Recommending Cannabis in Oregon

Medical professionals recommending cannabis must be a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO) licensed to practice in without any disqualifying restrictions. Naturopaths, chiropractors and nurse practitioners cannot write recommendations. Recommending physicians must provide primary health care or medical specialty care as defined by the American Board of Medical Specialties or serve as a consultant who has been asked to examine and treat the patient by a primary care physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. In order to issue a written certification for the medical use of marijuana, a physician is required to:

• Review a patient’s medical records
• Conduct a thorough physical examination of the patient
• Provide a plan for follow-up care
• Document the above in the patient’s medical record

Qualifying conditions include: Cancer, Glaucoma, Alzheimer’s Disease, HIV/AIDS or any other medical condition producing symptoms such as cachexia, severe pain or nausea, seizures and persistent muscle spasms including but not limited to those caused by Multiple Sclerosis, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or any other condition approved by the Oregon Health Authority.

Physician certification forms can be downloaded at:

http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/ChronicDisease/MedicalMarijuanaProgram/Documents/aps.pdf

Oregon Medical Marijuana Program Handbook:
http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/ChronicDisease/MedicalMarijuanaProgram/Documents/ommpHandbook.pdf

More Information from Oregon Health Authority:

http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/ChronicDisease/MedicalMarijuanaProgram/Pages/index.aspx