Medical cannabis refers to the use of the cannabis plant as a doctor-approved herbal treatment. Medical cannabis should be produced from plants cultivated under controlled conditions and should be meticulously inspected to ensure that it is clean and safe for medical consumption. Some of the many uses for medical cannabis include treatment of pain, nausea, lack of appetite, sleeping disorders, autoimmune diseases (MS), glaucoma, and helping to reduce stress.
How does medical cannabis work?
The active components of cannabis (termed cannabinoids) mimic the effects of chemicals (endocannabinoids) that naturally occur in the human brain and body. These chemicals act as ‘signals’ or ‘messengers’ that help control how the body functions. So, the use of cannabinoids to mimic these chemicals may affect different symptoms and how the patient experiences them.
Is medical cannabis legal?
Yes! On November 5, 1996, the people of California passed Proposition 215 legalizing medical cannabis. Through this Initiative Measure, Section 11362.5 was added to the Health & Safety Code. It is also known as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. The Act includes, in part:
“(A) To ensure that seriously ill Californians have the right to obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes where the medical use is deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician who has determined that the person’s health would benefit from the use of marijuana in the treatment of cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief; and
(B) To ensure that patients and their primary caregivers who obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes upon the recommendation of a physician are not subject to criminal prosecution or sanction.”
In addition, Health & Safety Code section 11362.5(c) provides strong protection for physicians who choose to participate in the implementation of the Act. “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no physician in this state shall be punished, or denied any right or privilege, for having recommended marijuana to a patient for medical purposes.”
What are some of the most common uses for medical cannabis?
One of the main uses of medical cannabis is treatment of pain (including aches and pains from sports injuries, surgery recovery, etc.) Cannabis is much safer with fewer negative side effects than many opiates (vicodin, oxycontin, etc) often prescribed for pain. Other conditions cannabis can help include nausea, lack of appetite, sleeping disorders, autoimmune diseases (MS), glaucoma, anxiety, headaches, and helping to reduce stress.
How do i get a doctor's recommendation?
There are many doctors that specialize in seeing patients and giving out medical cannabis recommendations. Prices range from between $40 - $150 for your first evaluation. This usually involves sitting down with a doctor at an office, though there are home visits and virtual visits via video conference options available.
Home Visits: Have your doctor's appointment in the comfort of your own home using this LINK. Only $39!
How does the process work?
In this evaluation the doctor discusses your ailment(s) with you and why you are pursuing treatment using cannabis. They discuss the pros and cons to using cannabis to treat your ailment(s) and evaluate whether you really do need a medical cannabis recommendation. As long as you have valid medical conditions that could benefit from the use of medical cannabis you will most likely be positively evaluated for medical cannabis card. If the evaluation goes well, you will leave the doctor with a paper certificate which enables you to purchase cannabis at any dispensary. Your evaluation is good for one year. When that expiration date approaches, you will need to make another appointment to renew your recommendation for another year. Renewal appointments work in the exact same way as initial appointments, usually for slightly less cost. That's it. It's simple, safe, and straight-forward. You don't need to break the law; get your recommendation and use cannabis legally.
Will getting my recommendation put my name in any governmental database?
No, only you and the doctor you meet with knows about your medical cannabis recommendation. It is not shared with any authorities. It is protected under medical privacy information laws.
where do i get cannabis?
After you get your medical recommendation, you should sign up with Indigo, a great worker owned delivery service dispensary located in the SF bay area. They have great products and convenient scheduled deliveries. Indigo also values your privacy and complies with HIPAA medical privacy laws and will never sell or exchange your info with anyone. If you want your cannabis use to be a secret, it will be between you, your doctor, and your Indigo ambassador.
If you prefer a store experience, there are also physical storefront dispensary locations such as Blum and Harborside.