Intro:
Recent studies on cannabis and its undisputed positive results have certainly led to a series of historic events. The previously strict position on anything cannabis-related has shifted, especially in America.
Most states have embraced marijuana to a point, with 37 states regulating medical marijuana programs for qualified individuals.
With the cannabis tides shifting, many Americans are educating themselves on the health benefits of marijuana and looking to get on board. But there’s still a problem when it comes to finding a certified medical marijuana doctor and getting approved for marijuana prescriptions.
It’s true that many states are still in the process of ironing out their cannabis programs and establishing effective regulations. That alone makes things less clear-cut, but there are more reasons why it’s difficult to find marijuana doctors.
Why You Can’t Find MJ Doctors Near You
If you’ve been Googling marijuana doctors near you and coming up short, that’s because there are reasons that affect that search. Here are some:
State Laws
It’s worth remembering that cannabis is still illegal on the national level. The legalizations and regulations are state initiatives, which means different ways of doing things.
If your state has not adopted a medical cannabis program, there’s no way you can legally obtain the drug, and certainly, no doctor in your state will want to discuss it. Your first step should be to look more into your local cannabis laws.
Qualifying Conditions
After the states passed compassionate medical cannabis reforms, they made the drug only available to people suffering from certain conditions. The conditions that qualify for marijuana treatment vary by state, which means you should find out whether you are eligible before you go hunting for a certified physician.
Number of Certified Doctors
One of the challenges you’ll come across when looking for a medical marijuana doctor is the lack of them. Your state may have few registered doctors, to begin with.
States generally require doctors to sign up with their marijuana program before approving patients for treatment. If few doctors get certified, which is the case in Maryland, patients in that state will struggle, and many will likely never get approved for marijuana treatment.
Easy Ways to Find a Medical Marijuana Doctor
Despite the challenges, it’s not all that hard to find a medical marijuana doctor if you know where to look. Here are three simple avenues that’ll get you before a certified doctor in no time:
1. Medical Marijuana Directories
Medical marijuana directories managed to ease the process of getting approved for a marijuana card. Sure, navigating state programs can be difficult, but only if you do things on your own.
With a reliable and fully functional directory like the one at Marijuana Doctors, you get to skip many tedious steps like looking for a certified physician. These directories are usually set up to guide and provide you with everything in one place.
Once you land on a medical marijuana directory, the system guides you through selecting your home state and filling out an appointment form on the website. Directories have a lot of resources. They’ll find and book for you an appointment with a local marijuana doctor for evaluation.
2. Talk to Your Doctor
It’s advisable to always discuss decisions about your health with your primary care provider. Ask your doctor about marijuana if you’re considering it since they’re more informed about your medical background.
In addition, doctors have connections and a better chance of knowing which of their colleagues are registered in the marijuana program. Your doctor may directly refer you to a certified practitioner, even brief them on your condition.
3. Ask in Your Circles
You may not have an idea how to find a medical marijuana doctor, but it doesn’t mean the people in your circle don’t. Leverage the connections you have.
Pass word around, and who knows, someone may have the information you’re looking for. Asking friends can be pretty fast and effective if some already use marijuana products.
Final Thoughts
Many have trouble finding medical marijuana doctors near them. Perhaps you’re not familiar with how things work in your state, or the local laws are unclear.
Whichever the case, don’t do a blind search. Learn what your state laws say and start with directories before trying any other avenue.
