Q: What conditions can a doctor write a recommendation for?

A: There are specific health conditions mentioned in Proposition 215, The Compassionate Use Act of 1996, HS 11362.5. “Qualified patients” may have any serious illness, including but not limited to: cancer, HIV/AIDS, menstrual disorders, mental illness, chronic pain of any kind, eating disorders, or any condition for which the doctor and patient agree the marijuana is beneficial.

Q: I live very far away. Can I do a phone consultation?

A: No. The doctor cannot make give a medical evaluation over the phone. You must come in person to our office for a consultation, an exam, and a written history.

Q: How long should I expect to be at my appointment?

A: We generally suggest patients set aside an hour of their time for an appointment.

Q: Do you accept insurance?

A: No. At this time we are not accepting insurance.

Q: What do I need to bring to my appointment?

A: Please bring: medical records stating your diagnosis, any medications that you are taking, your valid CA identification, and the fee for the office visit. Please also refer to our About Appointments section for a more detailed description.

Q: How long will the recommendation be valid for?

A: According to the Medical Board of California, a doctor must do a periodic review with the patient. Our office requires an annual consultation. Therefore, the doctor does not issue recommendations for more than one year. Upon the expiration of your recommendation, you must return for a
re-examination, as well as any follow-up visits the doctor may suggest.

Q: Where do I get my card?

A: Once obtaining a recommendation, you may enroll in a voluntary I.D. card program. This is not a requirement, though most dispensaries will not allow you to enter if you do not have a card. There are two places to get a card from. The state I.D. program issues cards through the county. This means you must be a resident of that county in order to get a card. Please refer to our “state I.D. card” section for information pertaining to your county.

If you do not want to get a state I.D. card or your county has not yet set up its program, you may obtain a card from the Oakland Cannabis Buyers’ Co-op. The OCBC issues a card for patients as long as you are a California resident. IT IS NOT A STATE I.D. CARD.

Q: What is the difference between a recommendation and a card?

A: A recommendation is the piece of paper you receive if the doctor approves you for cannabis use. The card is issued when a third party has verified the validity of your recommendation. While the card may be more convenient to carry with you, it is the recommendation that is the legal document, and therefore, not a bad idea if you decide to carry a copy of it in your wallet as well.

Q: How do I assign a caregiver?

A: The state allows you to have one caregiver. The forms are available where you get your card. OCBC allows up to three caregivers, with two preferably living in the same county as you. OCBC requires the doctor to sign off on the caregiver form, so if this is something you are interested in, please let us know at the time of your visit.

Q: Where can I get my medication?

A: Our office cannot directly tell you where to obtain medication. You may want to refer to the California NORML site for more information.

www.canorml.org

Q: Do you offer any other types of services?

A: We include alternative and complementary medicine in our practice, such as mental and physical wellness counseling, referrals, when appropriate, to other alternative treatment specialists such as a chiropractor or acupuncturist; we provide information on exercise, nutrition, herbs, essential oils, assistance with finding a primary care physician or therapist, and many other resources and information. Our offices are made of skilled physicians and compassionate office staff who are interested in your health and well-being and are willing to assist you in a variety of way.