Chronic pain can last for months or even years, and it can occur anywhere in the body. Depending on its severity, it can seriously impact a person’s daily life, activities, work, and even lead to mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. It may be the result of things such as past physical trauma, degenerative changes in the body, neuropathic pain, or even in some cases no underlying cause is ever found. In some cases, it can even be psychogenic in origin, where the person’s mental health problem results in (or manifests as) physical pain. For example, a person with severe persistent depression might begin experiencing subjective physical pain as a byproduct of their psychological distress.
The first thing to do when experiencing chronic pain is to speak with a physician and rule out an underlying problem that might be causing it, such as cancer or an autoimmune condition. This step is very important and should not be skipped, as doing so might result in missing some potentially fatal illness. As mentioned above, included in ruling out an underlying problem is considering potential mental health causes to an individual’s chronic pain (such as depression, anxiety, hypochondriasis, conversion disorder, etc.). Once a treatable underlying cause has been ruled out, treatment usually centers around a combination or medications, therapies, and/or lifestyle changes.
If conventional therapies have failed to successfully or adequately address an individual’s chronic pain, an alternative therapy that can be considered is the use of cannabis or other cannabis-derived products. Within the state of Kentucky, Senate Bill 47 will make medical cannabis legal effective January 1, 2025. However, in the meantime, Executive Order 2022-798 provides limited legal protection for possession to individuals who have procured medical cannabis through legal channels and under the formal recommendation of a licensed physician. However, the current legal limit for possession for such individuals in the state of Kentucky is 8 ounces.
There have been numerous studies that have shown cannabis to be effective in the management of chronic pain. Furthermore, in studies looking at the use of cannabis for the treatment of multiple other health problems or diseases, pain reduction was often the primary effect reported by participants in those studies.
In addition to the pain reduction itself, some studies have shown that cannabis use for chronic pain can significantly reduce opioid use among these patients. This reduction in opioid use carries multiple benefits, particularly right now as we find ourselves in something of an opioid epidemic in the United States. Illicitly-obtained opioids can be of wildly-varying concentrations and strengths, in addition to often being laced with cheap-but-extremely-potent narcotics such as fentanyl. Thus reducing opioid use can help prevent accidental overdoses. But even with legally obtained opioids from a reputable medical institution with accurate concentrations, opioids still carry risks such as respiratory depression, which can still result in death if abused by the patient or combined with alcohol or other drugs.
Therefore there is good evidence that cannabis can be an effective adjunct treatment in the management of chronic pain and can be considered by patients with the advice and counsel of their physician. Cannabis still carries its normal health, safety and legal risks. Patients must be consciously aware of the dangers of impaired cognition and memory, particularly when it comes to performing activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, or carrying out one’s professional duties.
To further explore interesting ideas and stay up to date with ongoing changes in the medical arena, check our main blog site at My Virtual Physician!! (https://myvirtualphysician.com/blog/)
Get Your Medical Cannabis Card Now
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is hands down the most strongly recommended first line of treatment for individuals suffering from PTSD. This recommendation holds true across virtually all of the most prominent medical associations dealing with PTSD, including the United States Department of Veteran Affairs. CBT is a form of treatment that helps individuals focus on the relationships between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The first step is to identify the dysfunctional patterns between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are resulting in the harmful symptoms they are experiencing, in addition to any personal, professional or legal problems that their PTSD may be worsening. The next step is to explore making changes to these patterns in ways that help the individual to overcome their harmful effect on their lives. The second line of treatment for PTSD is medication. The most commonly used medications are what are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Zoloft or Paxil.
However, if conventional therapies have failed to work for a given individual, cannabis can be considered as an alternative or adjunct form of treatment. There are numerous anecdotal cases and small studies where patients suffering from PTSD have reported an improvement in their symptoms with the use of cannabis. Within the state of Kentucky, Senate Bill 47 will make medical cannabis legal effective January 1, 2025. However, in the meantime, Executive Order 2022-798 provides limited legal protection for possession to individuals with PTSD who have procured medical cannabis through legal channels and under the formal recommendation of a licensed physician. The current legal limit for possession for such individuals in the state of Kentucky is 8 ounces.
It must be noted that the data for the benefits of cannabis in the treatment of PTSD are not of particularly high quality. A randomized control trial performed among military veterans with PTSD did not show any benefit compared to placebo. And while another small study did show reported improvement of PTSD symptoms among veterans, a confounding factor was that the participants were already using cannabis prior to the study, raising the issues of selection bias and begging the question of why their symptoms had not improved with their cannabis use prior to initiation of the trial.
The use of cannabis in the treatment for PTSD is, therefore, something for which there is not enough compelling statistical evidence to make a strong generalized recommendation. However, many individuals do report improvements in their PTSD symptoms and cannabis could be explored alongside their physician on a case by case basis to determine whether or not this is a good option worth trying for them.
To further explore interesting ideas and stay up to date with ongoing changes in the medical arena, check our main blog site at My Virtual Physician!! (https://myvirtualphysician.com/blog/)
Get Your Medical Cannabis Card Now
Chronic pain can last for months or even years, and it can occur anywhere in the body. Depending on its severity, it can seriously impact a person’s daily life, activities, work, and even lead to mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. It may be the result of things such as past physical trauma, degenerative changes in the body, neuropathic pain, or even in some cases no underlying cause is ever found. In some cases, it can even be psychogenic in origin, where the person’s mental health problem results in (or manifests as) physical pain. For example, a person with severe persistent depression might begin experiencing subjective physical pain as a byproduct of their psychological distress.
The first thing to do when experiencing chronic pain is to speak with a physician and rule out an underlying problem that might be causing it, such as cancer or an autoimmune condition. This step is very important and should not be skipped, as doing so might result in missing some potentially fatal illness. As mentioned above, included in ruling out an underlying problem is considering potential mental health causes to an individual’s chronic pain (such as depression, anxiety, hypochondriasis, conversion disorder, etc.). Once a treatable underlying cause has been ruled out, treatment usually centers around a combination or medications, therapies, and/or lifestyle changes.
If conventional therapies have failed to successfully or adequately address an individual’s chronic pain, an alternative therapy that can be considered is the use of cannabis or other cannabis-derived products. As of 2023 in Connecticut, the process of obtaining a medical cannabis card can even be done from the convenience of your home via a telehealth visit. My Virtual Physician has qualified physicians who are able to help you navigate the process of applying and being approved for obtaining a medical cannabis card.
There have been numerous studies that have shown cannabis to be effective in the management of chronic pain. Furthermore, in studies looking at the use of cannabis for the treatment of multiple other health problems or diseases, pain reduction was often the primary effect reported by participants in those studies.
In addition to the pain reduction itself, some studies have shown that cannabis use for chronic pain can significantly reduce opioid use among these patients. This reduction in opioid use carries multiple benefits, particularly right now as we find ourselves in something of an opioid epidemic in the United States. Illicitly-obtained opioids can be of wildly-varying concentrations and strengths, in addition to often being laced with cheap-but-extremely-potent narcotics such as fentanyl. Thus reducing opioid use can help prevent accidental overdoses. But even with legally obtained opioids from a reputable medical institution with accurate concentrations, opioids still carry risks such as respiratory depression, which can still result in death if abused by the patient or combined with alcohol or other drugs.
Therefore there is good evidence that cannabis can be an effective adjunct treatment in the management of chronic pain and can be considered by patients with the advice and counsel of their physician. Cannabis still carries its normal health, safety and legal risks. Patients must be consciously aware of the dangers of impaired cognition and memory, particularly when it comes to performing activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, or carrying out one’s professional duties.
To further explore interesting ideas and stay up to date with ongoing changes in the medical arena, check our main blog site at My Virtual Physician!! (https://myvirtualphysician.com/blog/)
Get Your Medical Cannabis Card Now
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is hands down the most strongly recommended first line of treatment for individuals suffering from PTSD. This recommendation holds true across virtually all of the most prominent medical associations dealing with PTSD, including the United States Department of Veteran Affairs. CBT is a form of treatment that helps individuals focus on the relationships between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The first step is to identify the dysfunctional patterns between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are resulting in the harmful symptoms they are experiencing, in addition to any personal, professional or legal problems that their PTSD may be worsening. The next step is to explore making changes to these patterns in ways that help the individual to overcome their harmful effect on their lives. The second line of treatment for PTSD is medication. The most commonly used medications are what are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Zoloft or Paxil.
However, if conventional therapies have failed to work for a given individual, cannabis can be considered as an alternative or adjunct form of treatment. There are numerous anecdotal cases and small studies where patients suffering from PTSD have reported an improvement in their symptoms with the use of cannabis. Within the state of Connecticut, individuals with PTSD are eligible for medical cannabis use provided they are certified by a qualified physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner. As of 2023 in Connecticut, this process can even be done from the convenience of your home via a telehealth visit and My Virtual Physician has certified physicians who can help you navigate through this process. Of note, the use of medical cannabis for PTSD is not currently approved for minors (id est, persons under the age of 18) in Connecticut without a special permission granted by the state.
It must be noted that the data for the benefits of cannabis in the treatment of PTSD are not of particularly high quality. A randomized control trial performed among military veterans with PTSD did not show any benefit compared to placebo. And while another small study did show reported improvement of PTSD symptoms among veterans, a confounding factor was that the participants were already using cannabis prior to the study, raising the issues of selection bias and begging the question of why their symptoms had not improved with their cannabis use prior to initiation of the trial.
The use of cannabis in the treatment for PTSD is, therefore, something for which there is not enough compelling statistical evidence to make a strong generalized recommendation. However, many individuals do report improvements in their PTSD symptoms and cannabis could be explored alongside their physician on a case by case basis to determine whether or not this is a good option worth trying for them.
To further explore interesting ideas and stay up to date with ongoing changes in the medical arena, check our main blog site at My Virtual Physician!! (https://myvirtualphysician.com/blog/)
Get Your Medical Cannabis Card Now
Medical cards are to do and there’s no reason for anybody to charge you a bucket of money in order to complete one unless they have to support a brick-and-mortar or there are some other extenuating circumstances. Between the cost savings, the legal protection, and access to excellent medication, why wouldn’t you get your card today? What’s stopping you?
Credits: Dr. Mary Clifton
Get Your Medical Cannabis Card Now
North Dakota DOES NOT allow telehealth visits for new medical cannabis card patients. In-person visits are REQUIRED if you are receiving your medical cannabis card for the first time. My Virtual Physician is not currently available to assist patients for a Medical Marijuana Card in North Dakota.
There are nearly 10,000 medical cannabis cardholders in the Flickertail State. Last year, North Dakota made it even easier to get your medical marijuana ID card by cutting the registration fee in half.
Medical cannabis isn’t new to ND. It has been around since 2016. If you’re still unsure how to get your cannabis medical card, this article is for you.
This guide covers how and where to get a medical cannabis card in North Dakota. In this guide, My Virtual Physician outlines the steps to get your medical cannabis card if you’re living in North Dakota, what it will cost you, and how to apply.
Over 30 medical conditions are included in North Dakota’s qualified debilitating conditions list. You’ll want to make sure your condition is on the list before you begin the application process. Here’s the list of qualifying debilitating medical conditions in North Dakota:
If you suffer from any of the above conditions, you can qualify for a medical cannabis card in North Dakota. Proceed with the next steps to get your card for medical marijuana.
The process to get a medical card for cannabis is simple. You’ll need three things to get your card:
The first step to getting your medical cannabis card in North Dakota is to begin the registration process. You can do this by creating a new online account within the ND Health & Human Services portal website called BioTrackTHC. Click the blue “Create an Account” button to get started. Once you are logged in, you can begin the medical cannabis card application. Begin a new application on the “applications” tab.
Here’s a list of items and information you’ll need to complete your application:
*The healthcare provider that you list on your application will be the same doctor who will be providing the physician’s certification in the next step. You must have a bona fide patient-doctor relationship in order to proceed.
In North Dakota, bona fide provider means that you’ll need a physician that:
Your application will then go into a pending status until you fulfill the next step in the process: physician certification.
In North Dakota, a doctor’s evaluation is required in order to process your medical cannabis card application. This consultation visit allows your bona fide doctor to confirm your qualifying medical condition and certify his or her recommendation of medical marijuana as treatment.
Your doctor will be notified once you’ve submitted the patient portion of the medical cannabis card application (see step #1 above). There is not a paper physician certification in North Dakota and your doctor will complete his end of the process after your appointment.
Getting your medical cannabis card in North Dakota often requires two payments to two separate entities. For one, you’ll pay an application fee during the registration process. This charge was reduced to $25 in 2022.
The other payment will be made to your doctor for your consultation, which is required for physician certification. If you have a bona fide relationship already with My Virtual Physician, our current charge is $115 for this consultation service.
Cards are valid for one year and must be renewed on an annual basis with updated physician certification.
Don’t put your pain relief on hold any longer. Now that you know the steps to get your medical cannabis card in North Dakota, you can get started on your application today. Although My Virtual Physician may not qualify as your bona fide physician, we can assist you with finding relief for both chronic and acute health concerns. Book an appointment today to get back to feeling great!
Get Your Medical Cannabis Card Now
Earlier this month, something big happened in Maryland. The Cannabis Reform Act was passed and is pending signature from the Governor. This new legislation expands the legal use of marijuana in the Free State to include adults over 21.
This isn’t Maryland’s first go-around with legalizing the plant for personal use. Medical cannabis has been legal in Maryland for nearly a decade.
If you’re wondering whether you should still pursue a medical cannabis card in Maryland, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the differences between medical cannabis cardholder laws and recreational use in Maryland. And then, we’ll cover the process to get your card.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
With adult use cannabis being recently legalized, there will likely be a few kinks in the system to work out. Adult Marylanders won’t be able to purchase non-medical marijuana legally over the counter until July of this year. While you’re waiting, you might be considering whether a medical cannabis card is a better route to go.
The path for patients to obtain medical cannabis in Maryland has been established for quite some time (since 2014). And there are some advantages to getting your medical card for cannabis as opposed to relying on the new adult use law.
Check out the legal differences in the table below.
Medical Cannabis vs. Recreational
| Medical Marijuana Cardholder | Recreational Use (Adult Use) | |
| Effective Date |
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| Quantity Allowed in Possession |
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| Cultivation Allowed |
|
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| Price and Taxes |
|
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| Age Requirement |
|
|
A quick look at the numbers above shows that getting your medical card for cannabis in Maryland can pay off. With a medical cannabis card, you’ll have fewer restrictions on your possession limits and pay no tax on your medical marijuana.
If you’ve decided that you want to pursue a medical cannabis card in Maryland, the first step is to check whether your condition qualifies.
Maryland has approved the following debilitating medical conditions and symptoms that are deemed legal and appropriate to use medical marijuana for therapeutic relief.
Your doctor can also approve other chronic medical conditions if other treatments have been ineffective. If you qualify, continue reading to find out the steps to get your card for medical marijuana in Maryland.
The process to get a medical card for cannabis is simple. You’ll need three things to get your card:
The first step in Maryland to get your medical cannabis card is to begin the application process with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). Start here to begin the application process in the OneStop online portal. You’ll need your approved application so that you can provide your patient ID number to your doctor during your appointment in the next step.
In Maryland, your regular (bona fide) doctor will need to provide written approval that certifies your medical condition. Check with your doctor to make sure they have an active registration with the Commission prior to your appointment. Then, schedule an appointment in person to get a doctor’s evaluation for medical cannabis in Maryland.
Your doctor will sign & complete a state-specific registration called the physician’s certification, which will allow you to pick up medical cannabis at a dispensary immediately after your appointment.
Paying for a medical cannabis card in Maryland requires two separate payments. One to the MMCC during the application submission, and a second payment to your medical provider. While medical provider costs vary and may be covered by insurance, the state fee is currently only $25 for patient registration and ID card.
While My Virtual Physician may not be able to certify you for medical marijuana as a Marylandian due to in-person visit requirements, we can help you manage your medical conditions and get symptom relief. Schedule an appointment today to see one of our board-certified physicians online.
For over a decade, Delawareans have had access to medical cannabis cards through the Delaware Medical Marijuana Act (2011). But do you know how to get yours?
If you’re suffering from a medical condition that can be alleviated by medical cannabis, you’re probably here to learn where to get a medical cannabis card in Delaware. And that’s why My Virtual Physician is here to share how it’s done.
This document lays out the steps for how to get your medical cannabis card as a Delaware resident.
Before we jump into the details of getting your medical cannabis card, first—let’s talk about what’s legal and what’s not at the state level.
Marijuana is only available and legal for Delawareans who have a valid medical cannabis card issued by the Office of Medical Marijuana (OMM). With a medical marijuana ID card, you may purchase a limited amount of cannabis from a state-licensed dispensary. Growing at home is not permitted.
Adult use, or recreational marijuana, is not legal. That means that if you want to use marijuana for medical symptom relief in your private home, you’ll need to follow the process laid out below in order to get legal approval.
Before starting the process to get your medical cannabis card, you’ll want to verify that you have a qualifying medical condition. The following debilitating medical conditions qualify in Delaware:
If your condition isn’t listed above, keep in mind that citizens can petition for additional debilitating medical conditions to be added to the list above.
If your medical condition is already on the approved list of qualifying medical symptoms, continue reading below to learn the next steps to get your card for medical cannabis in Delaware.
The process to get a medical card for cannabis is simple. Here’s an overview of the process to get started.
Seeing your doctor is the first step to getting your medical cannabis card in Delaware. Before you schedule your appointment, though—we recommend that you begin the portal registration process with the OMM division of the Delaware Health and Social Services.
Start here before your doctor’s appointment to register and get the physician certification form.
During your consultation visit, your doctor will complete his or her portion of the physician certification form (you will need to provide this form to the doctor). This certifies the physician’s recommendation of medical marijuana as a treatment for your medical condition, but ultimately it’s up to the state to approve or deny your application.
Delaware may require an in-person doctor’s visit with your bona fide doctor for this certification.
After your appointment, you’ll leave with the signed certification form that you’ll need to submit with your medical cannabis card application. You’ll need to complete the application process within 90 days.
With your signed physician’s certification, you can finish uploading documents and submit your application online with the Delaware Medical Marijuana Program portal. Alternatively, you can print a paper application to mail in. The state has 45 days to respond to your application.
New participants can access the portal here to begin the process. When you’re ready to renew your card, you can access the portal here.
Paying for your medical cannabis card is a two-step process. First, you’ll need to pay your doctor for the consultation required for physician certification. This payment is made directly to your provider. My Virtual Physician charges $115 for this type of appointment.
The second step to pay for your medical cannabis card is paying the registration fees to the state when you submit your application. The current fee for Delawareans is $50 ($25 for qualifying low income patients). That puts your total cost at around $165 per year since your medical cannabis ID card is only valid for one year in Delaware.
If you’re ready to get your medical cannabis card in the Diamond State, My Virtual Physician can help. First, you’ll need to establish a bona fide patient-doctor relationship. Then, we can begin the process to get your medical cannabis card.
Get Your Medical Cannabis Card Now
With much of the United States legalizing the use of marijuana for medical use, Iowans may be wondering where the state stands in the debate. If you’re a Hawkeye looking for where to get a medical cannabis card in Iowa, we’ll cover what you need to know, including:
In this resource, My Virtual Physician lays out all the details around medical cannabis cards and answers the question: “Where can I get a medical cannabis card?”
Just over five years ago, Iowa passed the Medical Cannabidiol Act (2017). This provided a pathway for Iowans to get relief from medical symptoms by using certain approved products that contain CBD and THC. However, it did not fully legalize marijuana for cardholders.
Iowa’s medical cannabis law differs from most states because it only provides access to medical cannabidiol products. What is medical cannabidiol, you ask? Medical cannabidiol is a pharmaceutical-grade product derived from the cannabis plant. See the list of approved cannabidiol products in the next section.
This act gives patients who possess a medical cannabis card the ability to purchase a range of cannabidiol products at state-licensed dispensaries, such as:
Medical marijuana is not legal in its natural plant form in Iowa. That means that cardholders may not possess cannabis in leaf, flower, or any smokable marijuana. Edibles are also not legal in Iowa. Only the forms listed in the previous section are legal and available from Iowan dispensaries for those who have a medical card for cannabis.
If you’re a citizen of Iowa and want to know if you qualify for a medical cannabis card, you can verify your eligibility by reviewing the list of qualifying conditions below. The Medical Cannabidiol Act lists the following debilitating medical conditions:
If you suffer from any of the conditions or symptoms above, your condition qualifies. Next, we’ll cover the steps to get your card for medical cannabis in Iowa.
The Office of Medical Cannabidiol (OMC), part of the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, manages the issuance of medical cannabis cards in Iowa. To obtain your Iowa medical cannabis card, you’ll need to complete three steps.
Before starting the application process, the first step to getting your medical cannabis card in Iowa, is a consultation with your doctor.
In Iowa, your regular doctor must complete a physician certification form to document medical necessity and recommendation of medical cannabis for your particular health condition.
My Virtual Physician has primary care physicians that you can get established with in order to develop a patient-doctor relationship. Once established, our physicians can help with your medical cannabis consultation and certification for Iowa.
To begin the process, if you’re already a patient—meet with one of our doctors to get your card now. Otherwise, reach out to us for your first visit to establish a patient-provider relationship.
Once you’ve completed the consultation process with My Virtual Physician, one of our Iowa-licensed physicians will complete the Healthcare Practitioner Certification Form and you can move on to step #2. Important: your physician certification form is valid for only 60 days once signed, so be sure to submit your application within that time period.
Once you have your Healthcare Practitioner Certification form in hand, signed by your doctor—you can begin the application process to get your medical cannabis card from the Iowa OMC. Here is a list of documents you’ll need to complete the application process:
When you’ve got these items in hand, apply here to start your medical cannabis card application online with the state’s secure portal. Applications can also be submitted by mail.
Paying for your medical cannabis card is a two-step process.
My Virtual Physician charges $115 for medical cannabis consultation visits and the current application fee in Iowa is $100 (or a $25 reduced fee if you participate in Medicaid or disability).
Since cards are valid for one year, that puts your total cost for a medical cannabis card in Iowa at $215 per year.
If you’re ready to take the first step to get your medical cannabis card in Iowa, start with My Virtual Physician. Get established with our doctors to manage your chronic pain or other medical concerns and set up your physician consultation with My Virtual Physician to get relief today.
Oklahoma is the place to be!
If you’ve already figured that out and call Oklahoma home, you can add another sweetener to the list of reasons that Oklahoma really is the place to be. In 2018, Oklahoma created a pathway for patients to legally purchase, grow, and use marijuana for personal medical purposes.
If you’re an Okie looking for how to get a medical cannabis card in the Sooner State, you’re in the right place. In this guide, My Virtual Physician will lay out the steps you can take to apply for your medical marijuana adult patient license in Oklahoma.
Cannabis has become increasingly recognized for its pain-relieving, muscle-relaxing, and other therapeutic health benefits. While Oklahoma does not have a specific list of medical conditions that warrant medical cannabis approval, we can share common qualifying conditions from other states to give you an idea of what ailments your doctor may certify as appropriate for medical cannabis treatment.
Here is a list of common medical conditions that are accepted by most doctors for medical marijuana recommendation:
The above list is not exhaustive, and if you think your symptoms would benefit from medical cannabis but are not on the list above, Oklahoma has left the door open for your doctor to have the flexibility to determine appropriate recommendations.
Continue reading to learn what steps you need to take to get your cannabis medical card in Oklahoma. This guide covers how to get a medical cannabis card if you are 18 years or older and living in OK.
To get your medical cannabis card in Oklahoma, you’ll need three things:
Before you can get your medical cannabis card application started, you’ll need to schedule a visit with your doctor. During your appointment with your bona fide physician, you’ll need to request that your doctor fills out and signs the physician portion of the Office of Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) form.
During your visit, your doctor will confirm your identity, assess your medical need for cannabis, and complete the physician portion of the physician recommendation form.
My Virtual Physician is able to establish a patient-physician relationship between you and one of our Oklahoma-licensed doctors. Once this is established, you can request a physician certification from us to get your medical marijuana patient license. To get started, fill out our online application to get your card.
After your visit, you’ll have the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) approved form. Within 30 days of your visit, you’ll need to submit your medical cannabis card application to the state of Oklahoma for review and processing. We’ll cover that in step #2.
With your physician recommendation form in hand, your next move is to initiate the application process with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA). Before opening a new application, review this application checklist to make sure you’ve got all required documents.
When ready, apply online on the government website through the portal. Detailed instructions are provided in the application demo videos at the bottom of the page. Here, you’ll be able to start a new application and upload your documents, including:
You’ll also be able to make your state registration payment for your card inside the portal and check the status of your application once it has been submitted.
There are two separate payments required to complete the medical cannabis card application process. First, you’ll need to pay your doctor for his or her consultation services. My Virtual Physician currently charges $115 for this type of appointment.
The second payment goes to the state with your online application. Oklahoma currently charges $100 plus $4.30 card processing fees. Reduced fees ($20) are available to those who are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or SoonerCare.
So, the total cost of getting a medical cannabis card in Oklahoma can be under $220.
Your cannabis card is valid for up to two years and must be renewed, along with an updated physician recommendation form.
Take charge of your medical choices and start feeling better. When you’re ready, get your Oklahoma medical cannabis card with the help of My Virtual Physician. Set up your physician consultation with My Virtual Physician today to get started.
Get Your Medical Cannabis Card Now
Marijuana laws are constantly changing. If you’ve been keeping up, you may have noticed that Missouri legalized recreational marijuana this year (2023)—a move that’s a step ahead of the majority of surrounding states. Find out what that means if you live nearby Missouri and are looking for where to get a medical cannabis card to manage an illness.
Below, we show the state of the nation when it comes to where you can get a medical cannabis card, and where in the midwest you can purchase it over the counter without a medical card for cannabis.
With the new law that went into effect this year, residents in surrounding states like Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas—have begun visiting Missouri to purchase marijuana with their government-issued ID under the new adult-use provision.
But looking at the map again, patients who desire to use marijuana to treat certain medical conditions don’t necessarily need to drive out of state to get cannabis. Four of the states surrounding Missouri have already legalized medical marijuana for certain conditions.
Let’s take a look - state by state. These states have provided a pathway for patients to get medical marijuana in their own state. And it might be easier than you think to qualify and get your card.
Missouri legalized recreational cannabis this year. But there are still many advantages to getting your medical cannabis card in Missouri, including protections, possession limit increases, tax savings, and more. Read more about how to get a medical cannabis card in Missouri.
In Oklahoma, residents can get a medical cannabis card through the state. Since recreational use is illegal here, obtaining a medical marijuana card is the safest route for patients to get the treatment they desire. If you are a resident of Oklahoma, My Virtual Physician can help you get your card if you have a qualifying medical condition. Start by talking with one of our doctors..
Arkansas residents may apply for the state’s medical cannabis program to qualify for medical marijuana use to treat certain health symptoms. Adult use, or recreational cannabis, is illegal in the Natural State. Read more about how to get a medical cannabis card in Arkansas.
At this time, the four states that surround Missouri do not have a pathway for patients to obtain medical cannabis. However, the governor of Kentucky recently signed an executive order to pardon Kentuckians from possession violations under certain conditions. Read more about the Kentucky marijuana pardon.
There is a route for Iowans to get a medical cannabis card from the state’s Office of Medical Cannabidiol. If you need help getting your cannabis medical card as an Iowa resident with a qualifying debilitating medical condition, My Virtual Physician can help. Start today by scheduling a consultation with one of our doctors..
Illinois has multiple routes for patients to obtain medical marijuana. Both adult use and recreational use are currently legal in the Land of Lincoln. Still, getting your medical cannabis card has advantages and protections that recreational use does not offer. Read more about how to get a medical cannabis card in Illinois.
So, if you’re living in the midwest but don’t want to drive all the way to Missouri to purchase heavily taxed adult use marijuana, you have options.
If you need help finding out where to get a medical cannabis card in your state, My Virtual Physician is here. Where legally allowed, our virtual doctors can provide physician certification for medical marijuana so that you can have a medical cannabis card in your hands sooner than you thought possible.
Along with helping you get your medical marijuana card in your state, My Virtual Physician has multiple specialists on staff to help you manage your medical conditions from the comfort of your own home. Schedule an appointment today to see one of our virtual doctors and get well.
Arkansas now offers patients to get their renewal of their medical cannabis card via telehealth visit, however, if you are receiving your medical cannabis card for the first time, it is required to do an in-person visit.
If you’re looking for where to get your medical cannabis card in Arkansas, you should know that there isn’t such a thing. But there has been some movement in that direction.
The Natural State legalized medical cannabis in 2016 with the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act, which amended the state’s constitution. Since adult-use is otherwise illegal in Arkansas, this provided a pathway for patients to qualify for medical cannabis cards.
In this guide, My Virtual Physician walks you through step-by-step how to get your medical cannabis card as an Arkansas resident.
In order to qualify, you must have one of the qualifying medical conditions provided in the law. Check the list of debilitating medical conditions below to see if you qualify to get a medical card for cannabis in Arkansas:
If you’re an Arkansas resident looking for medical marijuana to deal with any of the above conditions, you can proceed with the next step to get your medical cannabis card.
Once you’ve confirmed that your medical condition qualifies, you can begin the three-step process to get your card. This process requires only three items:
Before filling out your Medical Marijuana ID card application with the Arkansas Department of Health, the first step is to see your doctor.
Your doctor must be an Arkansas-licensed physician registered with the DEA. My Virtual Physician is staffed with virtual doctors who are licensed in states throughout the US and can serve patients online or through telemedicine where legally applicable.
The purpose of this visit is for the doctor to certify your medical condition and verify that it is on the list of qualifying conditions.
After your visit, your doctor will complete a state-specific form that certifies his or her recommendation for medical marijuana as an applicable treatment for your medical condition. This form is called the ADH Medical Marijuana Physician’s Written Certification.
Within 30 days of getting your physician certification, you’ll need to apply for your Arkansas Medical Marijuana ID card with the Arkansas Department of Health. You can apply online or by mail. You’ll upload a photo of your physician certification during the application process, along with proof of residency.
State processing takes up to 14 days, and you’ll be able to print your card once approved while you wait for the physical card to be mailed.
During the application process, you’ll be prompted to pay a $50 registry ID card application fee to ADH. Your card will be good for up to one year. There is a separate charge for the physician consultation visit that is required to get your physician certification form. My Virtual Physician currently charges $115 for this consultation service.
That puts your total cost for a medical cannabis card at $165 per year if you choose My Virtual Physician to complete your physician certification (fees are paid separately to the state and your healthcare provider).
Now that you know how to get your medical cannabis card in Arkansas, if you're ready to renew your certification, set up your medical marijuana consultation with My Virtual Physician to renew your medical cannabis card.
Get Your Medical Cannabis Card Now
If you’re looking for where to get your medical cannabis card in Kentucky, you should know that there isn’t such a thing. But there has been some movement in that direction.
With so many states legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational use, where does Kentucky currently stand? Currently, the Hemp State has not legalized cannabis. While there have been multiple attempts to pass legislation to allow medical marijuana in KY, it seems to fail every time.
Maybe you’ve heard that an executive order signed by Governor Beshear in 2022 (E.O. 2022-798) legalized medical marijuana for Kentuckians starting on January 1, 2023. While he did sign an executive order related to cannabis—you need to know that it does NOT legalize marijuana for medical use in Kentucky.
No, marijuana is not legal in Kentucky. It is still illegal to possess, use, grow, buy, or sell marijuana in Kentucky. There is not currently a medical marijuana program. The commonwealth does not take applications for medical marijuana cards. In fact, there is no such thing as KY medical cannabis cards, so don’t get scammed into believing that you’re paying for a legitimate card online!
So, if cannabis medical cards are not a thing and marijuana is still illegal in Kentucky, then what’s this executive order all about? Read on to find out.
Governor Beshear’s Executive Order 2022-798 allows a conditional preemptive pardon for possession for patients who meet certain criteria in Kentucky. Rather than legalizing marijuana or providing a way to access it, the executive order cancels legal consequences for certain Kentuckians who legally purchase cannabis from other states outside of Kentucky. It went into effect at the beginning of this year (2023).
The governor’s executive order is a temporary solution and he is still pushing forward with measures to encourage legislative adoption to legalize medical cannabis. Part of this endeavor included the creation of Team Kentucky Cannabis Advisory Committee, a panel made up of experts in healthcare, substance abuse, law enforcement, criminal justice, and advocates.
The executive order lays out specific conditions that must be met in order to receive the Governor’s pardon.
This includes the following rules:
If you meet these criteria, the pardon applies to criminal offenses of possession of marijuana under KRS 218A.1422, which currently lists possession as a Class B misdemeanor.
Although there is no such thing as a Kentucky medical marijuana card, the governor’s executive order does require that qualifying patients have a physician certification written document in order to meet the pardon requirements for possessing cannabis.
This document is written and signed by your Kentucky-licensed doctor, with whom you have a bona fide physician-patient relationship. The certification statement must include basic information, such as:
While you don’t need a special doctor to issue this statement, there may be reasons you’re seeking a physician certification online. My Virtual Physician can help. We are physician-founded and our doctors are proud to offer specialist visits for our patients, whether you need help managing your chronic condition or are simply looking for the physician certification.
In the event that you’re looking to establish a bona fide relationship with our doctors in order to get your physician certification for medical marijuana in Kentucky, please reach out to us so we can help get you the documents you need. Fill out an intake form Today!.*
*Note: Kentucky requires an established bona fide patient-relationship which may require multiple online visits to obtain physician certification for your condition.
The Garden State recently expanded the legal use of marijuana. In 2021, the CREAMM Act* planted the seed for adult residents and visitors over 21 to purchase recreational cannabis. But medical use has been allowed for certain New Jerseyans for over a decade (since 2010).
Even with the new law in effect, there are still many benefits to becoming a medical marijuana cardholder in New Jersey. We’ll explain those advantages below. Or, if you already know you’re looking for where to get a medical cannabis card in NJ—we’ll cover that, too.
In this guide, My Virtual Physician lays out the steps to get your medical cannabis card as a New Jersey resident.
With two modes to choose from to get your marijuana, why would you pick the medical route when you can simply walk up to the counter and purchase adult-use marijuana?
We can think of a few reasons, including:
Check out more differences between medical cannabis and recreational use in New Jersey in the table below.
| Medical Marijuana Cardholder | Recreational Use (Adult Use) | |
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Clearly, it can be advantageous to pursue medical marijuana patient status. Plus, if you’re using marijuana to treat symptoms of an underlying illness, you’ll want the medical knowledge, guidance, and support of your doctor to help monitor your condition and treatment.
Not everyone will qualify for a medical cannabis card in NJ. There are only specific medical conditions approved for using marijuana to manage symptoms. Before you apply, check the list to make sure you have a qualifying medical condition, such as:
Do you have one of the above debilitating medical conditions that you would like to treat with medical marijuana? If so, you are one step closer to getting your medical cannabis card in New Jersey.
Before you apply with the state of New Jersey, there are some things to know about how to get your medical cannabis card. First, you’ll need a bona fide relationship with your doctor authorizing the use of marijuana as a treatment for your diagnosis.
In New Jersey, that means that you need one of the following from the doctor who signs on the dotted line to get your card:
My Virtual Physician is an affordable online healthcare provider who can help you manage your debilitating medical condition and we’d be happy to establish a bona fide relationship with you to assist in getting your card. If you’d like to begin establishing this relationship today, click below to start.
Once you’ve met one of the above criteria with your doctor, the rest of the process to get a medical cannabis card in New Jersey is simple and requires only three steps.
A doctor’s evaluation is required in order to qualify for medical cannabis in New Jersey. During your visit, your healthcare provider will determine whether your medical condition meets the criteria in the law and whether medical cannabis is a good treatment option.
After your visit with your bona fide doctor, your provider will submit your physician certification to the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program (NJMCP). This must be done before you apply for registration with the state.
If you’ve already established a bona fide relationship with our doctors and would like to start the process of getting your medical cannabis card, simply fill out our online intake form here to get your card now.
After you’ve been established with your doctor and he has completed your certification, it’s your turn to submit your information to the Medicinal Cannabis Program. To do this, you’ll need to set up an online account through the patient portal. Here, you can do the following:
My Virtual Physician (or another bona fide doctor of your choosing) will provide a reference number and registry ID number that you’ll need to begin the registration process.
The cost of getting a cannabis medical card in New Jersey varies greatly, depending on the provider you choose to establish your bona fide relationship with. My virtual Physician’s standard charge for medical marijuana consultations is $115.
Since New Jersey may require up to four visits to establish that relationship, the cost of your medical visits will likely increase. Review our current pricing for standard visits to determine your up-front physician costs for these additional appointments.
The state of New Jersey also charges for its registration services. When you register online with the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program, you’ll be prompted to make your payment in the state portal. The current fees are $50 per applicant, and your card will be good for two years.
Discounts are available for residents who meet one of the following, reducing fees to $20 per application:
That puts your total cost for a NJ medical cannabis card at between $165 to $315 for a two-year period, depending on your situation.
Start the process to get your medical card for cannabis in New Jersey by setting up your first visit with My Virtual Physician to establish a bona fide patient-doctor relationship. If you’ve already got that, fill out our intake form to complete your final physician consultation today.
*Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act
Get Your Medical Cannabis Card Now
The Empire State is open for business with the new marijuana laws passed in 2021, easing the burden on patients and adult recreational cannabis connoisseurs. If you’re looking for where to get a medical cannabis card in New York state, My Virtual Physician can help.
In this guide, we walk you through the steps to get your cannabis medical card online as a New Yorker.
New York has been in the game for a while now, having legalized medical marijuana nearly a decade ago, back in 2014. But they recently stepped up the game in 2021 by leveling the playing field with the legalization of adult-use cannabis. So, what’s the difference?
For one, medical cannabis requires a registration process. While this can be seen as a burden, it can pay off since it provides additional legal protections, reduced excise taxes, and cultivation allowances for patients who use marijuana for medical purposes.
Below, we lay out the major differences between having that medical marijuana cardholder status versus recreational use in New York state.
| Medical Marijuana Cardholder | Recreational Use (Adult Use) | |
| Legal Protections |
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| Quantity Allowed in Possession |
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| Home Cultivation |
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| Price and Taxes |
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| Age Requirement |
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As you can see in the chart above, there are a lot of reasons patients choose to get a medical cannabis card in New York.
To obtain a New York Registry ID Card for medical cannabis, you must have a medical condition that qualifies, or that your doctor gives the green light for the use of cannabis as symptom relief.
Check the list below to verify that your condition meets this New York medical cannabis card requirement:
In New York state, the healthcare provider has the discretion to allow any other condition, even if not explicitly listed above, to qualify.
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, you’re ready to begin the process of getting a medical card for cannabis in New York. The steps are covered next.
We’ll break the process down into three simple steps to get your medical marijuana card in NY.
The first step to obtaining a medical cannabis card in New York is to see your doctor. From there, your doctor will initiate the process with the state by submitting physician certification documentation through the online portal. Remember, in New York, your doctor can approve medical marijuana for some circumstances that are not on the default list of qualifying conditions.
At My Virtual Physician, we have board-certified doctors who are licensed to practice in New York (and must take a special course on prescribing cannabis as required by the state). That means we can provide the necessary certification after a consultation visit if our doctors deem medical marijuana as a treatment for your condition.
To get started, fill out our online application to get your card now. Our doctors will reach out to you to complete the appointment and notify you when you can begin step #2 in the process of getting your medical cannabis card in New York.
After your appointment, the next step to get your medical marijuana card is to register online with New York’s Medical Cannabis Data Management System (MCDMS). Here are instructions for setting up your new account or using your existing personal MY.NY.gov account to register for your card.
Lastly, we’ll cover the costs. Recently, New York began waiving the registration fees to get your medical marijuana Registry ID Card (it used to cost $50). That means the only cost to get your NY medical cannabis card is for the consultation with your doctor.
My Virtual Physician charges $115 for this type of consultation visit. Once your card expires, you’ll need a new physician certification. That means your annual cost to maintain a NY medical marijuana card can be as low as $115 per year.
If you’re ready to get relief from pain or another debilitating medical condition, but don’t know where to get a medical cannabis card in New York, My Virtual Physician can help. Start today: fill out our intake form to get your physician certification on file.
