Medical Marijuana

What is medical marijuana?

Medical marijuana (also called medical cannabis) is marijuana and related compounds that physicians can recommend to their patients to treat certain medical conditions. Though marijuana is considered illegal in many countries, some states in the US have passed laws that allow for the use of medical marijuana for certain disorders where medical marijuana has been shown to be of benefit. Medical marijuana can be administered through a variety of methods, including liquid tinctures, vaporizing, transdermal patches or sprays, pills, and even edible formulations.

What conditions can be treated with medical marijuana?

Only patients who have registered with the MMCC and have received written certification from a certifying provider such as Dr. Mintz can be treated with medical marijuana. There are many conditions, such as fibromyalgia, chronic pain, anxiety, or severe insomnia, that can be successfully treated with medical marijuana with few or no side effects.

In fact, any condition or disease that is severe that has not responded to other treatments, and that can “reasonably can be expected to be relieved” with medical marijuana can qualify for a written certification. In addition, the State of Maryland has determined that the following diseases or conditions automatically qualify for the use of medical cannabis:

• Cachexia,
• Anorexia,
• Wasting syndrome,
• Severe pain
• Chronic pain,
• Severe nausea,
• Seizures
• Severe or persistent muscle spasms
• Glaucoma
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

How can I get medical marijuana in the State of Maryland?

Step 1

Register as a patient with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). Registration is free and will take only a few minutes. After patients have completed the online registration, they will receive verification along with their MMCC patient ID number. For more information about the process, go to MMCC’s website.

Step 2

Obtain a written certification from a provider registered with the MMCC. Once registered, patients must obtain a valid written certification from a provider registered with the MMCC, such as Dr. Mintz. After a complete and thorough evaluation, Dr. Mintz can approve medical cannabis as a treatment option if he determines a patient has a qualifying medical condition.

Qualifying medical conditions include cachexia, anorexia, wasting syndrome, severe pain, severe nausea, seizures, severe or persistent muscle spasms, glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain. Dr. Mintz also specializes in pain management.

Step 3

Visit a licensed Maryland dispensary. After registering and obtaining a valid written certification from Dr. Mintz, patients are able to visit licensed Maryland dispensaries to purchase medical cannabis.  While there are several dispensaries throughout the State of Maryland, Rise Dispensary is conveniently located in Wildwood Medical Center, where Dr. Mintz practices.

How much does it cost to get medical marijuana in the State of Maryland?

Registering as a patient with the MMCC is free. The cost of the product is determined by the dispensaries and depends on how much you get and what formulation. Costs can be high and can start at $150 for a 30 day supply, though the price is expected to drop as more marijuana dispensaries open across the state.

If you are a member of Dr. Mintz’s concierge practice, the cost of the appointment and letter is free. If you already have a physician, and only wish to see Dr. Mintz for an evaluation and written certification, the 30-60 minute evaluation and certifying letter is $250. While this fee must be paid at the time of the visit, Dr. Mintz will generate an invoice that you may submit to your insurance company.

If you have commercial insurance (CareFirst, United, Aetna, etc.), though Dr. Mintz is an out-of-network provider, your insurance will usually reimburse some or most of the fee when you submit our statement to your insurance company.