Cancer patient getting a medical marijuana prescription

Just about three out of four Americans believe MMJ has medicinal benefits. And, if you’re curious about how to get prescribed MMJ to experience these benefits, then you’ve come to the right place.

Right off the bat, you may have many questions on MMJ prescription. So, let’s address these right away.

For instance, is it possible to get a MMJ prescription? Well, things work a little differently in this spectrum of alternative medicine. 

Essentially, your doctor can’t technically prescribe you MMJ as they would Advil or any other medicine. The reason is that MMJ is still considered a Schedule I substance under federal law. However, plenty of states have legalized MMJ. 

What does it mean that MMJ is legal in your state?

It means that the state has legalized the medical use of MMJ for certain qualified patients. A person becomes a qualified patient when they’ve been approved by the state MMJ Program and given a MMJ ID Card; a proof of their right to MMJ treatment. 

This card, sometimes referred to as a Patient ID, medical card or simply a ‘med card’, provides legal protection to patients when buying, using, and possessing MMJ as long as they comply with the rules of the state MMJ Program (MMP).

In most states, you need a MMJ prescription as the first step to getting a MMJ card.

How do you get a prescription in the first place? 

Well, for starters, patients can consult with a specialized MMJ doctor who can prescribe MMJ. That way, a patient can be evaluated for treatment on the basis of their current condition and any previous unsuccessful treatments. 

You should know that most states only allow doctors to prescribe MMJ to patients suffering from debilitating illnesses and medical conditions which are mandated by the state MMP. These are referred to as qualifying conditions, and your medical records must clearly state that you have been diagnosed with one or more of these conditions.

* * Please note, rules and qualifying conditions vary from state to state, you can find more information about MMJ in your state here.

Before taking on too much, take a moment to go through the highlights to get a gist of the questions that will be answered. If you are already familiar with a section feel free to skip ahead to a topic that interests you.

Alright, let’s get you highly informed about all you need to know about getting prescribed medical MMJ.

Highlights

What is a MMJ “prescription”?

As we mentioned earlier, there are no doctors who can prescribe MMJ because technically speaking there’s no such thing as a MMJ prescription. Instead, certain doctors are certified to recommend MMJ for medical use. In the eyes of the law, these are different things, but in reality, a recommendation works in pretty much the same way as a regular prescription.

This is the reason you might see other terms like MMJ certification, MMJ recommendation, MMJ certification, or MMJ recommendation being used instead. These are all the same thing.

It’s a medical document signed by a licensed MMJ doctor that recommends a patient to use MMJ for their treatment. Patients then use this recommendation to apply for a state-issued MMJ card.

What does the MMJ prescription cost?

The cost of a MMJ prescription varies from state to state; stretching from $49 to $250. It mostly depends on the cost of the doctor’s appointment and state fees. Unfortunately, some doctors charge excessively high prices for MMJ evaluations. 

Undeterred by the fluctuation in prices, QuickMedCards is unfailing in offering the cheapest price on top of providing the best value regardless of the state you live in.

What is a MMJ card?

A MMJ card is a state-issued identification card that gives patients access to MMJ dispensaries and the ability to buy and use medicine with MMJ in it.

The MMJ card goes by several names such as medical card, MMJ card, MMJ card, MMID, MMJ card, or med card.

The MMJ card offers holders legal protection when found in possession of MMJ by law enforcement. As long as you keep your med card on you and stick to the MMP rules, you have nothing to worry about. 

What does the MMJ card cost?

The cost of a MMJ card depends on the fees you need to pay to the state when submitting your application. State fees range from $0 to $150.

Also, patients pay renewal fees for their cards either annually or bi-annually.

Who can prescribe MMJ?

Doctors that prescribe MMJ go by many names, such as; MMJ doctors, MMJ doctors, MMJ doctors, or even pot doctors.

Despite these dubious sounding names, mmj doctors undergo extensive vetting before they can recommend MMJ to patients.

All states need mmj doctors to hold a special license that authorizes them to recommend MMJ. 

This means that unless your primary care holds a MMJ license, they can’t give you a recommendation for MMJ treatment.  

MMJ Doctors

So who is a mmj doctor anyway?

Most MMJ doctors are either medical doctors (MDs), naturopathic doctors (NDs or NMDs), nurse practitioners (NPs), or osteopathic doctors (DOs). But they contrast from their peers in similar fields by being more open to the idea of using medicinal mj for treatment.

MMJ doctors have a wealth of experience in successfully treating many debilitating conditions with MMJ.

Some MMJ doctors view medicinal mj as either a complementary or alternative treatment—not the last resort.

Still, despite MMJ doctors’ openness to recommend you for MMJ, it’s unlikely that they certify you without properly looking into your medical history and condition. 

Therefore, every patient seeking an MMJ certification for their medical card has to undergo a MMJ evaluation before approval.

What is a MMJ evaluation?

This is a medical consultation where a MMJ doctor assesses whether medical mj would be the best treatment option for a patient. 

It used to be the case that MMJ evaluations had to be done in person. The doctor would have to do a thorough health checkup before they could proceed with the assessment.

Today, however, most states allow the use of telemedicine, meaning MMJ evaluations can happen online through a simple video call. 

While most states embrace telemedicine, others still hold a preference for physical consultations; at least during a patient’s first MMJ evaluation.

Despite the obvious advantages of telemedicine (such as convenience and safety), there are some concerns mmj doctors may have during an evaluation.

Top on the list is assessing whether a patient is in genuine need of MMJ. Often, MMJ doctors deal with this hurdle by requesting a patient’s medical records.

Having your medical records on hand not only speeds up the entire process but also helps the doctor decide which treatment to recommend. So, you should know how to get your medical records. It’s actually a very simple process.

Your medical records help justify your debilitating medical illness and need for mmj treatment.

Even so, providing your medical records isn’t the end all be all to getting your MMJ prescription (MMJ certification). Patients lacking medical records can still get a MMJ prescription, but it might take a little while longer.

How to get a medical card without medical records

In truth, lacking medical records for a condition that’s a yoke around your neck shouldn’t stop you from getting a medical card.

So, below are certain issues to point out to your mmj doctor to get your medical card without medical records:

  • Your condition is severely impacting your life and those around you. For instance, your chronic pain makes it difficult for you to function properly at work; or your panic attacks make it impossible to socialize with your friends and family.
  • Also bringing up that the side effects of conventional medication for your condition have grimmer side effects than those associated with MMJ use.
  • Mentioning that you lack medical records because you didn’t always have access to healthcare is also a valid argument.

What is MMJ prescribed for?

MMJ treats many chronic and debilitating conditions. 

Although scientific research hasn’t yet concluded that it is a definite cure or the best treatment; preclinical trials and patient stories testify to MMJ use. 

MMJ’s two main cannabinoids (chemicals in MMJ), cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have plenty of therapeutic effects.

CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid (it doesn’t get you high) is especially favored in the medical field. Its medicinal properties include:

  • Improving sleep
  • Reducing spasticity
  • Alleviating anxiety
  • Relieving pain
  • Managing epilepsy

THC conversely, causes the ‘high’. Yet, it also has medicinal benefits such as:

  • Reducing pain
  • Improving appetite
  • Mitigating nausea

These properties of MMJ are useful in the treatment of:

This list only scratches the surface of the many conditions mmj is used for.

MMJ is favored in the treatment and symptom management of these conditions among others, for two reasons. First, its side effects are usually far less severe compared to conventional medication used to treat the same conditions. Second, it has the ability to treat many symptoms at the same time.

Side effects of MMJ

Despite the benefits, MMJ is a mixed bag. And patients should expect some side effects after taking their medication. Some of the most common include:

  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Heightened appetite (The munchies)
  • Paranoia
  • Low blood pressure
  • Hallucinations
  • Potential for addiction
  • Depression
  • Slower reaction times
  • Impaired concentration and memory

How to talk to your doctor about MMJ

Patient speaking to their doctor about medical marijuana

As mentioned earlier, there are some concerns that your doctor may have before prescribing MMJ.

Don’t lose sight of the fact that your mmj doctor’s main goal is to ensure that you benefit from your mmj treatment. So, they may channel some of their concerns in the form of questions directed at you. 

Let’s have a look at some of the questions you should expect from your mmj doctor. Also, we will look at potential responses and the reasons behind them. 

Questions your mmj doctor may ask during your MMJ evaluation

Question 1: Why do you think MMJ treatment is right for you? 

How to answer: You could mention that your current medication is ineffective or that you’re experiencing adverse side effects from your current medicine.

Explanation: Because of the open-ended nature of this question, honesty in your response is all you need. Even saying that you read an article on the benefits of MMJ for your specific condition could be reason enough to seek it out as a treatment.

Question 2: Are you aware of the risks involved with MMJ use?

Answer: Yes, I’m aware. OR  No, please explain the risks to me. 

Explanation: MMJ like any other drug does have its downsides and risks. So, it’s important to show your MMJ doctor that you are aware of them. This will likely send the message that you have a genuine need and will be a responsible user.

Question 3: Do you have a history of abusing mj or any other psychoactive or addictive drug?

Answer: No.

Explanation: Continuous use of mj could lead to addiction. And no responsible doctor would recommend MMJ if it was likely that you would become easily dependent.

Question 4: For how long do you intend to use MMJ?

Answer: For how long would you recommend it?

Explanation: The duration of MMJ treatment largely depends on the condition being treated. Since most conditions that qualify for MMJ are chronic, long-term treatment is the way to go. Yet, in some instances, such as surgery, MMJ will be prescribed for the period when the patient is experiencing debilitating symptoms. 

As expected, there may be other questions that your MMJ doctor might ask. Even so, we recommend being honest about your condition and what you hope to achieve from your treatment.

Where to get a MMJ prescription

Patients interested in getting their MMJ prescription can either get it online through telemedicine or by visiting a MMJ doctor near them.

Online: Through telemedicine

If you’re looking to get a MMJ card near you, regardless of where you live then a telemedicine appointment is your best option.

Goodbye to the nerve-wracking trip to the doctor’s office and long wait times!

Now all you need is a phone, tablet, or laptop with a stable internet connection for your online MMJ evaluation.

QuickMedCards is a great fit for this new age of medicine where the booking and consultation process is a breeze. Patients that choose us can enjoy the freedom of scheduling a time that suits them best. Also, true to our name, our MMJ recommendations are issued quickly in just a few minutes after the evaluation.

Locally: At a MMJ doctor near you 

Some states require that patients visit their MMJ doctor in person, at least for their first visit. Then, all other visits can be handled through telemedicine afterward.

In-person visits for QuickMedCards patients still feature compassion, quick service, and professionalism. 

Our Arizona MMJ doctors are conveniently located in Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale. For our patients from the ‘Land of Enchantment’ seeking New Mexico MMJ doctors, we currently only serve Albuquerque. Finally, patients in Hawaii can visit us in Honolulu to get their 329 cards.

Consequences of getting a medical card

Being a MMJ cardholder has its pros and cons.

Benefits of having a medical card

Cheaper mj

MMJ is cheaper compared to recreational mj in states where both have been legalized.

Largely because taxes on mmj are significantly reduced whereas recreational mmj is heavily taxed. As a result, recreational users end up spending a lot more on the same amount of mj that cardholders pay pennies for.

As an example, you may have heard of the recent MMJ legalization in New York. For all the fanfare, recreational mj in NY will be subject to 9% sales tax plus an additional 4% county and local tax. And that’s not all, there will also be extra tax depending on the level of THC. Estimates put the tax around 20% to 21%.

Now compare that with the 7% excise tax imposed on MMJ in NY.

It’s crystal clear that MMJ patients stand to save more than their recreational peers.

Immediate access to mmj

Cardholders have immediate access to MMJ dispensaries when they receive their med card.

Conversely, recreational users have to be long-suffering and wait for state policymakers to give the green light for dispensaries to sell recreational MJ. 

Like New York, New Jersey also legalized recreational MMJ, but it may take months until residents can actually buy MMJ from a dispensary. Meanwhile, MMJ patients in NJ have access to mmj from all dispensaries in New Jersey.

Lower age restrictions for buying and using MMJ

The majority of recreational states have the minimum age for recreational pot set at 21. 

But for MMJ, even minors under 18 may qualify for MMJ treatment if they meet the requirements by the various state MMP programs.

Access to medical-only MMJ dispensaries

With your MMJ card, you don’t have to worry about the long queues formed near recreational dispensaries. In addition, during lockdown medical dispensaries are considered essential and therefore still able to stay open. 

Access to more potent strains of MMJ

As a mmj patient, you have access to stronger doses of MMJ than what’s allowed for recreational use. 

But, it’s important to follow your mmj doctors’ instructions since an extremely potent strain might lead to a not-so-relieving experience.

Stronger legal protection

Besides avoiding prosecution or arrest by law enforcement when found in possession of MMJ, you may also have protection from discrimination in the workplace, school, or rental residence. But, to enjoy these protections you must follow your state’s MMP rules.

You can use your medical card in another state

This is known as reciprocity and only a handful of states allow it.

Some states choose not to recognize out-of-state medical cards and few have too many restrictions for visiting patients to enjoy their programs.

Nonetheless, other medical states have robust reciprocity programs, and visiting patients get to enjoy the privileges of their MMJ programs (MMPs).

Higher buying, possession, and cultivation limits

In most medical states where recreational MMJ is legal, medical users enjoy the benefit of higher possession and purchasing limits; and in some cases, the convenience of growing their own plants.

Disadvantages of having a medical card

Having a MMJ card isn’t all roses, and you might find yourself at a disadvantage in certain situations. For example:

You can’t lawfully own a firearm: Owing to MJ’s status as a Schedule I controlled substance, MMJ patients cannot own or buy firearms since they are users of a controlled substance. 

With the exception of Pennsylvania, PA MMJ patients can own and buy guns thanks to state laws.

You can’t hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL): Due to the safety-sensitive nature of this occupation and mj’s effect on response time and coordination, mmj patients cannot hold a CDL.

MMJ is not covered by your health insurance: Unfortunately, because mmj is classified as a controlled substance and not a prescription drug, the cost of buying mmj will not be covered by Medicaid or your health insurance. 

Paying the annual renewal fees: MMJ cardholders pay to renew their med cards either annually or bi-annually depending on the state they come from.

Also, patients must get a new mj prescription (MMJ certification) when renewing their med cards.

So, for a fresh mmj prescription, QuickMedCards is the fastest solution to renew your MMJ card without any hassle.

Do you qualify for a MMJ prescription in your state?

Currently, 35 U.S states have legalized MMJ up to this point. And, all these states have established their respective MMJ programs (MMPs) to govern the use of mmj.

Click on your home state below to familiarize yourself with the qualifying conditions and other requirements that apply for you:

Documents to have ready when getting your MMJ prescription

The following documents are essential when getting a mmj prescription from one of our doctors:

  1. Proof of Identity: government-issued I.D, driver’s license, or U.S. passport
  2. Proof of residency: government-issued I.D showing address, a utility bill, lease agreement, or any other valid document showing your name and address.
  3. Medical records (optional): They include, medical progress notes, results from diagnostics (laboratory or x-ray results), medical history and examination, or prescriptions.

Where to get medical MJ

By now you’ll have learned that mmj cannot be prescribed like other conventional medicine. So how do patients get their medical mj? 

MMJ is only sold at state-mandated dispensaries and not pharmacies.

So what’s the difference between a mmj dispensary and an ordinary pharmacy? 

Pharmacies only fill prescriptions, not recommendations. Therefore, pharmacies cannot provide medicinal mj because it is not a prescription drug.

Dispensaries are different from ordinary pharmacies in that they sell mj and mj paraphernalia exclusively, whereas ordinary pharmacies stock a myriad of different drugs.

You can only enter a mmj dispensary if you have a valid MMJ card and your identification documents (for example state ID). Very much unlike the experience in an ordinary pharmacy.

Forms of MMJ

The first thing that comes to mind with the mention of mmj, is the bud or flower and how it could be rolled up and smoked. But that is just one form of mmj.

Other forms of MMJ sold in mj dispensaries include:

Oils, extracts, and concentrates: This form of MMJ is refined and usually vaporized. An example is full extract oil which takes a few minutes for the effects to kick in.

Tinctures: A weed-infused liquid dropped under the tongue. It’s the best form of mmj to determine the exact dosage. A popular example is the green dragon tincture.

Edibles: MMJ edibles come in many forms such as mmj chocolates, gummies, candies, and cookies.

Topicals: Used to treat localized pain and are applied to the affected area. Usually comes in the form of gels, lotions, and creams.

Transdermal patches: This form of MMJ is stuck to the skin and slowly releases cannabinoids into the bloodstream. Similar to a nicotine patch.

Pills and capsules: These are digested and it takes a while to notice the effects, however, once you do the effects last longer than other forms of administering mmj.

All these options are bound to overwhelm first-time patients. But a good MMJ doctor will provide you with a ‘MMJ prescription’ to help you identify the best strain and form of MMJ to meet your medicinal needs. Including the specific dose, when, and how often you should take it. Our caring doctors are here to help you. 

Cannabis gummies, a form of medical marijuana

Key Takeaways

  • MMJ is not prescribed but recommended.
  • MMJ isn’t a prescription drug and is only available in MMJ dispensaries, not ordinary pharmacies.
  • MMJ doctors are qualified medical professionals specialized in using MMJ to treat debilitating illnesses.
  • You can get a medical card without medical records if you are genuine about your needs with your MMJ doctor.
  • You can get your MMJ prescription (MMJ certification) online through telemedicine.
  • A state-issued MMJ card gives you access to medical mj in your state plus extra legal protection.
  • For all its benefits, MMJ does have side effects.