“I was diagnosed with scoliosis about 3 years ago and deal with chronic back pain because of this. Where can I find a doctor who can prescribe medical marijuana for this condition in Pennsylvania?”

Piper I.

Great question. But first, you should understand that doctors do not prescribe cannabis. Still, instead, they are asked to certify that you have one of the qualifying conditions to get your medical marijuana card.

The Medical Marijuana Registry is administered through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The number of medical practitioners who can certify you are a little extensive. If you want your physician to get certified, you may as long as the state approves your doctor.

Registered nurses, physician assistants, and doctors of medicine are some health practitioners who can certify you.

Kevin J.

Getting your medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania begins with obtaining your patient certificate from your healthcare practitioner if you have a qualifying condition. But before all of that can begin, you want to be sure that you meet a qualifying condition by the state. You can even go through the process online to get your medical marijuana card.

You will need to create a profile in the Medical Marijuana Registry. You will include essential information with your legal name, current address, and contact information in the profile. In addition, to register for the medical cannabis program, you need to have a Pennsylvania driver’s license or ID issued by the state’s Department of Transportation.

Once registered in the Medical Marijuana Registry, the next is to have an approved physician approve that you have a qualifying medical condition. These approved physicians have access to the Medical Marijuana Registry to submit their certifications straight to the system.

Physicians who recommend medical cannabis in Pennsylvania must register with the Department of Health. If your current physician is not registered with the Department of Health, you can find an approved physician here

Tabby G.

You might be wondering what the experts say about cannabis for medical use. In the spring of 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Health was signed into law, beginning implementing the Medical Marijuana Program for the state. As a result, medical cannabis has been legalized in Pennsylvania and other states but has different regulations than other medications. For example, medical cannabis has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Instead, it remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

Not all experts agree on promoting cannabis for medical use. Some experts do not recommend it simply because the FDA has not yet approved it and due that the substance may impair cognitive skills. However, many experts agree that marijuana offers relief when other medications do not work or process the needed effects. So if you are dealing with chronic pain or even anxiety, cannabis could be a viable option to consider.

John G.

Here are a few things you might know about what is allowed for consuming cannabis in the state of Pennsylvania.

According to the state laws, medical marijuana is available for use by oil, topical creams, pill, ointments, tinctures, and forms considered medically appropriate for administration by vaporization or nebulization. No smoke-able form (flower or concentrates) is allowed. A pharmacist will determine the dosage, and patients may receive up to a 30-day supply at one time.

Medical cannabis is not covered by insurance. Contact local, licensed dispensaries for specific cost information and learn about dispensary rules. Everyone participating in the program is also responsible for obtaining the medical marijuana ID card for a $50 fee. Some may quality got a discounted ID who demonstrates financial hardship on their application.

Monica C.

While there is a vast range of healthcare professionals you can go to for medical cannabis certification, not all of them will know all of the health benefits of cannabis or be supportive of your decision to use it medically. It can be challenging to find the right person in the mounds of names available to work with. You want an expert skilled in the quality of cannabis that can be used to enhance your life, especially for relieving chronic pain.

This is why it’s a bright idea to use a [certification process like the one here on HelloMD]. These practitioners are well-educated in the benefits of cannabis for all qualifying conditions in the state. They will take the needed time to answer your questions and review your medical history. In addition, the process is done entirely online, so there is no need to leave your home to get certified.

James R.