Medicann Question.

[CannabisHappiness]

From what I understand, they (Medicann) want me to see their doctors. I was wondering if I have to see their doctors or if I can skip that w/ a recommendation from my own doctor? Also, does it have to be a regular doctor that recommends you, because my psychiatrist, whom I've been seeing for a few years said he would recommend it to me if thats what helps best. I feel he understands a lot of the drama I've been thru over the years and understands me as a person and not just another patient. Anyone know what I mean?

Also could anyone give me general information about the process?
And the costs?
And also, there is a semi-important need to keep this out of my public records. Is that possible? or not?
Thanks in advance!

[Nailhead]

If they are a doctor and they write you the recommendation, you are good to go. The recommendation is essentially just a doctors statement that in their professional opinion, and using their right to free speech, they are recommending marijuana to treat a condition you have.

There are no costs if your doctor will write it, I had to go through a pot doctor that only writes recommendations, and charges about $150 per visit, (which isn't covered by health insurance), but you won't have to worry about that if you can get your own doctor to write it. Just take that written recommendation to a co-op, they verify the recommendation with your doctor, then let you go on and buy whatever you want.

All of your doctor records are private between you and your doctor, it would be illegal for somebody to publish them publicly.

Bookmark this site (http://www.canorml.org/), read through Prop 215 so you know exactly what the law says. If you want to go legal you will want to know your rights, but of course remember Prop 215 doesn't exist to feds ;)

Just curious, what condition(s) are you using it for?

[Nailhead]

oops, I thought medicann was something else....you certainly do not need to go through them to get the recommendation! These places exist only because a lot of doctors like my own are ignorant morons that don't pay attention to the growing evidence of marijuana's medical uses.

Chances of Medicann being raided by the feds are high, and even though your records should be safe the way the laws are written, I still wouldn't be so certain. The chance of your personal doctor being raided, pretty much zilch because who is going to even know he wrote the recommendation? Most raids on doctors are done after undercover agents go in with fake conditions and get a legal recommendation, they would never send undercover agents to random everyday doctors, but doctors specializing in writing marijuana recommendations? Oh, they'd love to take them down!

Personally, I don't believe there is that much of a risk with using these pot doctors, but I would still prefer sticking with a personal doctor if I had the option, (not to mention it saves you some money).

[CannabisHappiness]

Thank you, and I'm using it for:
*Anxiety (diagnosed),
*Depression (diagnosed)
*Appetite stimulant (not diagnosed),
*Chronic back pain (diagnosed) - resulting from scoliosis (Spelling?),and inproper lifting of heavy objects and such.
*The severe form of PMS, I believe it's called PMDD. <<<That hasn't been officially diagnosed yet, but my mom's a nurse and I trust her when she said thats what it is when I asked her.

~As a side note, I've noticed, and so have several of my family members, that when I use Cannabis regularly, my anxiety & depression virtually disappear. My back pain is reduced significantly, and I eat normally!
~Currently, I have to rely on 'dealers'...<<<Less than pleased about that. :mad: ~The Medicann near me opens in less than two weeks...:D:dance:

[CannabisHappiness]

Chances of Medicann being raided by the feds are high, and even though your records should be safe the way the laws are written, I still wouldn't be so certain. The chance of your personal doctor being raided, pretty much zilch because who is going to even know he wrote the recommendation? Most raids on doctors are done after undercover agents go in with fake conditions and get a legal recommendation, they would never send undercover agents to random everyday doctors, but doctors specializing in writing marijuana recommendations? Oh, they'd love to take them down!

True, true. Thank you for bringing that to my attention, I actually hadn't thought about that. (Which makes me feel kinda dumb, not thinking about that when it is pretty damn obvious, lol!)

[Nailhead]

Don't go to Medicann if one of your current doctors will write the recommendation, it's a waste of money. You really only need Medicann if your current doctors won't write the recommendation like mine wouldn't, otherwise you don't need them.

[CannabisHappiness]

I feel like I sorta have too, because I don't know of any other nearby dispensaries. (Medicann is a dispensary right?) I'm pretty confident I can get the recommendation, not too worried about that, but I wouldn't know of any other place to receive med. MJ. So I feel like I have too, ya know?

[Storm Crow]

I'd go with your psych giving you the recommendation! Any doctor who can prescribe meds, can give you the recommendation. You do not need a state card in California- a copy of your recommendation is all you need. I don't trust my local government, so I don't have a card.

Now, I assume that you buy cannabis. Do you ever get seeds? Or just ask your friends- someone will have a few seeds they can spare. In California, you can have 6 mature plants OR 12 immature plants and 8 ounces of dried flowering tops of marijuana (bud). A few CFLs and an unused closet....and you're in business! - Granny:hippy:

[Nailhead]

I feel like I sorta have too, because I don't know of any other nearby dispensaries. (Medicann is a dispensary right?) I'm pretty confident I can get the recommendation, not too worried about that, but I wouldn't know of any other place to receive med. MJ. So I feel like I have too, ya know?

I only know about Medicann what I read from their website, and it sounds like they are basically just pot doctors. Under the law, the doctors can't tell you where to get your medicine, (weed), so I highly doubt they can write you your recommendation and also be a dispensary. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure they are NOT a dispensary.

You can get a list of dispensaries here (http://www.canorml.org/prop/cbclist.html), and once you have your recommendation you can go to weedtracker.com to find more in your area. Or you can go with Storm Crow's idea and grow your own, something I would do if I could...but it gets way too hot in my place during the day.

[CannabisHappiness]

Thanks to both of you. I'm not able to grow at the moment, as that would be disrespectful towards my sister and it would be (in my opinion) needlessly endangering my nephews. Anyways, I honestly have no idea whether or not Medicann is a dispensary, but I was under the belief that they were for some reason...? Or maybe I was just hoping, becuase the dispensaries list from canorml.com says the closest ones to me are 50 to 100miles away, which I would not be looking forward to driving. Anyways thanks again.

[Tree_Burner]

I don't think Medicann dispenses cannabis. It's a collective of doctors that evaluate and write recommendations for those who qualify. There's no way a doctor would dispense herb in the same building he/she practice in. Sorry buddy. I'm sure there's something closer to you, but just not on CANORML list. Look in local papers such as a weekly. Sometimes dispensaries advertise there, or try weedtracker or similar websites. Just to do the research and you'll find something more convenient for you.

Good luck and happy smoking :jointsmile:

[Nailhead]

I highly recommend WeedTRACKER.com (http://www.weedtracker.com/) The list on CaNORML can sometimes be a bit dated, and short

I was in a similar position as you, most of the co-ops are in LA and I'm a bit of a drive from there, but I found a decent one closer. It's nice because you can read reviews, get an idea of prices, and just in general find out where a good place is to go. I already have a place picked out for my next trip, it's in LA which is far but from what I've read it's worth the drive :stoned: