Am I a good candidate for medical marijuana?
If you are a resident of the state of New York, you may qualify for medical marijuana if you have one of the following conditions:
- Cancer
- HIV infection or AIDS
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injury with spasticity
- Epilepsy
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Neuropathy
- Huntington's disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic pain that degrades health and functional capability
In addition to a qualifying condition, you must also have one or more of the following complications resulting from your condition:
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Severe or chronic pain
- Severe nausea
- Seizures
- Severe or persistent muscle spasms,
- PTSD
- Opioid use disorder
If you have a qualifying condition and complicating symptoms, you must first be certified by a practitioner registered with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program. Once you are certified, you must register with the program to obtain a state-issued ID card. You must carry your ID card whenever you are obtaining or in possession of medical marijuana.
Can the Center for Family Practice LLC prescribe medical marijuana?
The Center for Family Practice LLC aligns with the co-chairs of New York Physicians for Compassionate Care, who state that "as physicians, we want the ability to offer our patients every possible treatment that might improve their health, alleviate their suffering, or improve their quality of life — that includes recommending the use of medical marijuana."
Theodore Hausler, DO, of the Center for Family Practice LLC has completed the necessary training to meet all New York State requirements for participation in the medical marijuana program. He can certify you for the program, and he's licensed to write prescriptions for medical marijuana by the New York State Department of Health.
Once you’re registered with the state and have received your prescription, you can obtain medical marijuana from a registered dispensary.
Is medical marijuana safe?
Like any medication, medical marijuana may cause side effects. Typically, these are mild and temporary. The most common side effects of medical marijuana include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Cognitive impairment
- Anxiety
When using medical marijuana, you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. You shouldn't use medical marijuana if you're pregnant, have heart disease, or you have a history of psychosis.
If you're considering medical marijuana treatment call the Center for Family Practice LLC today, or make an appointment online.
