With its proximity to Los Angeles, residents in Long Beach, Calif., have always been able to count on high-quality healthcare. However, if traditional medicines have failed to treat your debilitating condition, you may be a perfect candidate for the California Medical Marijuana Program.
Even though cannabis use has been legalized for everyone, MMP patients are the only residents with dispensary access until 2018. They also can get tax breaks on marijuana products once the recreational program is in full swing.
If you feel medical marijuana would improve your quality of life, it’s time to figure out if you qualify for the program. There’s a list of debilitating conditions that have been approved as eligible for the MMP. These include:
The first thing you’ll need to apply for a Medical Marijuana Identification Card is a doctor’s recommendation. This can be obtained by making an appointment with a local physician. At your consultation, expect the following:
If you qualify, the doctor will give you a letter of recommendation — one copy to use with your application and another for your medical records.
Once you have your medical recommendation in hand, you can head down to your county’s program office to apply in person. Be sure to sign a medical release at your physician appointment so that the California Department of Public Health can process your application.
Besides your letter of recommendation, you’ll need to bring:
As they process your application, they’ll also need to take your picture for your Medical Marijuana Identification Card.
The doctor who provides you with the recommendation must:
For help finding a physician, look no further than MarijuanaDoctors.com. Every medical practitioner in our database meets all the state’s criteria and has a full understanding of medical marijuana patients’ needs.
You can also make your appointment using the telehealth portal. This convenient service allows patients to meet doctors using online video chats — that means no more doctor’s office visits or long waits.