Debbie Renewing your medical marijuana card is an important step for a registered medical cannabis patient. You should start this process a few weeks before your card expires to guarantee that you have enough time to get your renewal approved by state authorities.
Your renewal evaluation can be done with the doctor you used for your initial evaluation. You can also use a new clinic, but do proper research and look for certifications and HIPAA compliance.
Connect with a Doctor
You must renew your San Antonio medical marijuana card at least once yearly to maintain your participation in the program. You will need to see a doctor for an evaluation appointment to do this. You don’t have to see the same doctor who issued your initial patient certification, but it is recommended that you choose a physician who is registered with the state.
You must provide your physician with an updated medical history during the evaluation appointment. Your physician will review this information and determine if you have a qualifying condition for which medical marijuana can be used.
You must also show your current ID to the physician to complete the process. Depending on the state in which you live, you can do this in person or remotely via telemedicine.
Apply for a Renewal
Medical marijuana patients must renew their state certification yearly. To do so, they need to have a new medical marijuana evaluation conducted by their doctor. This evaluation doesn’t differ from the initial medical marijuana assessment in any significant way. Still, it does provide a chance for your doctor to take another close look at your health and how the treatment is helping you.
During your renewal appointment, your physician will likely review any medication you are taking or planning to take as part of your medical marijuana treatment plan. They will also examine the effectiveness of your treatment and may want to make any adjustments in dosage, timing, or method of administration.
File the Paperwork
A medical marijuana card can access a wide range of cannabis products. This can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. It’s important to keep your medical marijuana card active to continue to enjoy this plant-based medicine’s benefits.
The best way to do this is to apply for a renewal before your current card expires. You can do this by connecting with a doctor through a virtual clinic. Telehealth doctors can discuss your health needs from 8 AM to 10 PM daily.
Your medical marijuana practitioner will complete a patient certification, which they’ll then upload to the state database for approval. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a copy of your state-issued certification within 48 hours.
Once you have your state-issued certification, you can bring it to a registered medical marijuana dispensary to purchase your cannabis products. Be sure always to carry your certification and ID to avoid a lapse in coverage. You could face fines if you’re caught purchasing cannabis with an expired medical marijuana card.
Pay the Fees
Once your 420 doctors have approved you for the renewal, it’s time to pay the state fees. Depending on your state, these can be quite high, but they’re worth it in the long run when it comes to managing your health with cannabis. Once you make the switch, it’s hard to revert to OTC and prescription medications.
You’ll receive a notification 60 days before your patient certification or ID card expires, letting you know it’s time to visit your medical marijuana doctor for an evaluation appointment. You can visit any registered doctor if you have yet to see the same physician for your recertification.
Caregivers must pay a fee when their registry card is renewed, but if you can prove financial hardship, this fee may be waived. Once you’ve paid the fees, you should get your renewal in the mail within a few weeks. Be sure to keep your ID safe, as you won’t be able to purchase or possess marijuana if it’s expired legally.
Get Your Card
Getting your medical marijuana card renewed is much simpler than initially applying for one. In most states, you must make a consultation appointment with your physician over telemedicine. Your doctor will likely ask if there have been any changes to your health since your initial evaluation and will review your medical records to determine if you should be granted a renewal.
Once your doctor approves you, you must submit the state fee and wait for your card to arrive. Depending on where you live, this can take between 30-60 days. In the meantime, you can continue to use your existing card to purchase medical marijuana at a licensed dispensary.
Ultimately, the specifics of how to get a medical marijuana card will vary from state to state, but they all tend to follow a similar pattern.
