Q. Will my medical visit and records be private and confidential?
A. Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. All patient records and discussions are kept in the strictest confidentiality.
Q. Who does the medical evaluation?
A. All of our evaluations are conducted by a California-licensed MD.
Q. How old must I be to be evaluated at your office fort medical marijuana?
A. It is our policy to only evaluate patients for medical marijuana who are at least 18 years or older.
Q. I know that I have a qualifying medical condition but I do not have any documentation to prove my condition. Can I A still obtain a physician's recommendation?
A. If you have a valid medical condition, but you do not have your documentation readily available, you may come in for the evaluation and if you qualify receive a temporary recommendation, which will be usually be valid for a period of three months. This recommendation will allow you to immediately become a legal medical marijuana patient. You must provide us with your supporting documentation in order to be upgraded to a full one-year recommendation. There is no additional charge for this upgrade.
Q. Do you accept medical insurance?
A. No. However, upon request, we will provide you with a receipt that you may submit to your insurance company so that you may obtain reimbursement.
Q. How long will it take for me to receive a physician's recommendation and how will I get it?
A. You will personally receive a recommendation at the end of your evaluation by the physician.
Q. Do I have to tell my doctor that I have a physician's recommendation for medical marijuana? Does my doctor need to approve of this?
A. Our intention is not to replace your primary care provider, but to maintain the integrity of care necessary for our patients. It is important to discuss with your medical provider about the pros and cons of medical marijuana. We recommend that you do inform your provider about this, so that he or she, in addition to us, will be involved in monitoring your progress with this treatment. Your provider may need this information in order to adapt his or her management of your medical condition. It is important for all of your providers to have all information that is pertinent to your condition, so that you receive the best possible care.
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Q. Do you offer a 24-hour phone verification?
A. We offer a 24 hour on line and phone verification.
Q. What happens if I lose my physician's recommendation?
A. We will provide you with a replacement of your original at no charge
Q. Will you provide my personal information to the government, or any other agency?
A. No. Not without your consent
Q. Do I need to carry my physician's recommendation with me at all times?
A. You must carry either your original or a copy of your physician's recommendation with you when ever you have marijuana with you.
Q. Are there any conditions and diseases that would definitely prevent me from being eligible for a physician's recommendation?
A. Yes, for example it is not recommended to use medical marijuana in the presence of severe heart disease.
Q. What will a physician's recommendation do for me?
A. A physician's recommendation will allow you to legally use marijuana for your medical condition within the state of California. The information provided does not replace legal advice given by an attorney. If you have any concerns about personal liability or legal risks, consult an attorney.
Q. What happens if the doctor determines I am not qualified to receive a recommendation?
A. Your fee is for an office visit and evaluation, not a recommendation. However if you do not qualify there is no charge
Q. Once I get my recommendation from a physician what should I do with it?
A. You must keep the original copy of your physician’s letter of recommendation in a safe and secure place. You will need the recommendation to help prove your legal status following an encounter with law enforcement. . You should carry a photocopy of your recommendation whenever you carry your medicinal marijuana. The information provided does not replace legal advice given by an attorney. If you have any concerns about personal liability or legal risks, consult an attorney.
Q. Does the federal government recognize medical marijuana in California?
A. The federal government does not recognize California’ state laws regarding medical cannabis. Cannabis possession, cultivation, and use are illegal under federal law – even for qualified patients. Californians state laws remain fully in force regarding the use of medicinal marijuana. The information provided does not replace legal advice given by an attorney. If you have any concerns about personal liability or legal risks, consult an attorney.
Q. What is the online verification program do you offer?
A. Patients can be verified 24 hours a day, 365 days a year using our online patient verification program. This online verification program will allow law enforcement and co-ops to verify your status. The online verification program is a secure way for patients to be verified.
Q. What happens if my status as a patient needs to be verified after your office closes?
A. We offer online patient verification at any time, 365 days a year. Our online patient verification program allows for secure online patient verifications 24/7. If you choose to get verified by phone our offices are usually open until 8 pm everyday.
Q. Where can I find medical marijuana dispensaries?
A. Due to State and Federal Law we cannot assist you with this.
Q. What is the Voluntary Medical Marijuana Patient Verification Card?
A. The voluntary medical marijuana patient verification card is helpful to serve as photo verification for the patient. The card is small enough to fit in a wallet or pocket. The card helps law enforcement officers to know that the patient is a legal medical marijuana patient under Prop 215. The voluntary medical marijuana patient verification card is not same as the California state medical marijuana card
Q. Can a physician legally recommend marijuana in California?
A. Yes. Physicians are legally allowed to recommend, but not prescribe, medicinal marijuana to qualified patients, as specified under prop.215 and SB 420
Q. Can physicians provide medicinal marijuana for patients?
A. Physicians may legally recommend medicinal marijuana for qualifying patients, but they may not prescribe nor provide it.
Q. Is a California physician's recommendation legal in other states?
A. No. However, certain other states have their own medicinal marijuana laws.
Q. Is a physician's recommendation legal federally?
A. No. Under federal law, possessing medicinal marijuana is a misdemeanor,
Q. What do I get for my fee?
A. You will receive an evaluation by a California licensed physician and at the end of the evaluation, if you qualify you will receive a physician's recommendation which will allow you to use marijuana legally for a medical condition for one year. If you need a follow-up visit, there will be no extra charge during the one-year period of time that you recommendation is current.
Q. When will I receive my physician's recommendation?
A. If you qualify, you will receive a recommendation at the end of your evaluation by the physician.
Q. What happens at the end of the year when my recommendation expires?
A. At the end of the year you will have to renew your recommendation
