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Updated on December 20, 2018. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Joseph Rosado, MD, M.B.A, Chief Medical Officer
A universal trait of all medical marijuana programs is the qualification process. Whether you’re a physician, patient or caregiver to a loved one, it’s essential to understand Estonia’s requirements and procedure for qualifying for medical cannabis.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Estonia
While many countries opt to create a list of qualifying conditions for their medical marijuana program, Estonia’s lawmakers decided to allow patients with any illness to apply to use medical cannabis. For many, this is a positive decision, as it gives everyone the opportunity to use medical weed.
Conditions that often qualify for medical cannabis include:
- Cancer
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
Unlike many counties, Estonia does not exclude minors or patients with previous criminal convictions for marijuana possession, cultivation or distribution.
How to Become a Medical Marijuana Patient in Estonia
Becoming a medical marijuana patient in Estonia is a drawn-out, complicated process, which includes the following steps:
- Meet with your physician, such as the specialist overseeing your condition.
- Discuss medical cannabis as a treatment option.
- Request your doctor to write a request on your behalf to the Ministry of Social Affairs.
- Await the ruling of the Ministry of Social Affairs.
If the Ministry of Social Affairs agrees with your physician’s assessment, they will allow you to access cannabis-based medications, like Marinol. To become approved for medical marijuana, you’ll have to take a few additional steps:
- Ask your physician to submit another written request, but this time to the State Agency of Medicines.
- Wait for the State Agency of Medicines to meet with the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).
- Receive an approval or denial to use medical cannabis.
In most cases, the Ministry of Social Affairs and the State Agency of Medicines will not approve requests if you haven’t already exhausted other treatment options. It’s essential for your physician to note your past treatments, including details on the ineffectiveness of these treatments, in their write-up.
How to Access Medical Marijuana in Estonia
Due to the limited size and constraints of Estonia’s medical cannabis program, accessing your medical marijuana can also be a complicated and extensive process. Estonia imports all its cannabis-based medications and medical cannabis from nearby countries.
Because not many patients apply — and because few receive approval from the government — it can take a while before your medication arrives. Most health insurance companies do not offer coverage for these medicines, either, which can create a financial burden for many patients and their families.
The INCB may also limit your dosage of medical marijuana. Make sure your physician is knowledgeable about medical cannabis beforehand, as they can recommend a suggested dosage when submitting their request on your behalf. This way, you can access the amount of medicine you need to alleviate your symptoms.
How Medical Marijuana Laws in Estonia Protect Patients
Patient protections in Estonia center on the quality of medical marijuana. The Ministry of Social Affairs, State Agency of Medicines and INCB all work to ensure the medicine you receive is safe, high-quality and effective. By importing licensed cannabis-based medications and medical weed from approved distributors, you can trust you’re receiving the best care.
Learn More About Accessing Medical Marijuana in Estonia
At MarijuanaDoctors.com, we focus on helping patients and their families connect with reliable doctors. Our directory of licensed medical cannabis doctors lets you find a physician who’s caring, and our resource library provides you with a wealth of information about medical weed research, legislation, programs and more.
Learn more about accessing medical marijuana in Estonia and elsewhere around the world by visiting our blog!
