Frequently Asked Questions
Q. WHAT MEDICAL CONDITIONS QUALIFY ME AS A PATIENT?
A. Proposition 215, The Compassionate Use Act of 199, HS 11362.5 lists specific health conditions that can be treated with medicinal marijuana. These include, but are not limited to: chronic pain of any kind, cancer, HIV/AIDS, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, MS, glaucoma, insomnia, menstrual disorders, migraine, ADD/ADHD, and any medical condition that the doctor agrees would benefit from the use of medicinal marijuana.
Q. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT?
A. Both new and returning patients must bring a valid California driver’s license, I.D. card, or Passport, and current medical documentation of your diagnosis to your appointment, as specified by The Medical Board of California. Acceptable medical records are under 12 months old and can be any of the following:
- Chart notes stating your diagnosis, treatment, and how long you’ve had the problem
- X-ray/MRI/CSCAN reports. Please do not bring films.
- Letter from your current doctor stating the nature of your illness, how long you’ve had it, and how it’s being treated.
* The reason you are requesting your records is your business. You never have to state the reason. Obtaining a copy of your medical records is your right, by law. We accept records via fax or mail, but we prefer that you bring them to your appointment. If records are being mailed, please have them sent to you, so you can monitor when they arrive, and bring them to your appointment.
Q. HOW DO I GET A COPY OF MY MEDICAL RECORDS?
A. Call your physician’s or chiropractor’s office and inform them that you are requesting a copy of your medical records that state your diagnosis. They will inform you of the steps you need to follow. In most cases, your written authorization is required to release your medical records. If you cannot visit your doctor’s office in person, request their fax number and fax them your written authorization. Download a release of medical records form.
Q. WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE ANY MEDICAL RECORDS?
A. Please make an appointment with a California licensed medical practitioner who can diagnose your condition. List of local resources.
Q. I'M A RETURNING PATIENT. WHY DO I NEED TO BRING CURRENT MEDICAL RECORDS EVERY YEAR?
A. In keeping with the strict guidelines for medical marijuana physicians, The Medical Board of California mandates that recommending physicians who are not the patients primary treating physician, must have proper, recent documentation of the patients "underlying diagnosis, and prior treatment history" at the time of their visit. Therefore, all returning patients, with few exceptions, are required to bring medical documentation of their diagnoses to their appointments.