The coal state of the United States (Pennsylvania) has legalized medical marijuana in April 2016. In February 2018, medical cannabis became available for the residents of Pennsylvania across the dispensaries. Now people have legal access to marijuana benefits to manage long-term medical conditions. However, the government has permitted the use of weed for specific medical conditions. The PA medical marijuana program says to provide marijuana to patients with serious medical conditions through safe and effective delivery. But still, many people have concerns about how to get medical marijuana in Pennsylvania? Though, it is not a major issue that we cannot resolve as complete information about PMMP could serve the purpose.
Here are five common concerns about Pennsylvania medical marijuana
What is the registration process? Is it in-person or online?
Well, many patients in Pennsylvania have a concern about the registration process for medical marijuana. They don’t even know how to get registered for medical marijuana patient cards? Prior to the Covid pandemic, the State only permitted patients to get registered for medical cannabis through in-person consultation. But, during the early days of pandemics, the State allowed registered doctors to provide online consultation to patients. However, at first, the government only permits the online registration process on a temporary basis. But, now the remote consultations are permanently allowable.
So, if you want to attain benefits under Pennsylvania medical marijuana program, you can register from the home comfort. Though there are some steps that involve in the registration process and they are as follows.
Step-1: You must register through the Pennsylvania medical marijuana registry
Step-2: Consult a certified and practicing physician to get approved for medical marijuana. The physician must approve you with written certification. You must cover one of the succeeding medicinal conditions for endorsement.
Step-3: Pay the officially permitted cost for PA medical marijuana tag
Step-4: Get your medical cannabis dose from a certified PA dispensary.
How to find an approved physician for medical marijuana evaluation?
Well, most new patients living in remote areas face difficulty in finding certified practitioners. The PA state government does not allow every medical professional to render medical marijuana evaluation services. Interested physicians have to register first with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. So, if you do not have an approved physician in your area, it could become troublesome. But, there is no need to worry as you can fetch the list of approved doctors online now. There are many approved web-based services that help patients with finding and consulting doctors. They even aid patients with the registration process for medical marijuana cards.
However, prior to consulting a medical professional for evaluation, you must know about qualifying conditions. It is vital to prevent any inconvenience later, as if you do not have an eligible health ailment, you won’t get approved.
These medical conditions are certified under Pennsylvania medical marijuana program.
- Cancer even if you will treat with the remission therapy
- If you have an autism condition
- Anxiety disorders and panic attacks are applicable.
- Glaucoma that damage the optic nerve
- HIV predictable to come to life end
- Inflammation of the bowels causes sharp pain.
- Severe or unbearable pain in neuropathic origin
- Terminal or end-stage disease
And many more
You should check the list of these eligible diseases before scheduling a consultation with the doctor.
How to get medical marijuana in Pennsylvania with an online registration program?
This is another common concern among Pennsylvanians, but the process is really stress-free. If you have a qualifying condition, you can register through State’s health department medical marijuana registry. During the enrollment process, you need to provide the required documentation. You must provide your name, address, contact number, valid ID proof such as a PA driver’s license. You can also use a State ID issued by the government of Pennsylvania.
After that, you should find a registered physician to schedule an online consultation. However, the consultation fees will not cover by insurance, so you have to pay for it personally. It might cost you 125 dollars and can vary to 199 dollars. During online consultation, the physician will discuss your medical condition. There is no need for physical examination, though. But you have to produce the medical records if the physician wants to check them. The physician will ask about your medicinal history to conclude how you could attain medical marijuana benefits.
How to receive PA medical marijuana card after approval?
After completing the process of medical evaluation with a registered physician, you will get the certification. You should submit it online along with the application form and mandate documents to the PA department of health. Once approves, you can then pay the official fee for the medical marijuana card. For this purpose, you have to log into your medical marijuana registry account. The fee for the card is 50 dollars, and after depositing the fee, you will get it mailed in 7 to 10 days. You can get a fee waiver or refund if you are benefited from Medicaid and WIC programs. After receiving the card, you can visit a nearby dispensary to attain medical marijuana. But, you must not get it more than the permitted quantity at once under PA medical marijuana program.
It is also necessary to obtain a patient certification from a registered practitioner. You can get it from a physician to obtain a new medical marijuana ID card upon expiration. The validity period is 12 months, and you will receive an intimation mail prior to 60 days before its expiry. You can get certification from a physician, and if approved, you will get a new card emailed. The renewal fee is 50 dollars but could reduce up to 25 dollars if you are eligible under the fee reduction benefit.
Who can appoint a caregiver in PA under the medical marijuana program?
In Pennsylvania, if a patient is under 18, he or she must appoint a caregiver. Patients above the age of 18 can appoint caregivers if they have any physical disability to visit the dispensary. Though, it is necessary to appoint at least two caregivers for one patient. A caregiver must be 21 years older and a resident of Pennsylvania. The caregiver must submit proper identification documents and a background check is also necessary. As a patient, you can appoint a caregiver that could be your spouse, parents, and friend.
The Final Verdict
These are some common concerns on how to get medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. However, the post contains much information that could demolish any confusion related to medical marijuana purchases. For detailed information about PA medical marijuana program, log into www.mymarijuanacards.com.
