Veteran looking for M.D. for RX

I am a military veteran and have service connected disabilites that required me to be on Morphine and Paxil for depression. Fortunately since being medically retired I am able to smoke some marijuana. Long story short I now have severly decrease my meds and eliminated both the Morphine and Paxil for marijuana. My physician for the VA was happy I found another means to control my pain with a LOT less side effects; however since my doctor is a federal employee and cannot prescribe me marijuana. My doctor does not know providers in Anchorage or Anchorage area who prescribe it. My doctor said that when I find a doctor who will prescribe marijuana the VA will release my medical records to assist me getting what I need.

I have not been able to find resources that list providers here in Anchorage who prescribe medical marijuana. I don't want to be running around askining any doctor for a prescription and I would hate to pay for an office visit only to learn that a doctor will not prescribe it for me.

Could anyone here please assist me in directing me towards resources where the providers for my state are listed or PM me and or give me names of providers if you feel comfortable.

Thanks for your help and I look forward to being on this forum.

Alaska Medical Marijuana Card
ALASKA MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD
In order to receive full legal protections of the Alaska Medical Marijuana law, qualified medical marijuana patients must register with the state patient registry and possess a valid identification card by submitting a marijuana card application with the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics. Prior to mailing the application, be sure to review and ensure that all required information has been completed. If the marijuana card application is not complete, it will be denied and you will not be allowed to reapply for a period of six months.
HOW TO OBTAIN A MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD IN ALASKA
Obtain a signed Physicianâ??s Statement from a physician currently licensed to practice medicine in Alaska. Find a qualified medical marijuana physician in Alaska here.
Complete and sign the Application for Registry Identification Card for Medical Use of Marijuana.
Provide a legible photocopy of the Alaska State Driverâ??s License or Identification Card of the patient and all caregivers.
Pay a nonrefundable application fee via check or money order in the amount of $25.00 ($20.00 for a renewal) payable to the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Mail all of the above to:

Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics
Marijuana Registry
P.O. Box 110699
Juneau, AK 99811-0699

Check this out too--->https://www.marijuanadoctors.com/med...en-g-moseler_1

Says this dr's office is opening April 1st 2011. Sucks that he charges $399. That my friend is a rip-off. But if there is no one else, what can you do?

Hope this helps you......

CanGroIt:::::: <-----Fellow disabled Vet.

Hey CanGroIt,

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I was already familiar with how to obtain the card. I am a nurse, and a vet :-), and being associated with the medical field here I am HIGHLY suprised how difficult in Alaska it is to find a provider that presicribes medical marijuana. I figured since the state was friendly enough to have the applicationa and information on the card they would also have a "Directory" of providers whom prescribe Medical marijuana. I am also aware that some providers may "claim" they prescribe marijuana but may infact be very particular or strick on whom they prescribe it to. I am not so worried about my case because I have tried the "traditional" pain and psychiatric drugs for valid and documented for years chronic pain and depression. However I do know doctors and they can be particular when they want to.

Thank you for the site as well. So is it true he is only going to see patients for one Hour 9am to 10am on Fridays and there is not a number up there yet to call and book an appointment, at least I didn't see it.

The only info I have on them is what is on the site. There is an 888 number on the site. Not sure how reliable it is but worth a shot.

If you have the time and don't mind, write a letter to Sarah Palin. Being a disabled veteran would give you some clout that she cannot deny. Worth a shot to let her know how hard it is to get better than prescription meds.

I guess in the end I will have to do some detective work....LOL....meaning to find a provider. I heard of a doctor down in Soldotna...I will find one eventually it just takes a lot of networking and work. Not like looking up the yellow pages and finding one. Kind of interesting the state allows its use for medical reasons but finding a provider is difficult.

BTW how do you think writing a letter to Sarah Palin will help? Just curious because she is not our governer anymore, Parnell is, and does she still have political pull in this state?

Thanks for your time to reply

:-)

I want to open a dispensay in Anchorage, but can't find the required specifics. Any help here, with references, would be most appreciated. Any information on how to beome a "caregiver" in AK would also be apprciated.
Seens there's alot of companies willing to help if you live in CA or CO, but again nothing specific for AK.

Hey captmiketm4,

I'm having a hard enough time finding a doc to prescirbe it. With some networking and detective work I believe I have foud one and he is not the one mentioned on this forum. Anyways good luck I don't have a clue. If you are a M.D or D.O. though it is very easy to get licensened in the State of Alaska and that's it. I believe any doc can prescribe it with the correct and documented clinical justification. You just have to file out the provider part for the patient's MMC. I don't know or have not heard of any FNP or NP prescribe it so not sure.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by polaristracker

BTW how do you think writing a letter to Sarah Palin will help? Just curious because she is not our governer anymore, Parnell is, and does she still have political pull in this state?

---

People like her seek attention. You give her a new reason to get on TV and fight for a cause and she will!!!! Just thought since she's from Alaska and likes to "raise awareness", she might be worth a try......

I live in Alaska and was told by the people who mail out your MM application that you have to have a MD sign the form. A NP or PA cannot do it.

I wish someone would help me know where to go.I have no idea of a Dr that would sign it for me. I have neuropathic pain and it helps so much.

If anyone can email me with info i would appreciate it so much.
[email protected] Alaska has no place to by MM. so thats a real bummer to.

Hey Ladysheets,

I am in the same situation. I meet the criteria for a MMC and I am starting my own personal supply and am just missing the MD component. THe VA Doc would said she would if she could but her hands are tied....I just cannot understand this state allows medicinal uses of marijuana but finding a provider is like hunting...you have to network and talk to people...I am still following a couple of leads but have nothing solid as of yet...don't know how comfortable I am just walking up in a doctors office and asking for some MD to sign my MMC. ANyways the beat goes on....its time shall come soon :-)

Hey Polaristracker,
I know what you mean about going in and asking. Im not sure how that would work out. this state is mixed up ,you can grow for yourself in your own home under 25 plants but you cant find a doc to sign a paper saying they believe MM would help you.I dont get it. I will check back often and see what you and anyone else might post here.
I dont like taking pain pills, MM seems to do so much better of a job for me.
wish it wasnt such a big deal. Hate looking for the stuff!
Hasnt our weather just been out of this world beautiful lately?
I do believe spring has sprung here in Alaska!

Yes it has I can't wait to get out and enjoy Alaska :-)

Can a ND (Naturopathic Doctor) sign a MMC in AK?

FYI the Marijuana Doctor Website states there are no physicians in this state now that prescribe MM...lol
Anyways I called a few doctors...I suffer from Chronic Pain so I started with Pain Management Docs....called to try book appointment and the usual what you need to be seen for and I gave them the full history just like I did here online...1st Strike

Then I called a Holistic Doc Alaska Alternative Medicine Center thinking better luck..same calling to set up an appointment and STrike 2..lol

ALright so this is where I am at. I am substituting my Morphine and Paxil for Marijuana and my VA doc supports it but legally as a Federal Employeee can't prescribe it. My life is better with the combination I have now and I can grow it at my house. Regardless if it is pills or plants everything has side effects and the side effects I get from marijuana are far better than the side effects from the Morphine and Paxil...because price is not the issue...and they both control my pain.

So I figured regardless I meet requirments to have this natural medication and if I keep on the road I am going by not finding a doctor I could eventually land into some legal problems because if you don't know already you cannot trust the police, judges, lawyers, etc even if you do THINK that you CAN LEGALLY possess marijuana in AK....they have ways of finding somehow someway you violated some law.

So I just need to get my MMC and not have to worry about being prosecuted...lol

I am now going to make it my personal endevour to go to doctors and find one eventually (so I hope), because I have tried the subtle route which isn't working. Damn who knows maybe I'll run around with a camera and do a Documentary about the Medical Marijuana state without a Doctor to Prescribe....lol

Hi everyone,
Just wondering if anyone has had any luck finding a Medical Doctor to perscribe medical marijuana? I sent in and got my paper work for the Card from the vital statistics in juneau. But i have no idea who i can get to sign it so i can send it in.
I too would just like to be legal and grow my own for the chronic nerve pain i experiance dailey.
I am on disability and have been giving about any drug you can think of for pain. Now i have oxycodone but i would rather have a natural pain reliever such as marijuana.

I dont understand this state. ITs legal to prossess in your home.But cant find a DR to fill out your paper work...to get a MM card. any info would be great. Thanks

Ladysheets,

Yes I agree this is very frustrating especially here in Anchorage. My case is very simple I have a VA doctor who agrees with my treatment decision but her hands are tied because she is a federal employee. SImple as getting a ROI from one doc to another. Anyways I have tried several doctors by calling to set up appointments and when they ask what it is for I tell thee honest full truth and "SOrry our doctor doesn't prescribe that". Anyways I keep running into people who know people who have one and they keep telling me they will get the doctors name...I'm still fucking waiting...excuse the cussing but it is the frustration coming out

Alright I posted my ad in the Anchorage/Mat-SU, Fairbanks, Southeast, and Kenai

I listed under Lost and Found, Subject: LOST VETERAN PLEASE HELP

LOL...HERE IS THE POST:

I am a military veteran and have service connected disabilites that required me to be on Morphine for chronic pain and Paxil for depression. Fortunately since being medically retired I am able to smoke some marijuana. Long story short I now have severly decrease my meds and eliminated both the Morphine and Paxil for marijuana. My physician for the VA was happy I found another means to control my pain with a LOT less side effects; however since my doctor is a federal employee and cannot prescribe me marijuana. My doctor does not know providers in Anchorage or Anchorage area who prescribe it. My doctor said that when I find a doctor who will prescribe marijuana the VA will release my medical records to assist me getting what I need.

I have not been able to find resources that list providers here in Anchorage and or the State who prescribe medical marijuana I have tried several doctors in the Anchorage area, booking appointments, and when I explain what the appointment is for they inform me thier physician does not sign MMC (medical marijuana cards), I even called a Holistic Medicine doctor (go figure).

Could anyone here please assist in directing me towards resources where the providers for AK are listed, and or give me names of providers if you feel comfortable. I am also willing to travel outside of the Anchorage area if needed. FYI I also have "other" insurance from my current employer that will cover the cost of the visit etc; and including Tricare and VA. I also already have the State of Alaska Medical Marijuana Card application I just need a qualified physician whom will take me as a patient and sign it. I have all my records from the service as well can do a ROI to the VA and Elemndorf.

Alright seems my other posts didn't make it...long story short I have been doing alot of footwork and decided to use the internet...great thing and posted my AD on Craigslist....lets see what happens

Update for those "select" few who are following this. So far I have had two referrals. One for Fairbanks and One for Valdez. I have not actually called the physicians yet because I still want to see what else comes this way. But it seems to be going as I guessed; that being that all the yuppie docs in Anchorage won't prescribe....LOL (no offense intended) because I do know some good physicians in town just seems none of them want to prescribe marijuana. Just like everything else in this state; there is the State of Alaska and then there is Anchorage which is like a different state within a state (blah), maybe its time to move out of Anchorage. Long story short I may end up traveling for my prescription.

Success...ended up getting info on a few doctors. Here is the reason it is soo difficult. Eventhough the state recognizes marijuana use for medical problems the AMA (American Medical Association) does not which MOST doctors try to abide by, although not neccesarily required because you have to be licensed in each state. The same story over with the whole marijuana use issue states allowing the federal does not...etc. etc.

Anyways got an appointment set up. Now since I am a RN and a veteran I am considering starting up my own non-profit refferral/association/social work. By doing this I can hopefully help veterans and may be able to use this in the future for my master thesis. Anyways the thought is to meet with a lot of these doctors and get a group of them that will accept patients. No advertising....just word of mouth and what I would do next is go to the VA (which I am a patient too) and find ways to distribute information for "alternative" healing and I will meet with veterans and review their case and their records, assist them with the forms, and help to set up an appointment with a provider that is appropriate for them and inform the provider of the referral I send them. They are only referred after I have actually met them etc...this is not just giving out the providers number. Also maybe try and get with some local grow supplies and see if they could have a starter set for vets and also look to see for some local or state funding that can hlep provide financial assistance to vets looking to grow their own.

polaristracker, hey it's good to see the Alaska board active, July isn't to far off hope the time goes by fast.

I know this was posted almost a year ago....but I live in Anchorage, have Fibromyalgia and would be interested to know if you ever found a supportive doctor, and/or supplier.

The only place I have found is here:
http://www.thehealingcentermedicalclinic.org

I have not yet tried to get approved yet... but like the first post I am a vet and will be going here as soon as I am able to afford it. Once I move back to Alaska. In the mean time is there any licensed Caregivers on the Kenai Peninsula? I am really tired of having major headaches and only OxyCodone to solve my problem... which is a horrible drug...

Hobbz--don't know if you ever got it taken care of, but I note snowboarder21's link and want to comment that that source has worked for me (for mmj registration, not product, which I wasn't offered and didn't expect). I expected the basic mmj charade, but spent close to an hour with the doc, had a very interesting conversation. He answered a lot of my questions. I'm not sure what their operational status is at the moment (7/29/12). They ran some advertising in the Anch Daily News offering three days of appointments. I don't think they were overwhelmed; I had no difficulty getting an appointment on short notice. Based on my experience, I'd say they are what they say they are and do what they say they will. Charge is high, but then I got a decent slice of the doc's time.