Medical Marijuana Practitioners

Publish on Jan, 2023

Updated on Jan 15th, 2023 at 10:01 pm

Medical Marijuana Practitioners

Are you considering medical marijuana as a treatment option?

In New York, people with a wide range of illnesses are turning more and more to medical marijuana as a treatment option.

The Compassionate Care Act, which was passed in 2014, says that medical marijuana can be used to treat things like cancer, PTSD, and long-term pain.

Even though medical marijuana has been legalized, the law has been slow to be put into place, and there is still not much medical marijuana available.

Patients must first talk to a medical marijuana practitioner before they can get medical marijuana.

These doctors, who must be registered with the state, are in charge of deciding if a patient is eligible for medical marijuana, recommending specific strains and doses, and keeping track of the patient’s progress.

Patients can find it hard to figure out how to get medical marijuana cards in New York, where the rules are complicated and always changing.

This is why it is important to know the qualifications, roles, and responsibilities of medical marijuana practitioners in the state, as well as how to find and choose a practitioner and what to expect during a consultation.

This article is meant to be a resource for people who want to use medical marijuana in New York and to help them make decisions about their health care that are based on accurate information.

 

Qualifications And Certifications For Medical Marijuana Practitioners In New York

In order to ensure that patients receive safe and effective medical marijuana treatment, New York has established specific qualifications and certifications that medical marijuana practitioners must meet.

These qualifications and certifications are meant to make sure that practitioners have the knowledge and skills to properly check if a patient is eligible for medical marijuana, recommend the right strains and doses, and keep track of the patient’s progress. 

We will talk about the qualifications and certifications that medical marijuana practitioners in New York must have.

This includes the types of doctors who can recommend medical marijuana, the registration process, and the requirements for continuing education.

Requirements To Become A practitioner

To become a medical marijuana practitioner in New York, healthcare professionals must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be a licensed healthcare professional, such as a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
  2. Register with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program. This includes a background check, fingerprinting, and submission of proof of licensure.
  3. Complete a 4-hour course on the use of medical marijuana, offered by the New York State Department of Health.
  4. Complete 2 hours of continuing education on medical marijuana every three years.
  5. Hold a valid, unrestricted license to practice medicine or nursing in New York.
  6. Be in good standing with the state’s medical board and have no history of disciplinary actions.
  7. Be aware that the practitioner can only recommend the use of medical marijuana and not prescribe it as marijuana is still illegal under Federal law and it is not recognized as a medicine by FDA.

The healthcare professionals who wish to become medical marijuana practitioners in New York must be willing to navigate the complex and ever-evolving landscape of medical marijuana in the state and be willing to follow the guidelines of the program.

Types Of Healthcare Professionals Who Can Recommend Medical Marijuana

Only certain types of healthcare professionals are allowed to recommend medical marijuana to patients. These include:

  1. Physicians: Medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who are licensed to practice medicine in New York and are in good standing with the state’s medical board.
  2. Nurse Practitioners: Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who are licensed to practice nursing in New York and are in good standing with the state’s nursing board.
  3. Physician Assistants: Physician assistants (PAs) who are licensed to practice medicine in New York and are in good standing with the state’s medical board.

The healthcare professionals who wish to recommend medical marijuana in New York must be authorized to practice and have a controlled substance registration that is in good standing.

Medical marijuana can only be recommended by licensed health care professionals who have taken the extra training and signed up with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program.

Continuing Education And Licensing Requirements

In order to keep their registration with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program, people who work with medical marijuana must complete continuing education (CE) on how to use medical marijuana.

The following are the continuing education and licensing requirements for medical marijuana practitioners in New York:

  1. Initial Training: Practitioners must complete a 4-hour course on the use of medical marijuana, offered by the New York State Department of Health. This course covers topics such as the medical use of marijuana, dosing, administration, and potential side effects.
  2. Continuing Education: Practitioners must complete 2 hours of continuing education on medical marijuana every three years. This CE must be completed through a New York State Department of Health-approved provider.
  3. Licensing: Practitioners must hold a valid, unrestricted license to practice medicine or nursing in New York and be in good standing with the state’s medical or nursing board.
  4. Good Standing: Practitioners must be in good standing with the state’s medical or nursing board and have no history of disciplinary actions.
  5. Controlled Substance Registration: Practitioners must have a controlled substance registration that is in good standing with the New York State Department of Health.

Medical marijuana practitioners must also comply with any other laws or regulations set forth by the state of New York and with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program guidelines and regulations. 

If you don’t follow these rules, you could be punished, like having your registration with the program taken away.

Roles And Responsibilities Of Medical Marijuana Practitioners In New York

Medical marijuana practitioners in New York are very important in making sure that people who use medical marijuana get safe and effective care.

They are responsible for assessing patients’ eligibility for medical marijuana, recommending specific strains and dosages, and monitoring patients’ progress.

We will talk about what medical marijuana practitioners do and how they do it. We will also talk about what patients can expect during a consultation and how practitioners take care of them over time.

It will also talk about what doctors do to make sure their patients use medical marijuana in a safe and effective way. 

Understanding what medical marijuana practitioners do and how they do it can help patients make better decisions about their health care and make sure they get the best care possible.

Assessing Patients For Medical Marijuana Eligibility

One of the main jobs of medical marijuana practitioners is to decide if a patient is eligible for medical marijuana. In this process, patients are checked to see if they have a qualifying condition that medical marijuana can treat.

In New York, the following conditions are currently eligible for medical marijuana treatment:

  • Cancer
  • Positive status for HIV or AIDS
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with an objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity
  • Epilepsy
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Neuropathy
  • Huntington’s disease
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Chronic pain
  • Opioid use disorder

During the assessment, the practitioner will take a patient’s medical history, conduct a physical examination, and review any relevant medical records. 

They will also ask patients about their symptoms, any previous treatments they have tried, and their goals for treatment. Based on this information, the practitioner will determine if the patient has a qualifying condition and if medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option.

It’s important to note that not all patients with these conditions will be eligible for medical marijuana treatment. The practitioner will make a clinical decision based on the patient’s condition, symptoms, and medical history.

Practitioners must also follow the rules and guidelines of the New York State Medical Marijuana Program. One of these rules is that the assessment and the patient’s medical history must be written down in the patient’s medical records.

Recommending Specific Strains And Dosages

Once a medical marijuana practitioner has determined that a patient is eligible for medical marijuana treatment, they will then recommend specific strains and dosages of medical marijuana. This is a crucial step in the treatment process, as different strains of marijuana can have different effects on the body and different dosages can produce different results.

When recommending strains and dosages, practitioners will consider the patient’s condition, symptoms, and medical history, as well as any other medications the patient is currently taking. 

Some strains of marijuana are known to work better than others for treating certain conditions. For example, some strains may be more effective for treating pain, while others may be better for treating seizures or muscle spasms.

Practitioners may also think about how medical marijuana will be given to the patient. This is because different forms of medical marijuana, such as oral capsules, sublingual tinctures, vaporization, or topical forms, work at different times and for different lengths of time.

The practitioner will also tell the patient how to use medical marijuana safely and give them advice on the right dose for their condition. They will also monitor the patient’s progress over time and make adjustments to the strain and dosage as needed.

Practitioners will always recommend the lowest effective dosage to minimize potential side effects and risks associated with marijuana use and will also provide the patient with the necessary information and resources to ensure that they are using medical marijuana safely and effectively.

Monitoring Patients’ Progress And Making Adjustments As Needed

Medical marijuana practitioners in New York have to keep an eye on their patient’s progress and make changes as needed. 

This means checking in with patients often to see how well the medical marijuana treatment is working, to see if there are any side effects, and to make any necessary changes to the strain or dosage.

During these follow-up visits, practitioners will ask patients about their symptoms, any changes in their condition, and any side effects they may be experiencing.

They will also look at the patient’s progress notes, lab results, and imaging studies if they are important.

Based on this information, practitioners will then make decisions about whether to continue with the current treatment plan, make adjustments to the strain or dosage, or consider alternative treatment options.

When making changes to treatment plans, practitioners will always put the safety and well-being of the patient first.

They will also let the patient’s main doctor know about any changes and give the patient any resources and education they need to make sure they are using medical marijuana safely and effectively.

In addition to monitoring the patient’s progress and making adjustments, practitioners will also be responsible for ensuring that patient’s medical records are up-to-date with the patient’s medical history, assessment, treatment plan, and progress notes.

Providing Education And Resources

Providing education and resources on the safe and effective use of medical marijuana is an important role for medical marijuana practitioners in New York.

This includes teaching patients how to use, store, and get rid of medical marijuana the right way, as well as telling them about any possible side effects and risks of using it.

Practitioners will also give patients resources and information about the different types of medical marijuana, their possible benefits and risks, and the right doses for different conditions.

Practitioners will also teach their patients about the rules and laws of using medical marijuana in New York. This includes the legal limits on possession and use, as well as any rules about using medical marijuana in public or while driving a car.

It’s important to note that practitioners will also provide patients with information on any potential interactions between medical marijuana and any other medications the patient may be taking.

They will also tell patients how to store and get rid of their medical marijuana in a safe way to avoid accidents or misuse.

Practitioners will not only give patients information and resources, but they will also stay up-to-date on any changes or updates to the laws and rules about medical marijuana in New York, as well as the latest research on how safe and effective it is to use.

Finding And Choosing A Medical Marijuana Practitioner in New York

It can be hard to find and choose a medical marijuana practitioner in New York, especially if you are new to the world of medical marijuana.

With the implementation of the Compassionate Care Act, the number of medical marijuana practitioners has increased, but not all practitioners are created equal.

We’ll talk about how patients in New York can find and choose a medical marijuana practitioner. This includes tips for searching for practitioners in your area, questions to ask before making an appointment, and figuring out how qualified and experienced a practitioner is.

This will help patients make better healthcare decisions and make sure they get the best medical marijuana treatment possible.

How To Search For Practitioners In Your Area

There are several ways for patients to search for medical marijuana practitioners in their area in New York.

Some of the most common methods include:

  1. New York State Medical Marijuana Program website: The New York State Medical Marijuana Program website (https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana_practitioner_list/) has a list of registered practitioners in the state. Patients can search for practitioners by location, specialty, and name.
  2. Google Search: Using google search, patients can find the practitioner in their area by searching for “Medical marijuana practitioner near me” or “MMJ practitioner near me” and they will get a list of practitioners with their reviews and ratings.
  3. Online directories: There are several online directories that list medical marijuana practitioners in New York, such as the Leafly website.
  4. Referral from a primary care physician: Patients can also ask their primary care physician for a referral to a medical marijuana practitioner in their area.
  5. Social media: Patients can also search for medical marijuana practitioners in their area on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

All of the practitioners listed on these websites or in these directories may be registered with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program. Before making an appointment, patients should check with the program to see if the practitioner is registered.

Additionally, patients should also check the practitioner’s qualifications, experience, and licensing status, as well as the reviews from previous patients.

This will help patients make an informed choice and make sure they see a qualified practitioner with a good reputation.

Patients should also think about where the practitioner is, when they are open, and if they are available for follow-up appointments. Patients should also check to see if the practitioner accepts their insurance or if they have any other ways to pay.

Patients can be sure they are getting the best possible medical marijuana treatment if they take the time to do research and find a qualified and trustworthy practitioner.

Questions To Ask Before Making An Appointment

Patients in New York who are looking for a medical marijuana practitioner should ask questions before making an appointment to make sure they find the right one for their needs.

Some questions that patients may want to ask include:

  • Are you a registered medical marijuana practitioner in the New York State Medical Marijuana Program?
  • What are your qualifications and experience in medical marijuana treatment?
  • What conditions do you treat with medical marijuana?
  • How do you evaluate patients for medical marijuana eligibility?
  • What strains and dosages of medical marijuana do you recommend?
  • How do you monitor patients’ progress and make adjustments to treatment plans as needed?
  • How do you provide education and resources to patients on the safe and effective use of medical marijuana?
  • Are you currently accepting new patients?
  • How often are follow-up appointments scheduled?
  • Do you accept insurance?

By asking these questions, patients can get the information they need to make an informed decision about their health care and make sure they are seeing a qualified and trustworthy practitioner.

Additionally, patients may also want to ask about the practitioner’s availability, location, hours of operation, and how they handle communication with the patient’s primary care physician if the patient has one.

Tips For Evaluating A Practitioner’s Qualifications And Experience

When looking at a medical marijuana practitioner’s qualifications and experience, there are a few things that patients can look for to make sure they are seeing a qualified and trustworthy practitioner.

Some tips for evaluating a practitioner’s qualifications and experience include:

  1. Check the practitioner’s registration status with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program: On the New York State Medical Marijuana Program website (https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana_practitioner_list), patients can find out if the practitioner is registered.
  2. Look for practitioners with relevant medical or nursing qualifications: Practitioners who hold relevant medical or nursing qualifications, such as MD, DO, APRN, or PA, are more likely to have the knowledge and expertise needed to provide safe and effective medical marijuana treatment.
  3. Check for relevant experience: Practitioners who have experience treating patients with conditions that can be treated with medical marijuana, such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, or chronic pain, will have a better understanding of how to use medical marijuana to treat these conditions.
  4. Look for practitioners who are actively participating in continuing education: Practitioners who are actively participating in continuing education on medical marijuana will have the most up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the latest research and guidelines in the field.
  5. Read reviews and ask for references: Patients can also read reviews from other patients to get an idea of their experience with the practitioner. They can also ask the practitioner for references and contact them to learn more about their experience.

By considering these tips, patients can be confident that they are seeing a qualified and reputable practitioner who can provide safe and effective medical marijuana treatment.

 

What To Expect During A Medical Marijuana Consultation In New York

A medical marijuana consultation in New York is an important step for patients who are interested in using medical marijuana to treat their condition.

During the consultation, the practitioner will assess the patient’s condition, symptoms, and medical history and determine if medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option.

We will explore what patients can expect during a medical marijuana consultation in New York, including the evaluation process, the information that will be gathered, and what patients can expect in terms of recommendations and follow-up care.

Knowing what to expect during a medical marijuana consultation can help patients get ready for their appointment and make the most of their time with the practitioner.

The Consultation Process And What To Bring

During a medical marijuana consultation in New York, the doctor will look at the patient’s condition, symptoms, and medical history in detail. 

The consultation process typically includes the following steps:

  1. Patient history: The practitioner will ask the patient about their medical history, including any previous treatments, medications, and allergies. They will also ask about the patient’s symptoms, including the duration, severity, and any triggers.
  2. Physical examination: The practitioner will conduct a physical examination, including a vital signs check, to determine the patient’s overall health.
  3. Review of medical records: The practitioner will review any relevant medical records, including lab results, imaging studies, and progress notes.
  4. Evaluation of condition: Based on the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and medical records, the practitioner will determine if the patient has a qualifying condition that can be treated with medical marijuana.
  5. Recommendation: If the practitioner determines that medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option, they will recommend specific strains and dosages of medical marijuana. They will also provide the patient with information on how to safely use medical marijuana and advise them on the appropriate dosage for their condition.

Patients should bring the following items to their medical marijuana consultation:

  1. A valid government-issued ID: Patients will need to present a valid government-issued ID to prove their identity.
  2. Medical records: Patients should bring any relevant medical records, including lab results, imaging studies, and progress notes.
  3. Insurance card: Patients should bring their insurance card if they plan to use their insurance to pay for the consultation.
  4. List of current medications: Patients should bring a list of all medications they are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.

Patients can make sure that the consultation goes well and that they get the best possible medical marijuana treatment by being ready and bringing all the necessary information.

Questions A Practitioner May Ask

During a medical marijuana consultation in New York, doctors will ask a number of questions to learn about the patient’s condition, symptoms, and medical history.

Some questions a practitioner may ask include:

  1. What are your symptoms?
  2. How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?
  3. How severe are your symptoms?
  4. Are there any triggers for your symptoms?
  5. Have you been diagnosed with any medical conditions?
  6. What medications are you currently taking?
  7. Have you tried any other treatments for your condition?
  8. Do you have any allergies or adverse reactions to medications?
  9. Do you have any other medical issues or concerns?
  10. What do you hope to achieve by using medical marijuana?

Practitioners will also ask patients about their medical history, including any previous treatments, surgeries, and illnesses. They will also ask about the patient’s lifestyle, such as their diet, exercise habits, and alcohol and tobacco use.

This information will help the doctor look at the patient’s health as a whole and decide if medical marijuana is a good choice for treatment.

It is important for patients to be honest and open with their practitioner during the consultation. The practitioner will use the information provided to make the best recommendations for the patient’s treatment.

Potential Next Steps And Follow-up Care

After a medical marijuana consultation in New York, there are several potential next steps and follow-up care that patients can expect, depending on the practitioner’s recommendations and the patient’s condition.

Some potential next steps and follow-up care include:

  1. Obtaining a certification: If the practitioner determines that the patient has a qualifying condition and that medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option, the practitioner will provide the patient with a certification. This certification is required for the patient to register with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program and legally obtain medical marijuana.
  2. Registering with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program: Once the patient has obtained a certification, they will need to register with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program. This can be done online or in person at a designated registration center.
  3. Renewal of registration: Patients will need to renew their registration with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program every year, in order to continue to legally use medical marijuana.
  4. Purchasing medical marijuana: Once the patient has registered with the program, they will be able to purchase medical marijuana at a licensed dispensary.
  5. Follow-up appointments: The practitioner may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the patient’s progress, assess any side effects, and make any necessary adjustments to the strain or dosage of medical marijuana.
  6. Monitoring progress and making adjustments: Practitioners will be monitoring the patient’s progress and making adjustments to the treatment plan as needed, based on the patient’s symptoms and response to the treatment.
  7. Provide education and resources: Practitioners will also provide education and resources to patients on the safe and effective use of medical marijuana, including providing information on the different strains of medical marijuana available, their potential benefits and risks, and the appropriate dosages for different conditions. They may also provide information on how to properly store and dispose of medical marijuana to minimize the risks of accidental ingestion or misuse.
  8. Communicating with primary care physician: Practitioners may also communicate with the patient’s primary care physician to ensure continuity of care and to coordinate treatment plans.
  9. Keeping up to date with laws and regulations: Practitioners will also keep themselves informed of any changes or updates in the laws and regulations surrounding medical marijuana in New York, as well as the latest research on the safe and effective use of medical marijuana.

It’s important for patients to understand that the use of medical marijuana is not a one-time event, but rather a continuous process that requires regular follow-up appointments, renewal of registration, and communication with the practitioner.

By following the practitioner’s recommendations and attending follow-up appointments, patients can ensure that they are receiving the best possible medical marijuana treatment and that their symptoms are being effectively managed.

Renewing their registration with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program every year is also a crucial step in order to continue to legally use medical marijuana.

Patients should also be aware of the expiration date of their certification and plan accordingly so that they can renew their registration before it expires.

 

Conclusion

In New York, medical marijuana can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, and medical marijuana practitioners are an important part of helping patients through the process.

To become a medical marijuana practitioner, a doctor or nurse must meet certain requirements and get certain certifications. One of these is registering with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program.

The practitioner’s role includes assessing patients for medical marijuana eligibility, recommending specific strains and dosages, monitoring patients’ progress, and providing education and resources on the safe and effective use of medical marijuana.

When searching for a medical marijuana practitioner in New York, it’s important for patients to ask questions, check the practitioner’s qualifications, and read reviews to make an informed decision.

Patients should also be ready for their consultation by bringing relevant medical records, a valid government-issued ID, and a list of their current medications.

The consultation process includes a thorough evaluation of the patient’s condition, symptoms, and medical history, and if medical marijuana is determined to be an appropriate treatment option, the practitioner will provide certification.

Then, people who want to buy and use medical marijuana legally will have to sign up with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program and renew their registration every year.

Follow-up appointments and regular contact with the practitioner are also important for tracking progress and making changes to the treatment plan as needed.

By knowing the qualifications, certifications, and roles of medical marijuana practitioners, as well as what to expect during consultation and follow-up care, patients can make an informed decision about their health care and get the best possible medical marijuana treatment.

Note: This article’s content is provided for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional legal or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or queries regarding laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult a lawyer, physician, or other licensed practitioner.