4 Tips For Passing Your Medical Marijuana Evaluation

Through the years, marijuana has been a controversial treatment alternative for several medical conditions. Although some are still skeptical about its health benefits, many states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. However, despite the widespread legalization, legally obtaining medical marijuana remains a challenge for many consumers.  

Typically, you can only get cannabis once you’ve secured a medical marijuana ID card. It refers to a document authorizing you to buy, use, and sometimes even cultivate marijuana for medical reasons.

However, when you apply for the card, you need to pass the evaluation process first. Your failure to do so can hinder you from getting the card and enjoying its benefits.

Keep reading this article to learn more about a medical marijuana evaluation and the four tips for passing it.  

What Is A Medical Marijuana Evaluation?

A medical marijuana evaluation refers to an interview or consultation that patients need to undergo with a licensed healthcare practitioner to determine if they're eligible to get a medical marijuana card (MMC). Regardless of where the patient comes from, they need to be evaluated by a doctor as part of the procedures required for MMC applications.  

During the evaluation, the doctor will check the patient's medical history and ask a few questions to assess whether you should be given a card or otherwise. Also, you may need to submit some pieces of evidence to show that you have any of the qualifying conditions which are considered valid reasons for obtaining MMC. These include: 

• Alzheimer's disease 
• Cancer 
• Crohn's disease 
• Glaucoma 
• Hepatitis C 
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Severe pain 
• Seizures 
• Terminal illnesses  

How Can You Pass Your Medical Marijuana Evaluation?

Now that you're familiar with what a medical marijuana evaluation is, the next step is to learn how to pass it with flying colors. However, like other medical evaluations, the ones for medical marijuana can also be a bit daunting.  

To help you, below are some tips for passing the evaluation process.

Look For The Right Doctor

Typically, finding the right doctor plays a crucial role in the success of your evaluation. That's because the health practitioner has complete control and power in deciding whether you pass the assessment or not. They can fail you outright and deprive you of the opportunity to access medical cannabis.  

Because of this, it's best to have a form of control over your evaluation. This means working with an experienced and trustworthy physician from organizations like Sanctuary Wellness Institute to have better chances of approval and obtaining an MMC. To help find a suitable doctor, you can conduct a background check or read reviews from others who have already undergone the assessment with your prospective doctor.  

However, it's essential to keep in mind that there are also scammers who will defraud you about getting your MMC. Some of them would promise you approval but send you a fake card. They may also claim they can provide medical marijuana prescriptions, even if it's not true at all.

Moreover, some legitimate professionals and companies wouldn't approve your evaluation but steal your money afterward. Given these scenarios, remember to be extra careful when looking for the right licensed medical marijuana doctor.  

Be In Your Best Condition

If you want to increase your chances of passing the evaluation, you need to treat the process like a job interview instead of a simple doctor's appointment. As such, you must be in your best condition when you face the doctor. Although providing the card can help the healthcare professional earn some money, it can also put their license and freedom at risk if they qualify someone undeserving for medical marijuana use.  

Be Open And Honest About Your Medical Condition And Treatments

As mentioned, you need to have a qualifying medical condition before obtaining an MMC. So, if you're looking to improve your odds of getting approved for medical marijuana treatment, it's essential to be open and honest about your medical condition. Don't be afraid to tell them about your illness, the signs and symptoms you deal with, and the treatments you've tried. 

For instance, if you’re suffering from insomnia, they are more likely to ask if you use various treatments, such as sleeping pills. If you’re already undergoing prescribed treatments but they don’t work as intended, there’s a likelihood they’ll approve your evaluation. Thus, it’s vital to note that the more information you share about your medical condition, the more it'll give them a better insight if medical cannabis may be helpful for you.

Ask Questions

It’s quite common for most users to want to get medical marijuana for recreational purposes. This can be characterized by their lack of interest in what the doctor says during the evaluation. Hence, if you don't want the doctor to doubt your purpose in applying for a medical cannabis card, it's crucial to ask questions about the subject matter.

When they see that you're knowledgeable enough about the medical use of cannabis, especially its potential health benefits and other medical implications applicable to your case, the doctor will likely pass your evaluation and give you the card you need.

Once they declare you as eligible for medical marijuana, they’ll create a treatment plan for your health condition. They’ll also explain the possible side effects of cannabis, which is why you need to pay attention to what they say. 

Lastly, there are instances where the doctor may require a follow-up visit. In such a case, it’s essential to show up from time to time to avoid the possibility of getting your card revoked by the doctor.  

Bottom Line

Medical marijuana may help patients manage their health issues. But even if it can be legal at the state level, it's categorized as an illegal substance at the federal level. Therefore, if you need medical cannabis for your medical issues, keep the tips mentioned above in mind to help you pass the evaluation process and get the card you need.