Finding a Doctor

Finding a doctor is the first and most important step in becoming a legal medical marijuana patient. ASA feels the safest and most responsible thing to do is to talk with your current doctor about medical marijuana. However, we understand that many doctors are unfamiliar with the medicine or are afraid of getting in trouble; and that health insurance is a luxury in the United States, so many patients do not have a regular doctor.

Talking with your current doctor

Be forthright with your doctor. There is nothing wrong with using medical marijuana or discussing it with your doctor. A federal court (9th Circuit) has ruled that, under the First Amendment, doctors may not be punished for recommending medical marijuana.

• Ask for a written recommendation. Although an oral one is acceptable, it is difficult to verify. A written recommendation is much more helpful in defending oneself against criminal charges. Here is a sample doctor's recommendation and here is the form used by San Francisco Department of Health Services.
  
• Be prepared to tell your doctor specifically what condition or symptoms you treat with marijuana. Honestly describe the amount of marijuana you use, how often, and by what delivery method.
• When recommending quantities of marijuana for medicinal use, doctors may recommend a certain amount based on your need and experience with what works. If this amount is above the state minimum or local guidelines, doctors do not need to specify an amount; they only need to recommend that a patient requires more than the guideline amount for that jurisdiction to meet their medical need.
• If your doctor will not issue a recommendation, you may want to visit a medical marijuana specialist.

If your doctor is completely unfamiliar with medical marijuana, she will be hesitant to recommend it, so bring documentation to support your argument. Our Condition-based Booklets or other research will be persuasive.

Finding a Doctor If You Don't Already Have One

There are a number of physicians and clinics available for medical marijuana consultations. Before consulting a medical marijuana specialist, patients should already have medical records of diagnosis and treatment or a physician referral. In California, you can find a listing of some specialists at CANORML's website. Be aware that:

• You should take your medical records with you to the appointment.
• It generally costs $200 or more to see a medical marijuana specialist.
• Paying the money does not guarantee that you will get a recommendation

The Law

Here is some legal information about finding a doctor in the states with medical marijuana laws. Every state has different laws, so be sure to be familiar with yours.

• Alaska
• California
• Colorado
• Hawaii
• Maine
• Maryland (Maryland’s medical marijuana law does not state what is considered to be valid written documentation to prove eligibility, or how to find a physician to recommend medical marijuana.)
• Montana
• Nevada
• Oregon
• Vermont
• Washington