What is the process?
A patient that wishes to register with the Department of Consumer Protection’s Medical Marijuana Program must first make an appointment with a physician or an advanced practice registered nurse. Once a qualifying condition has been established, we begin the application process by scheduling a 15-minute telemedicine appointment. The telemedicine appointment may take place via phone, Facetime, or Duo. Online forms will be sent to the patient to complete electronically before the scheduled call time. During the call, the patient’s application will be submitted to the state, they will receive an email immediately, and the patient must finish their application and submit the $100.00 fee to the state. Their temporary card will arrive via email in approximately 3 weeks, at which time they can schedule a consultation with a pharmacist at the dispensary to discuss medication options.
What are the costs?
The cost for a first time patient appointment with me is $175.00, Veterans is $150.00, and annual Renewals cost $125.00. There is no longer an annual $100.00 state registration fee.
Does my condition qualify?
Click here to be directed to more information regarding qualifying conditions.
I don’t want to smoke or get high, what are my options?
There are many options available for patients who do not want to smoke. This includes edibles, tinctures, extracts, and topicals that may still provide relief and do not require smoking. Discussing this with the pharmacists staffed at your dispensary can be helpful and beneficial.
There are also many options available for patients who do not want to get “high”. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive phytocannabinoid in cannabis. While it has been shown to have medical benefits, such as analgesic properties, muscle relaxant features, and anti-inflammatory effects, some patients turn to the primary non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is known to counter the psychoactive effects of THC, and the dispensary stocks many products that are a combination of CBD/THC. Together, they have a synergistic relationship where THC boosts the way CBD works in the body, without the “high.”
How long does the process take?
The process of receiving a medical marijuana certification, beginning with a scheduled appointment with me and ending with receiving a temporary certificate via email, takes approximately 4 weeks.
What is CBD and how does it work?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is the primary non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Researchers Russo and Guy (2005) found that CBD has anti-anxiety actions, antipsychotic and antioxidant effects, and notable anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. CBD may also reduce addiction potential.
What about drug testing?
According to the Department of Consumer Protection, an employer cannot refuse
to hire someone or decide to fire someone, or penalize that person solely because
they are qualified to use medical marijuana. However, an employer may refuse to
hire or discharge a qualifying patient if required by federal law or funding
requirements. An employer can also prohibit the use of intoxicating substances
throughout the work day and they may discipline an employee for being
intoxicated while at work. If patients’ have any further questions or concerns
regarding this, they should check with their employer.
to hire someone or decide to fire someone, or penalize that person solely because
they are qualified to use medical marijuana. However, an employer may refuse to
hire or discharge a qualifying patient if required by federal law or funding
requirements. An employer can also prohibit the use of intoxicating substances
throughout the work day and they may discipline an employee for being
intoxicated while at work. If patients’ have any further questions or concerns
regarding this, they should check with their employer.
Can I have a gun permit and a medical marijuana certificate?
In plain terms, no. Federal law prohibits marijuana users from possession of
firearms, and it equates the possession of a medical marijuana certificate to
marijuana use. Although there is nothing in the state law prohibiting the
possession of a medical marijuana certificate, there is within federal law. It has
been seen that federal law is upheld despite a state’s legalization of medical
marijuana.
firearms, and it equates the possession of a medical marijuana certificate to
marijuana use. Although there is nothing in the state law prohibiting the
possession of a medical marijuana certificate, there is within federal law. It has
been seen that federal law is upheld despite a state’s legalization of medical
marijuana.
Will I be on a list others can see?
No. The state contains a list that you will be on, but this information is highly
confidential and is protected in the same fashion as your other personal health
information.
confidential and is protected in the same fashion as your other personal health
information.
Where are the dispensaries?
As of 2020, there are 17 dispensaries within the state of Connecticut.
- Click here to be directed to more information regarding Connecticut’s dispensaries.