If you are considering getting California medical marijuana cards – Your first step should be to find prescreened medical marijuana doctors in California.
California medical marijuana cards are regulated by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), which is tasked with managing the medical marijuana program in this state; a path that many other states have followed when implementing their own medical marijuana programs. In order to ensure that the program has minimized abuse and that it’s on the up and up, the CDPH also is the same entity that approves medical marijuana doctors in California for conducting medicinal cannabis evaluations, and also for issuing written and signed recommendations for patients to use cannabis as medicine. If you have ever wondered what to look for in medical marijuana doctors in California, and how to get California medical marijuana cards – the helpful information contained within this article will bring you up to speed.
What to Look for in Medical Marijuana Doctors in California
As with any doctor that you would choose to place your trust in, medical marijuana doctors in California should be no different. There are some things that you want to look for in order to ensure that a physician is reputable, credible and trustworthy. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Medical marijuana doctors in California should be state approved to issue recommendations
- Office should be in a modern and safe location
- Staff should be courteous and friendly
- Doctor should have no outstanding legal issues
- Office should be fully HIPPA compliant
- You should receive a Patient’s Rights pamphlet at the time of your visit
- Your questions about medical marijuana should be answered honestly
- Doctor should be the one to personally sign your recommendation
- Physician should advise you on alternatives to using cannabis, and the risks and dangers associated with using medicinal marijuana
How to Get California Medical Marijuana Cards
Now that you better understand what you should look for with medical marijuana doctors in California, how do you get California medical marijuana cards? The process is not nearly as complex as you might have thought that it was. In fact, it can be outlined in the following simple steps:
- See medical marijuana doctors in California and get your recommendation.
- Submit your application to the CDPH with any other required documents and fees.
- Be issued California medical marijuana cards about 10-12 business days later in the mail.
- Renew your card every 12 months to ensure that it remains valid.