, requirements differ from state-to-state. However, regardless of what state you are in, it is worth having the following documentation in order to qualify for a medical marijuana card:

  • Photographic ID – usually a state-produced identity card or a driver’s license.
  • For minors – a copy of their birth certificate.
  • 2 x proof of address – a utility bill from within the last 3 months (not a cell phone bill), rental or mortgage agreement, or a letter from a state department are all acceptable.
  • Medical records – progress notes, list of medications, surgeries, attempted treatments, or medical images. Most practices and facilities will ask you to fill out a form to formally request your records. Call the provider’s office and request a copy of the form. They should be able to deliver it to you by fax, email, or postal mail, or you may pick the records up directly from the doctor’s office. If the doctor’s office does not have a specific form, you may write a letter to make your request.
  • A passport-style photograph. Two of them if you are filling out a hard copy of your medical marijuana card application form.

What Do I Need for an Online Medical Marijuana Appointment?

You will need:

  • A working smartphone, tablet or computer. Whether you’re on the move or in the comfort of your own home, you can get a medical marijuana card online.
  • Working camera, speakers and microphone so you can see, speak to and hear the physician.
  • Stable internet connection.
  • An email address.

How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Card Consultation and MMJ Certification Cost?

Again, this depends on the state you are in. The cost of a medical marijuana card consultation with Leafwell starts from $39 (California).

A breakdown of the cost of an MMJ card consultation in different states can be seen here.

To get an idea of how much getting a medical marijuana card will cost, take the following into account:

Cost of the consultation – the physician’s fee.

Cost of the application, payable to the state.

How regularly you have to renew the physician’s certificate. This is most commonly done annually, but in states like New Jersey, you must renew your certificate every 90 days. In New Mexico, there is no state application fee.

Some states provide assistance towards the cost of the application form. If you are in receipt of any state assistance programs (e.g. SNAP, Medicaid) or you are a veteran, you may be able to get money off the cost of your application form.

Taking all costs into consideration, in most states you will need about $100 – $200 to qualify for a medical marijuana card.

Remember: You can use the code MMO to get $10 off the cost of your appointment with Leafwell.

Will Insurance Cover the Cost of My MMJ Consultation?

As cannabis is federally illegal, insurance companies will not cover the costs associated with medical marijuana consultations.

What Are the Advantages of Having a Medical Marijuana Card?

There are several advantages to having a medical marijuana card. These include:

  • In states where recreational cannabis is also available, medical cannabis is not as heavily taxed.
  • Medical marijuana patients are often privy to a greater number of deals. Dispensaries often have sales exclusively for those with medical marijuana cards. Combined with the above, this can save you significant amounts of money.
  • Greater amounts of legal protection. In many states, you can only use cannabis legally if you have a medical marijuana card.
  • Reciprocity. Some states offer those from other states with a valid medical marijuana card some degree of legal protection.
  • You get a greater number of products to choose from. Some products and varieties of cannabis are only available to medical marijuana patients.
  • Greater possession limits. In California, for example, the maximum a recreational cannabis user can carry is 1 ounce. A medical marijuana patient can carry up to 8 ounces.
  • Medical marijuana users can qualify from the age of 18. 21 is the legal age for recreational cannabis use in states like Oregon, Colorado and Maine.
  • Some states allow medical marijuana patients to grow their own plants. This right is limited or non-existant for recreational cannabis enthusiasts.

Are There Any Disadvantages to Holding a Medical Marijuana Card?

While the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, there are some negatives when it comes to qualifying for a medical marijuana card. These include:

  • The inability to legally own a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has decided that medical marijuana users are not allowed to purchase a firearm.
  • The Department of Transportation does not authorize the use of medical marijuana. Those who work as a commercial driver can not legally operate heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) if they test positive for marijuana.
  • Government jobs. Those who work for the federal government are not allowed to use medical marijuana, even if they are in a legal state. A failed drug test could mean termination of employment.
  • Although some states have instituted some legal protections for employees who require medical marijuana, in most states it is at the employer’s discretion as to whether or not they keep you employed.
  • Your usage is tracked. Medical marijuana patients will have the amount of cannabis they buy tracked. This is understandable, but some may feel that this is more information than they are willing to divulge.

Tips on for Passing Your Medical Marijuana Card Consultation

You can make the process of getting a medical marijuana card easier by:

  • Having all appropriate documentation ready. ID, proof of address and medical records are usually enough.
  • Remember: it is not illegal to ask your physician about the pros and cons of medical marijuana. The only thing they cannot do is tell you a specific brand or dispensary to use.
  • Tell your physician about any other treatment methods and medications, and how successful they have been. Most people come to cannabis after finding that other treatment methods have failed. Tell your physician about any treatments or operations you have tried that have failed.
  • If you have been prescribed opioids for long-term, chronic pain, many physicians may be willing to recommend cannabis as an alternative as it is far less addictive. You will likely want to develop a treatment program and taper your use of opioids.
  • Many conditions have a number of secondary symptoms. Chronic pain (joint, nerve, muscle etc.), depression, anxiety, insomnia, nausea/vomiting, and headaches/migraines are common. Tell your physician about all of these.

If you’re interested in getting a medical marijuana card and physician’s certificate, you can get speak to a Leafwell physician online today!

RELATED: 12 Questions with Emily Kyle, A Woman Dominating The Cannabis Industry

Dr. Lewis Jassey has been a pediatrician over the last 25 years, who has run a practice of over 15,000 patients in Long Island, New York. He has been on staff at five major hospitals for over two decades. Dr. Jassey has carved a niche for himself successfully working with patients on the spectrum, as well as patients with a variety of mental health issues. He lectures on a national level, with expertise in pharmacogenetics and pharmacology, the spectrum, as well as patients with a variety of mental health issues. He lectures on a national level, with expertise in pharmacogenetics and pharmacology.

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