Medical marijuana has been legal in Arizona for almost a decade now. After all of this time, you might be curious about the qualifications and process that comes with working in the medical marijuana industry. For someone to legally have access to marijuana in Arizona, they need to see an MMJ doctor and receive a medical marijuana card from that doctor. What is an MMJ doctor and how do you know if the doctor you see is qualified to help you acquire a prescription card? Whether you are an MMJ patient or a physician interested in the benefits of medical marijuana, this information will be useful to you.
Who can be an MMJ Doctor?
Any medical doctor, from a family physician to an oncologist, can become an MMJ doctor. They must maintain an active medical license to practice. Education requirements for MMJ doctors reflect traditional standards of medical school followed by residency. If the doctor is a specialist, additional education and clinical experience would be expected. Certification for medical marijuana treatment is also recommended to be able to offer appropriate treatment to patients and to stay abreast of the frequent changes that go along with this evolving field.
An MMJ doctor can give someone a medical marijuana card if they have at least one of these qualifying conditions:
- Cancer
- Seizures (similar to epilepsy)
- Glaucoma
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Hepatitis C
- Crohn’s disease
- Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
- Cachexia or Wasting syndrome
- Severe and chronic pain
- Nausea
- Muscle spasms (associated with Multiple Sclerosis)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Physicians who work in the growing medical marijuana field understand that these patients may be turning to them when all other traditional avenues have failed.
What does an MMJ Doctor do?
Arizona’s guidelines for prescribing medical marijuana outline the responsibilities of an MMJ doctor. By law, the doctor should receive certification from an MMJ program to fully understand the value of the treatment options as well as the dosage recommendation and any side effects that may result. They should also have additional training for addiction treatment and understand the legal implications of any treatment they do prescribe.
An MMJ doctor reviews patient medical histories, performs examinations, and may even consult with other specialists before creating a written treatment plan. Patients who qualify for a medical marijuana card should expect follow-up care and monitoring to see how they respond to treatment and if they should continue or follow a different course.
An MMJ doctor can expect to examine a variety of patients including veterans; people of all social classes; those with chronic, progressive, or terminal conditions; and those who only need medical marijuana for a short recovery period. These doctors do develop relationships with their patients so they understand each patient’s needs and how to help.
Visit All Greens Dispensary
Not every doctor is comfortable with prescribing medical marijuana, and as a patient, you should find a doctor who is reputable and knowledgeable about the benefits, risks, and side effects of any of these treatment options. If you find yourself typing “MMJ doctors near me” into your browser, contact All Greens Clinic today. We can assist you with the process of being certified and obtaining a medical marijuana card as well as information about strains and dosages of medical cannabis.
