In 2004, a medical marijuana case was decided in federal court that read in part:
“An integral component of the practice of medicine is the communication between a doctor and a patient. Physician’s must be able to speak frankly and openly to patients.”
As a result of this decision, physicians can safely discuss cannabis with their patients and certify patients for its use. They cannot, however, prescribe it, as marijuana is still seen as a schedule 1 controlled substance in the eyes of the federal government.
That’s why 29 states, including Arizona, have carefully worded their medical marijuana laws to allow doctors to qualify and “certify” their patients to be able to use marijuana to relieve certain medical symptoms. The patient must acquire a permit from the state to legally purchase and use it. This permit is the all too familiar “medical marijuana card” that you must present to purchase cannabis legally. You absolutely cannot enter an medical marijuana dispensary in Sun City, Arizona or anywhere in the state without a medical marijuana card.
Who Can and Cannot Certify a Patient?
Certifications for medical marijuana may only be done by a medical doctor (MD) osteopathic doctor (DO) or naturopathic doctor (ND / NMD) by qualifying a patient and filling out the appropriate Medical Marijuana Physician Certification.
The current law does not permit nurse practitioners (NP), physicians assistants (PA) chiropractors (DC) or any other health provider who is not an MD, DO or ND/NMD to certify patients for use of medical marijuana.
Now, just because any doctor can recommend you for your medical marijuana card, doesn’t mean they are required to. Even if you’re one hundred percent convinced that cannabis is useful in alleviating the symptoms of your qualifying medical condition your doctor can exercise their right to refuse to certify you. There are many reasons a medical professional might decline your certification. Some doctors refuse to certify patients with qualifying conditions, fear the hassle of the process (they truly don’t realize how easy it is,) or simply don’t have enough information or familiarity with medical marijuana as a therapeutic.
My Primary Doctor Won’t Certify Me. Do I Have to Find a New Doctor?
No! If you like your doctor, you don’t need to discontinue being their patient to find one who is more pro-cannabis. There are many doctors in Arizona who support the medical effectiveness of cannabis, who will be happy to recommend its use to qualified patients. All Greens clinic is staffed by some of those doctors! You can continue your relationship with all of your doctors (including your primary physician) after an All Greens doctor evaluates you, reviews your medical history, and confirms your diagnosis for an eligible condition.
How Can All Greens Help Me Get My Medical Marijuana Card?
Studies are being conducted (Lautenberg Center et al.) that seek to prove there is an “entourage effect” that makes the sum of cannabis’ parts more effective than each compound. These studies highlight the power of CBD to regulate/moderate the effects of THC, reducing the “paranoia” and panic experienced by some MMJ patients when they consume too much THC. Varying levels of CBD have been shown to modify the psychoactive effects of THC, allowing patients to control how much euphoria they wish to experience without losing any of the medical applications of THC.
We take all of the confusion and red tape out of getting your medical marijuana card in the Phoenix area. In a single visit, we can:
- Evaluate your medical records
- Assess you for certification in our office
- Assist you in filling out all necessary paperwork
- Submit full application to the state
- Provide continuing support after you are certified
All you need to do is wait for your medical card to come in the mail. How can getting medical marijuana in Arizona be any easier? Simply contact us to make an appointment, and you’ll have access to medical cannabis in no time.
To expedite your visit, have copies of your medical records for the last 12 months available. If you are unable to get these records, call us at 623-214-9212, and we can discuss other options.
