Looking to get my med card

[stevegrows]

Hey folks long time cannabis user here in Maine, have been enjoying the tangerine dreams and blue dreams going around lately. Some pretty decent stuff. For the past seven years I've suffered having something described to me as "stress cramps." I've talked to my primary care doctor about it and all he really told me was to try reducing my stress and come back later... It's been a real problem in my life, causing me to miss many days of class because I literally have to curl up in a ball in pain. The first time I smoked marijuana recreationally while having one of these "stress cramps" I realized immediate relief. For a while now I've toyed with the idea of trying to find a doctor and until recently I remained undecided, until a friend of mine got charged for possession. I just don't want to be breaking the law every time I wake up in pain and need relief. I have to admit I know very little on the process of getting referred, and that's why I'm posting here. What exactly is the process? Would my ailment even fall under the permissible health defects? Help me out friends!

 

[tet1953]

Call Dr. Sulak's office in Hallowell or Falmouth. You may be able to get an idea from the initial phone interview if an appointment is likely to result in a certification.
As to rules, regulations or "how it all works", I suggest you first read the law and accompanying rules. Then ask questions about parts that aren't clear.

Most of your questions should be answered with the information available here:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/dlrs/mmm/index.shtml

Good luck.

 

[Maine Brookies]

If your pain condition has six months of documentation in your medical records you should be all set.

 

[stevegrows]

http://mainemedmarijuana.com/doctors-office/

Guess this is a good place to start too, I'll start making the calls! Wish me luck fellow Mainers!

 

[medicalgrowman]

I'm not from your state. But generally speaking, different states have different rules.
Most states require documentation of your medical justification for mmj.
Therefore it's a good idea to have a paper-trail documenting proof of your ailment.
So every-time you goto the Dr. get documentation of His/Her findings
even if they are not conclusive.
Because there's no way to conclusively prove or dis-prove "chronic pain" other than documentation of numerous complaints of pain over time.
So if you keep going back to the Dr. over a period of time complaining of the same ailment
and receiving documentation each time.
That's the main thing most states care about to qualify.
Also they may require that you have no prior felonies etc.
Then some states are even more permissive than that.
As I said, you need to create a "paper trail" to cover your butt.
Even if your state doesn't specifically require it.
That's a good idea just to have all your "I's" and "T's" dotted and crossed
just for your own peace of mind in case some government employee
challenges your legal mmj status in the future.
One more thing you might want to consider.
Even if your state issues you a card, and they allow you to grow say 12 plants.
Keep in mind that if for some reason you were raided by the feds, they usually
automatically assume that each plant is considered equivalent to 1 pound of pot
even if they are just tiny little clones! So even if your state considers you legal and doesn't
charge you in that case, the feds might decide to charge you with cultivation with intent
to distribute or some such nonsense. Which could lead to felony charges and prison time.
So if you choose to cultivate for your own needs, it might be better to grow fewer/larger plants
rather than a "sea of green". I'm sure I don't have to tell you that just because your state
considers you legal, the feds can choose to be jerks and make your life miserable if you
don't keep security a top priority.

 

[stevegrows]

I'm not from your state. But generally speaking, different states have different rules.
Most states require documentation of your medical justification for mmj.
Therefore it's a good idea to have a paper-trail documenting proof of your ailment.
So every-time you goto the Dr. get documentation of His/Her findings
even if they are not conclusive.
Because there's no way to conclusively prove or dis-prove "chronic pain" other than documentation of numerous complaints of pain over time.
So if you keep going back to the Dr. over a period of time complaining of the same ailment
and receiving documentation each time.
That's the main thing most states care about to qualify.
Also they may require that you have no prior felonies etc.
Then some states are even more permissive than that.
As I said, you need to create a "paper trail" to cover your butt.
Even if your state doesn't specifically require it.
That's a good idea just to have all your "I's" and "T's" dotted and crossed
just for your own peace of mind in case some government employee
challenges your legal mmj status in the future.
One more thing you might want to consider.
Even if your state issues you a card, and they allow you to grow say 12 plants.
Keep in mind that if for some reason you were raided by the feds, they usually
automatically assume that each plant is considered equivalent to 1 pound of pot
even if they are just tiny little clones! So even if your state considers you legal and doesn't
charge you in that case, the feds might decide to charge you with cultivation with intent
to distribute or some such nonsense. Which could lead to felony charges and prison time.
So if you choose to cultivate for your own needs, it might be better to grow fewer/larger plants
rather than a "sea of green". I'm sure I don't have to tell you that just because your state
considers you legal, the feds can choose to be jerks and make your life miserable if you
don't keep security a top priority.

My last visit to the doctors was a long time ago to be honest, after not giving me any assistance with it I didn't really care to go back. I suppose I should have visited another doctor but at this time I was already self-medicating. Looks like that was a mistake I suppose.

Bubbles is the fucking man btw

 

[medicalgrowman]

Don't fret over past mistakes.
Just start your new game plan as of now and start that paper-trail!
Yes Bubbles is the man!

 

[stevegrows]

Don't fret over past mistakes.
Just start your new game plan as of now and start that paper-trail!
Yes Bubbles is the man!

I think I'll call my doctor today to get the ball rolling. It's becoming really imperative that I can become legal, as I managed to rack up some charges for other non-related things earlier this year. As my doctor who I've been seeing all my life, I feel as if I should have a conversation with him about it. Problem being - he's one of the more conservative doc's of Maine. Quite a bummer.

 

[budwich]

check Dr. David Phillips out of Scarborough. I have sent at least 10 people to him, none needed med history. Just bring $250 and your good. Sulak is much more professional, but if your looking for someone that doesnt ask questions...check him out

 

[jujubee]

Call Dr. Sulak's office in Hallowell

I think that office has moved to Manchester.

 

[stevegrows]

check Dr. David Phillips out of Scarborough. I have sent at least 10 people to him, none needed med history. Just bring $250 and your good. Sulak is much more professional, but if your looking for someone that doesnt ask questions...check him out

Wow, how very convenient. I will give him a call tomorrow morning! Thanks friend!

 

[NoSwagBag]

check Dr. David Phillips out of Scarborough. I have sent at least 10 people to him, none needed med history. Just bring $250 and your good. Sulak is much more professional, but if your looking for someone that doesnt ask questions...check him out

He just needs to know who your primary care provider is, or a Doctor you have seen recently. Give them a call and they'll walk you through it. The process was much less stressfull than I anticipated. No records needed. Dr. David Phillips helped me!

 

[budwich]

No one even needed that^^. I sent one guy in that hadnt had a Dr. in 10 years. Spent 10 minutes with Phillips and was out. No exam, no nothing. I think you know your all set when you pay before you even see him. This guy is making some serious dough. He is taking 4 patients/hour at $250, 6 hrs a day, 5 days a week. I understand the state gets a huge cut of that, but hes still banking alot of cash

 

[tet1953]

I wasn't aware of that bud. How and how much does the state get from doctors' fees?

 

[budwich]

Not sure man, but I know they get a chunk... If you have a good talking relationship with your Dr. bring it up some time.

 

[NoSwagBag]

No one even needed that^^. I sent one guy in that hadnt had a Dr. in 10 years. Spent 10 minutes with Phillips and was out. No exam, no nothing. I think you know your all set when you pay before you even see him. This guy is making some serious dough. He is taking 4 patients/hour at $250, 6 hrs a day, 5 days a week. I understand the state gets a huge cut of that, but hes still banking alot of cash

I agree. There's $ to be made. Had this same discussion a day ago.
my buddy that got certified a month ago was in the same boat as your friend, no regular doctor. Dr. Phillips told him heneeded to write down a previously seen doctors name. He used a doctor that set a broken bone for him a year ago. I think maybe the state may need a name??? Maybe this is something new? Idk, but he did ask for my primary caregivers
Info too.

 

[tet1953]

Was this doc in a different place in Scarborough a couple years ago, on Rt One?

 

[stevegrows]

I have to admit fellas - the reason for me taking an interest is I'm turning eighteen in ten days and this is my #1 thing on my to do list. I hate being underage, and thank the Good Lord I'll finally be considered an "adult." I just want to make sure that this won't be a problem with Phillips? As long as I'll be 18, have my primary care doc's name and my $250 I should be fine? I want to get legal and STAY legal guys!

 

[budwich]

I have to admit fellas - the reason for me taking an interest is I'm turning eighteen in ten days and this is my #1 thing on my to do list. I hate being underage, and thank the Good Lord I'll finally be considered an "adult." I just want to make sure that this won't be a problem with Phillips? As long as I'll be 18, have my primary care doc's name and my $250 I should be fine? I want to get legal and STAY legal guys!

call them and get a evaluation packet. You filll it out and bring it to the appointment...should be all set.

 

[stevegrows]

You all have been tremendously helpful. I'll drop back in here after my visit and let you all know how it goes! Thank you everyone and wish me luck!