NEW MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS

The first step in the process of obtaining a cannabis card is to make sure that the patient has Virginia Department of Health Professions has filed an initial application here https://www.license.dhp.virginia.gov/apply/ and has a medical diagnosis that qualifies for medical cannabis.  

In the state of Virginia, here are the qualifying conditions to become a medical cannabis patient:

• Any condition that is severe, for which other medical treatments have been ineffective, and if the symptoms “reasonably can be expected to be relieved” by the medical use of Cannabis.

If the patient has applicable medical conditions, then they should obtain copies of medical records that state their medical condition, as well as an evaluation from one of their doctors. It is strongly recommended that the patients see their primary care doctor or specialist if they feel they have a medical condition but do not have any documentation to prove their condition.  A brief letter from their primary care doctor would suffice if it states the medical condition, the approximate duration of the condition, failed treatments and any imaging results if relative. 

While we do not need the patient's complete medical file, we would like to understand any medical history. However, if it is unrelated to the symptoms that require medical marijuana treatment, it is not necessary to obtain paperwork. We would also like copies of any related imaging (mainly for patients with chronic pain). The patient needs to bring copies to our office by hand or mail or email.