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Q: Is there a minimum age requirement for medical marijuana?
A: YES! You must be 18+ to be eligible.
Q: Why should I use MCC for my medical marijuana evaluation?
A: Our doctors are board certified physicians whose evaluations and recommendations adhere to the Medical Board’s strict guidelines. Non-compliance by a physician may jeopardize the validity of your recommendation and your confidentiality.
Q: What is MCC’s goal for me?
A: It is the objective of MCC to provide our patients and prospective patients with compassionate, understanding, and knowledgeable care. We know that it is often difficult for many patients to discuss alternative therapy or medicines, including cannabis therapy, with their physician.
Q: For What Conditions has Medical Marijuana / Cannabis Therapy shown to be of benefit?
A: Cannabis Therapy has shown to be an effective adjunctive therapy for a variety of disorders and conditions, including chronic pain, multiple sclerosis (MS), arthritis, anorexia, insomnia, sports injuries, AIDS/HIV, chronic nausea, migraines, and glaucoma. In addition, Medical Marijuana has helped cancer patients deal with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Q: Where does the evaluation take place?
A: We offer confidential examinations and evaluations in the privacy of a comfortable medical office. We are located in the San Gabriel Valley off the 60 freeway on Whittier Blvd (between the Garfield Ave and Montebello Blvd exits).
Q: Will I have to wait a long time to see the doctor like at many other clinics?
A: No! We are not a clinic, but a private medical practice. We allow for ample doctor-patient time. Unlike many other offices, we do not book several patients at the same time. We do ask that you arrive for your appointment 10 minutes early to check in and fill out the medical forms.
Q: What happens during an evaluation?
A: The doctor will evaluate your situation by using the medical information forms that you have filled out in our office and all medical records that you have provided. The doctor will discuss your past medical history and your current medical condition. He/she will then perform a physical examination, and if appropriate, will help develop a cannabis therapy treatment plan that will work in conjunction with your current medical treatment. During the evaluation the doctor will also discuss the potential side effects of cannabis therapy.
Q: What is included in the cost of an office visit?
A: Our fee is all-inclusive and includes a physical exam and evaluation along with a recommendation letter. There are no extra or hidden fees, and there is no fee at all should you not qualify for a cannabis therapy recommendation.
Q: What if I don’t qualify for use of medical marijuana?
A: Should a patient not qualify for a recommendation there is no fee for the evaluation.
Q: What if I do qualify and become eligible to become a Prop 215 medical marijuana patient?
A: The doctor will issue a written recommendation for the medical use of cannabis. You are then legally entitled to possess, grow, transport, and consume cannabis as your medicine as prescribed by California state law.
Q: What is Proposition 215?
A: Proposition 215 (HS 11362.5) was passed in 1996 by a 56% majority of California voters in November 1996. Section 11362.5 of the California Health and Safety Code shall be known and may be cited as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996.
Prop215 allows California residents to use cannabis as medicine with a doctor's recommendation and states the following…
The people of the State of California hereby find and declare that the purposes of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 are as follows: (A) To ensure that seriously ill Californians have the right to obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes where that medical use is deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician who has determined that the persons health would benefit from the use of marijuana in the treatment of cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief. SB 420 is a compromise that considered much input from patients and reformers. It clears up certain implementation issues surrounding Prop 215 (HS11362.5) and formulates a voluntary system to protect patients from arrest. It sets biased and unrealistic standards as the default baseline for protection, but also empowers localities to adopt scientific local medical marijuana guidelines.
For more information on Prop 215 and SB 420 please visit: www.safeaccessnow.net.
Q: Once I qualify to use marijuana for medical purposes, where can I get information on how to obtain it and methods of using it?
A: After meeting with the doctor, you will be able to meet with a knowledgeable staff member who will answer any of your non-medical questions regarding cannabis therapy. You will be given information on how to obtain marijuana for medical use, as well as information on the safest methods of introducing medical cannabis into your system.
Q: What do I need to bring to the evaluation?
A: Yourself, of course, and your primary caregiver if that person is to help obtain medical marijuana for you in times of necessity. You will also need your California driver’s license or California photo ID card. It would be beneficial for you and the doctor to bring recent x-rays or reports, recent prescriptions or recent medical records confirming your diagnosis.
Q: What if I suffer from depression or anxiety? Will I be eligible for a recommendation?
A: If a patient suffers from acute anxiety or acute depression they will need to provide documentation, at the time of their appointment, from their treating psychiatrist, physician, or psychologist. This is a mandatory requirement. Please contact our office if you have any questions regarding this issue.
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