A medical marijuana evaluation isn’t like a school exam. You can’t study for it, but you still have to pass it to get your MMJ card.
Every state has its own requirements for a patient to be eligible for a medical marijuana program. One part is registering with the state’s official program and paying the fee for the card. The other part is getting an exam from a licensed MMJ physician. For further orientation, you can GreenHealthDocs, a team of medical professionals committed to helping Utah patients gain access to natural, less-habit-forming medications.
This exam is the evaluation you need to pass. Currently, millions of people have met the criteria to get their MMJ card, and you can, too. It’s not extremely difficult, especially if you have proof of the medical problem you need marijuana to help with.
You don’t want to schedule your appointment, wait weeks for it, and get turned away because you weren’t prepared. Take that time to gather your evidence and get to know what goes on during the visit.
These tips will let you know what to expect and help you prepare for your exam. Read them over and follow them, and you’ll be able to pass your medical marijuana evaluation!
Contents
1. Have Proof of a Qualifying Diagnosis
img source: fiercehealthcare.com
There are ways around this step, but the easiest way to prove you need medical marijuana is to already have a doctor’s diagnosis. If you have to visit your general physician first and bring in his or her office notes, it will make your MMR process go faster.
Keep in mind that most physician’s offices are busy, and the staff is often overworked. To make sure you get your medical records before your appointment, request them a few weeks in advance.
As a general rule in most offices, the patient is entitled to one free copy of their records. That’s not always the case, though. You should expect to pay a small fee for labor and copying charges.
Make Sure Your Diagnosis is Covered
The cost is worth it if it means you’re more likely to get approved for the MMJ card on your first visit.
Your documentation should thoroughly cover the diagnosis you’re talking to the medical marijuana doctor about. Don’t assume it’s in your records; read them and make sure your physician included an MMJ-approved diagnosis.
So which diagnoses are most likely to get approved? The good news is, there’s a host of them!
Because cannabis has both physical and mental benefits, a wide variety of medical conditions will make you eligible. Some of the most commonly approved illnesses include:
- Cancer
- Terminal diseases
- HIV/AIDS
- Severe, chronic pain
- Seizures
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Multiple sclerosis
Every state’s list is different, so check into your area’s requirements and approved conditions before you go.
Some states have a waiting period before you can use your card. In states like Massachusetts, however, all you need is proof of a temporary recommendation while you wait. For more about this and medical marijuana appointments, check out this article by Veriheal.
2. Know What to Expect
img source: siemens-healthineers.com
Planning for your visit can be a little stressful. We’ve been conditioned to hide our cannabis use from society, especially professionals.
Remind yourself that the doctor you’re seeing is specifically talking to people all day who can benefit from marijuana. He or she understands the advantages of the drug and is willing to give it to patients who meet the state’s criteria.
How the Typical MMJ Screening Goes
img source: clearstar.net
It’d be fantastic if we could tell you exactly what the doctor is going to say and how you should respond.
Unfortunately, there’s no script with all the questions and right/wrong answers. But the process for a medical marijuana screening is similar everywhere.
First, you’ll have to fill out initial visit paperwork, either online or in-person. These forms will be reviewed by the physician, who will then decide if you need further testing before you can get your card.
You’ll have to answer questions about your daily lifestyle, habit choices, and current medications or treatments. Include everything you’ve done on your own to try naturally improving your life, and all the physician-prescribed methods, too.
The more you can prove you’ve tried to fix your problem, the better your chances are of getting approved for an MMJ card. Medical marijuana is supposed to be close to a “last resort” type of treatment, not something you jump into as a fix-all.
The doctor will expect that you’ve tried other meds or therapies before applying for an MMJ card. He or she will have to document what you say about your prior treatments.
If you meet the qualifications, the doctor will talk to you about a treatment plan and any potential side effects of cannabis. You’ll ask any questions and get your treatment outline.
It’s a good idea to be informed about how cannabis can help your condition. Showing that you’re aware of the benefits and risks lets the physician know you’re serious and not looking for MMJ just for the high.
3. Be Open and Relaxed
img source: inc.com
Because of the legal issues of marijuana, a lot of patients walk into their appointment like it’s a covert, top-secret operation. It’s really not something to stress about. In fact, the more relaxed and friendly you are, the better your odds of approval are.
Let the physician know what you’ve learned about medical marijuana from those who take it or by reading and informing yourself. It’s okay to talk about it and ask questions. There probably isn’t too much you can say that they haven’t already heard!
You’ll be asked about the type of medical marijuana you prefer, too. It’s a good idea to educate yourself ahead of time on your options, such as:
- Smoking
- Edibles
- Tinctures
- Oils
- Concentrates
Each product has its own pros and cons. If you have a preference in mind, be prepared to explain why it’s the best one for your condition. Otherwise, you’ll get whatever the doctor thinks will work for you, and you might not be satisfied with it.
Conclusion
There’s no guidebook to study and no multiple choice answers, but you should prepare for your medical marijuana evaluation. These tips will help you know what to do to walk into your exam with confidence!
