Anyone spoken to their Dr. yet?

So I had an appointment with my Dr. this week to discuss me getting a letter of recommendation for mmj to treat my ptsd. I've been seeing a psychologist since june, who agrees with with me and my choice to use mmj for my ptsd, and has already agreed to write a letter of recommendation, if need be. My Dr. says they agree with my decision to use mmj (I've been doing so for over 8 yrs.), but are concerned about 2 main issues. 1) lack of protection on a Federal level. 2) Dr. said that insurance companies that they hold liability insurance policies with, are increasing their premiums when doctors start writing "prescriptions" for mmj. At least my Dr. told me that he'd go over the law (I brought a copy with me) with his lawyer, and touch bases with me next wk. He said if he indeed feels uncomfortable legally, then he would refer me to a Dr. who wouldn't be. Hopefully things will go smoothly, but realistically I've got an uphill battle to have my letter of recommendation by Jan. 1st.

What is everyone else's experience, so far? Anyone with a brave enough Dr. Yet? If so, what part of the state?

I live in CA, here there are many Dr's that seem to specialize in recommendations for MMJ. Perhaps do a search online to find the nearest MMJ rec Dr. in your area. ( Doesn't have to be your personal Dr. ) I went to one just for my letter and never saw him again. MY primary care Dr. is unaware of my MMJ use thus far. I'm sure you will resolve this soon soldier. Good luck.

CanniCastro420 said:

So I had an appointment with my Dr. this week to discuss me getting a letter of recommendation for mmj to treat my ptsd. I've been seeing a psychologist since june, who agrees with with me and my choice to use mmj for my ptsd, and has already agreed to write a letter of recommendation, if need be. My Dr. says they agree with my decision to use mmj (I've been doing so for over 8 yrs.), but are concerned about 2 main issues. 1) lack of protection on a Federal level. 2) Dr. said that insurance companies that they hold liability insurance policies with, are increasing their premiums when doctors start writing "prescriptions" for mmj. At least my Dr. told me that he'd go over the law (I brought a copy with me) with his lawyer, and touch bases with me next wk. He said if he indeed feels uncomfortable legally, then he would refer me to a Dr. who wouldn't be. Hopefully things will go smoothly, but realistically I've got an uphill battle to have my letter of recommendation by Jan. 1st.

What is everyone else's experience, so far? Anyone with a brave enough Dr. Yet? If so, what part of the state?

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my dad got the very same response it seems like! kind of ironic i think!

http://www.cannamed.com/Boston/Cannamed-of-Boston

They're taking appointments now. Sooner you make your appointment the sooner you can be a legal patient.

Intergr8 Health is starting the process to open an office in mass. after the law goes into effect. If your dr isn't really on board, I would look into them. I have my rec. through them in maine and they are good people....

Regarding Cannamed and patient privacy... If you become their patient do they start sending you mail with "Cannamed" written on the envelope? If they place their name and logo on their mailing envelopes it might concern some people who want privacy with regards to their medications. Does anyone know the answer to this question?

I talk to my doctor all the time about it. I tell her it helps me manage my anxiety much better than the Xanax and she agrees that she would rather me vaporize cannabis than become dependent on a pharmaceutical. She doesn't like me smoking it though. Officially she can't tell me to keep smoking but she makes sure I know that she doesn't condemn me for it either. I've never lied to my Doc. She knows about my history of drug abuse. There's a level of trust there. If I ever tell her that I think something in particular may help me she listens and if I have already researched the item she will prescribe it if I wish. I'm not currently in a legal state but if I was there's no doubt that if her practice allowed it she would prescribe me herb...

Thanx Rob. CannaMed opens Jan. 7th. I was able to get an appointment for that day. Now I just gotta get copies of medical records.

Wiz1234 said:

Regarding Cannamed and patient privacy... If you become their patient do they start sending you mail with "Cannamed" written on the envelope? If they place their name and logo on their mailing envelopes it might concern some people who want privacy with regards to their medications. Does anyone know the answer to this question?

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Sure Cannamed knows the answer.

I thought the law was written specifically to stop these "specialized" mmj doctors from popping up everywhere? Isn't it written that you need to have an established relationship with your doctor? I though I read somewhere that you need to have had at least one physical with a doctor and get another at the time of the recommendation? I'm trying to figure all this out because as of this past June my Doc is "retired" and I need to find a new primary anyway. I have crohns, and my Gastro. doc has already told me he won't recommend because of fear of federal repercussions.

CanniCastro420 said:

So I had an appointment with my Dr. this week to discuss me getting a letter of recommendation for mmj to treat my ptsd. I've been seeing a psychologist since june, who agrees with with me and my choice to use mmj for my ptsd, and has already agreed to write a letter of recommendation, if need be. My Dr. says they agree with my decision to use mmj (I've been doing so for over 8 yrs.), but are concerned about 2 main issues. 1) lack of protection on a Federal level. 2) Dr. said that insurance companies that they hold liability insurance policies with, are increasing their premiums when doctors start writing "prescriptions" for mmj. At least my Dr. told me that he'd go over the law (I brought a copy with me) with his lawyer, and touch bases with me next wk. He said if he indeed feels uncomfortable legally, then he would refer me to a Dr. who wouldn't be. Hopefully things will go smoothly, but realistically I've got an uphill battle to have my letter of recommendation by Jan. 1st.

What is everyone else's experience, so far? Anyone with a brave enough Dr. Yet? If so, what part of the state?

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As a caregiver in MA i have had three patients give me a copy of their letters from Cannamed. I am told the doctors are very professional . Just remember to bring the regquired paperwork and you will have you recommendation the same day

Thanx epsonsalt. I wanted to give an update. I was able to obtain a letter of recommendation through CannaMed. They had to reschedule twice, but was FINALLY seen on the 16th. I was under the impression that was their 1st day open. The process was simple enough. Bring a complete copy of your medical records & $199. If you don't qualify, you don't pay. The Dr. was nice enough. While I was there I seen 2 ppl get denied. One person tried to get letter of recommendation for carpel tunnel syndrome. The other was a person who had a medical card from another state and wanted a Massachusetts card, but didn't bring ANY medical records whatsoever. Bit of advice, don't hesitate on making appointment. I made an appointment for my girl and the earliest I could get was Feb. 19th. CannaMed's Number is 866-624-1191.

I would also like to warn ppl about using Intergr8 Health. They are out of Maine, but have a MA licensed Physician on their staff. First of all, they are $100 more expensive than CannaMed ($300). Secondly, you either have to travel to ME or do a teleconference via skype . Stay away from this type of Dr. visit. From my understanding, the legal grounds for these types appointments for letters of recommendation are on shaky legal ground, at best. Intergr8 health tried to sell me with the whole "Well, they are legal in ME.'' I've waited too long to be a cannabis patient, and the last thing I want is a legally suspect document that is supposed to protect me.

Overall, I had a great experience at CannaMed. Now I can focus on getting my caregiver service up and running. I didn't want to start without legally being a patient first. Hopefully this info helps out some people. Good luck everyone. If any caregivers are interested in forming a network of caregivers with me, shoot me a pm. I'm thinking if caregivers work together, we can be pretty competitive with dispensaries, once they are up and running. Currently I have Blue Dream, and Bubba Kush mothers. I also have AK-47, Black Russian, Afgoey, Afghani, and The Purps seedlings. I will also be getting a cutting of NYC Diesel, and working on getting Chemdawg, and Diesel (Chemdawg 91' x (Western Mass Super Skunk x Northern Lights). I am interested in doing genetic swaps with anyone who has some serious meds.

Hey CanniCasro420, Good to hear that about good experience with Cannamed, my appointment is on Wednesday. Same boat as you, hoping to become caregiver as soon as licenses are allowed in May, but of course have to become a patient in the interim. Went to the Mass. Medical Marijuana Dispensers meeting today in Brookline and learned some good info, also alot of ? still out there until May though. They are wanting to basically start a large collective/Co-op, that encompasses everyone from patient to dispensary with caregivers being a large part. If you are interested working on a network I am definetley interested. Have close to 15 years experience with set-up design from 100w to 12,000w, including many years outdoor. Have 3 mainstay strains and have access to a few other elite strains back in Michigan. If interested send me a PM, I'm not located far from CannaMed.

BostonBigBloomer said:

Hey CanniCasro420, Good to hear that about good experience with Cannamed, my appointment is on Wednesday. Same boat as you, hoping to become caregiver as soon as licenses are allowed in May, but of course have to become a patient in the interim. Went to the Mass. Medical Marijuana Dispensers meeting today in Brookline and learned some good info, also alot of ? Still out there until May though. They are wanting to basically start a large collective/Co-op, that encompasses everyone from patient to dispensary with caregivers being a large part. If you are interested working on a network I am definitely interested. Have close to 15 years experience with set-up design from 100w to 12,000w, including many years outdoor. Have 3 mainstay strains and have access to a few other elite strains back in Michigan. If interested send me a PM, I'm not located far from CannaMed.

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BostonBigBloomer, I tried to pm you, but it won't let me. Send me a pm so we can talk more. Definitely interested in chatting with anyone who wants to put in work in this new industry. BTW, were you at any of the Vincente/Sederberg seminars back in Nov. & Dec?

Ma mmj patient here, just got my recommendation recently Been waiting 8 long years. I decided against seeing my primary care physician, instead I saw a doctor who specialized in pain management through Cannabis. So far so good, I just have to mail my recommendation into to the state asap to receive the actual mmj card. I have not discussed any of this with my primary care physician, I have no clue what his view on mmj is

RICOLA said:

Ma mmj patient here, just got my recommendation recently Been waiting 8 long years. I decided against seeing my primary care physician, instead I saw a doctor who specialized in pain management through Cannabis. So far so good, I just have to mail my recommendation into to the state asap to receive the actual mmj card. I have not discussed any of this with my primary care physician, I have no clue what his view on mmj is

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Ricola

Take your time

You need to mail your MA application along with your doctor letter to the MA DPH. Only problem is the application does not exist yet. So you might be waiting a bit

wow, there is some great info in this thread!
i will be making my appointment with cannamed here very soon, once i do i will be in contact with you CC420.

wish I had the money...otherwise I wud too

Didn't know that epsonsalt, thanks for the heads up. I guess for now I'll just have to carry my recommendation with me. I was told copies of the recommendation could be made to post on medical gardens. Hmmm... I wonder if copies could be made to have on hand until the Dph gets their shit together.

hey ricola, do you know if outdoor gardens are allowed in MA for patients/growers?