There are over 13 major chronic conditions and several other medical conditions that remain unresponsive to the standard medical treatments. Therefore the usage of medical marijuana is critical to treat such conditions. The usage of medical marijuana might mean utilizing the whole plant or the chemicals of the plant for medical treatment. As there are over 100 chemicals in the plant, they are utilized for treating different medical conditions in varied forms. Several countries across the world are legalizing medical marijuana or considering bills associated with the legalization of medical marijuana. If you are trying to acquire a medical marijuana card in Vermont read the article to know more about the factors that you must not miss during the process.

 

How does it work in Vermont?

Marijuana usage has been banned in several countries across the world, however, a few countries are now beginning to legalize the usage of marijuana plants for medical purposes. Medical marijuana has also gotten approval from FDA for the restricted usage and treatment for severe medical conditions such as epilepsy, Dravet syndrome, Lennox-gastaut syndrome, and many others.

Across Vermont, the cannabis control board is functioning, for the equitable and safer administration of the laws related to ingesting cannabis or medical marijuana. This board has understood the effects of cannabis (or its form) usage among the younger generation. Therefore the program endeavors towards educating the consumers and younger generation about the usage of medical marijuana.

The board of committee has established a stronger relationship with agricultural expertise with higher standards to ensure consistency in quality and products that are free from harmful contaminants. On the other hand, the board of committees has also facilitated the continuity in access to this medical marijuana for the caregivers and the patients who need medical marijuana. This program has ensured the safety and affordability of medical marijuana as well. 

Speaking about the penalties are severe for illegal usage, which includes being jailed for 6 months and an insurmountable amount(should be around $500,000).

Therefore to make these processes go without any hindrance, like in several countries, Vermont has also created a licensing program that distinguishes and legalizes the users from abusers.

 

Understand the qualifying medical conditions

To avail of the medical marijuana card, the state expects to submit a written diagnosis of the medical condition which is to be submitted by the primary health care provider. All these submissions can be done digitally.

The patient is expected to schedule an appointment with a specialized doctor that is capable of reviewing the whole medical history and other medical information that speaks more about the requirement of medical marijuana for the patient. The primary health care provider is expected to submit the full assessment within 3 months. However, if the patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness such as cancer, or HIV/AIDS, and therefore hospitalized, such cases can potentially avoid the three months assessment.

 

List of qualifying medical conditions

• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis
• Epilepsy or seizures
• Chronic pain
• Severe nausea
• Parkinson’s disease
• PTSD
• Muscle spasms that are not responsive to standard medical treatments
• Any medical treatment that possesses severe and persistent symptoms.

 

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is the primary concern for several patients and medical professionals. Any information entered into the CCB website is complete.

 

How to acquire medical marijuana card?

Step1: Visiting the CCB website and applying as a new medical marijuana patient is the first step. 

Registering the details on the CCB website is the primary part expected by the cannabis control board (CCB). Both caregivers and patients are expected to register their preliminary details on the website. These processes are carried out with the help of a licensed physician.

 

Step 2: Booking an appointment with a licensed physician

Healthcare providers are expected to fulfill the requirements stated in the MMJ certification and they could be 

• Clinical social workers
• Psychologists
• Advanced practice registered nurses 
• Certified physician assistants
• Naturopathic doctors (Licensed)

The qualified medical practitioner is expected to carry out the verification process for the patients with the debilitating medical condition, where the relationship between consultation and treatment is expected to be at least 3 months. As these medical professionals are like gatekeepers of the usage of medical marijuana, they bear huge responsibility in not letting the illegal usage of the same. Therefore the medical practitioners are expected to imbibe the statute, rules, and policies during the procedures of the marijuana registry. 

Similarly, the medical professional has the full potential to remove the patient’s information from accessing the medical marijuana if he considers and affirms that the patient is free from the medical condition by notifying the registry with a writing request. Such information will be confirmed via email for both the patient and caregivers.

If the patient is unable to provide in-person consultation with the physician, they can contact the doctor online and have virtual appointments.

 

Step 3: Documents required

The recently clicked picture reflects the current appearance, which is not blurry or grainy. It should be a full face and shoulder shot and the image has to be uploaded in jpg format and sent via email: ccb.med@vermont.gov.

After receiving the email verification receipt from the CCB other essential documents must be submitted. Vermont residents are quite concerned about how to get a Vermont medical marijuana card or the medical documentation that is required to get the card. Scheduling an appointment and having a consultation with a licensed physician are now made easier with all the digital application formats.

Obtaining a healthcare verification certificate that states you are qualified to get the monthly provision of medical marijuana is the most essential medical document required. Medical marijuana can be obtained in various forms as suggested or prescribed by the medical caregiver, which includes:

• Flowers
• Pre-rolls
• Concentrated vape cartridges
• Tinctures
• Infused edibles
• THC beverages 

 

Step 4: Wait for the card!

It will take about 30 days to receive a card or a denial letter. The marijuana registry identification card is sent via mail and the approval information is sent via email before that. This step confirms that you come under the MMJ program’s protection.

 

Restrictions in quantity

The eligible patients are allowed to purchase only up to 4 ounces of marijuana or related medical product every month. However, if they need more quantity, they are expected to acquire approval from two separate physicians. 

 

Eligibility of caregiver

Patients are expected to provide details of their caregiver apart from the doctor who has affirmed their medical illness. This caregiver might be the person who assists in administering medical marijuana for the patient. The caregiver is expected to be above 21 years old with no criminal records. 

The caregiver is also expected to submit their identity details and essential information in a separate registration form and pay a fee of $50 to process the registration. 

 

Cards for minors

Minor patients who come possess the qualifying medical condition can also apply for a medical marijuana identity card. However, the caregiver for the minor patient is expected to be above 21 years of age. This caregiver is expected to be in a closer relationship with the minor patient as this person takes full responsibility for handling or managing medical marijuana.

On the other hand, the terms and conditions of the state allow the caregiver to cultivate the plant in their locality and they are expected to set their address as a growth location in the mobile application developed for the purpose to track the activities of the caregivers.

 

Approval for cultivating the marijuana plant

Cultivating the medical marijuana plant is completely legal and the patients are allowed to cultivate for up to 9 months each time, they are not allowed to cultivate forever plus there are limitations in cultivating the matured plants. Adult patients are allowed to obtain seeds from the dispensaries and cultivate up to 4 matured plants in their households.

On the other hand, those who are choosing a dispensary to dispense the medical marijuana are not allowed to cultivate it in their household.

 

Approved medical marijuana and related products

Whole cannabis with a maximum potency of 30% can be obtained by adult patients. However, there are products with a concentration level of 60% THC across the legalized dispensaries.

Other edible varieties with a serving size of 5mg of THC can also be obtained. Cannabis oils and flavored vape oils are also available for patients.

 

Choosing the dispensary and Change of dispensary

After getting the approval and the card, you are eligible to acquire medical marijuana to treat your medical conditions. Here you can choose the closest dispensary that helps you with better access. However, you are expected to make a digital appointment with the dispensary, which is mandatory to make it easier for the dispensary staff to access your details and verify them.

The patient or caregiver might feel uncomfortable reaching the dispensary. Therefore the state laws offer the facility of changing the chosen dispensary once every 30 days. To change the dispensary, they are expected to pay a $25 fee.

 

Marijuana home delivery services

Some patients might find it difficult to travel the distance and consider having a home delivery service every month. In that case, the state has established strict regulations and rules for both the dispensaries and the drivers who take charge of delivering medical marijuana to patients. The deliveries are expected to be calculative and documented carefully. 

 

Change of MMJ card and renewal

The expiry of the MMJ card is to be managed efficiently, the card has a validity period of 12 months and the patients are expected to apply for renewal well in advance before the expiry. Otherwise, they had to start the documentation process from the first step. Here the registry doesn’t take responsibility to remind on the expiry, therefore marking the date and applying beforehand lies at the physician and the caretaker’s responsibility.

 

Laws related to the traveling of patients

Patients who are still in medical treatment and ingesting marijuana can acquire the treatment within the state. The license doesn’t apply outside the state. Therefore the patients are expected to take knowledge about the country’s laws related to ingesting medical marijuana. Several countries don’t offer the benefit of reciprocity for the patients who have been legalized for consuming medical marijuana. 

Likewise, Vermont doesn’t offer the benefit of ingesting marijuana that has acquired a legal license outside the state. However, some states recognize their identity and the protection granted to these patients for ingesting medical marijuana. However, traveling with any amount of medical marijuana is a federal crime. Therefore ingesting or carrying medical marijuana in any public transport or transporting comes under drug trafficking, although the person has acquired the license for the consumption of medical marijuana. 

 

Tips during traveling

Patients are encouraged to travel with their license or the ID card with them and a copy of the same. The patient must also carry the doctor’s contact number and a lawyer who can stand by them in the case of the suspect. They can also inform their designated dispensaries before the travel if they opt for the products required for the cultivation. 

 

Tips for storing the medical marijuana

Storage is the primary factor that protects the product from spoilage or fungal growth. Therefore the patients have to ensure proper storage and keep them away from sunlight, heat, moisture, and oxygen. 

The containers used to store these products should be given more care, to minimize the release of odor and the containers should be made of non-absorptive material, rigid and airtight. 

 

Conclusion

The well-established MMJ program ensures fully furnished benefits for qualified patients. The committee also strives hard to limit or eliminate the misuse or illegal ingesting of medical marijuana in any form. The limitations and the stringent regulations exercised in the past have been effective in reducing illegal consumption while extending the benefits for legalized patients across Vermont.