Top 5 Reasons Marijuana Cards are Denied.
These are the top 5 reasons marijuana cards are denied. If you were denied, remember, a medical cannabis card is a privilege, not a right. Please know, all is not lost. Here's what you need to know. The process is an involved application with many steps and close scrutiny. Firstly, the application process is online across all states. Secondly, you must obtain a physician's recommendation or referral. Then, scheduling an appointment with a certified practitioner is your initial step toward a medical card.
Cannabis card doctors will review your medical and mental health history, medication list, and overall wellness. While cannabis usually doesn't conflict with most prescriptions, some health conditions (e.g., pregnancy) or medications may disqualify you. Even after a practitioner's approval, the state's medical cannabis program conducts an independent review. Ultimately, they make the final decision on your registration.
The Program has Rules to Follow
Once you’re a cardholder, you must follow the rules, including renewing your card annually or biennially, depending on your state. Lastly, meeting the criteria doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive a card. State programs explain patient qualifications well but often fail to detail the approval process or reasons for potential denial. Card denials can occur for various reasons, starting with the practitioner.
1. The Physician or Practitioner Declines to Refer You for MMJ
When you apply for your cannabis card, you must first ensure you qualify. Then, schedule a doctor’s appointment, which is crucial for obtaining the card. If eligible, the doctor will endorse and approve your application. Your doctor will interview you thoroughly during your visit. Typically, they’ll want to see 1-3 years of your health records to evaluate your current health status. This step is vital to identify any potential risks associated with using medical marijuana for symptom management.
Remember, a doctor’s review doesn’t guarantee approval. The physician’s priority is your safety. So, if they doubt the benefits or safety of medical marijuana for you, they won’t approve your application. Lastly, if one doctor declines to refer you, consider their concerns. Cannabis might pose a health risk for you despite your interest in its potential for wellness.
2. You Did Not Fill Out the Form or Provide Documentation Correctly
First, in some states, your doctor will set up your online profile and submit your recommendation. In others, you must create your profile on the state's patient registry. Florida's program involves the latter method.
Next, scan and save your documents and ID to your computer.
Then, upload them to your profile.
Remember, if your ID is invalid or expired, the medical cannabis program will reject it, and your application will fail. Also, provide all required information to apply for your card successfully.
3. You Have a History of Drug-Related Violent Crimes
If you have a chronic disease or debilitating symptoms, you might expect automatic approval for a medical marijuana card. But meeting the health criteria isn’t the only requirement. An unexpected hurdle could be a past drug-related crime. In Florida, this holds a significant spot in the top 5 reasons why marijuana cards are denied. Many Americans have used cannabis medicinally and applied for cards even before legalization. So, a minor possession charge, typically less than two ounces, may not affect your application. However, more severe charges, like drug distribution or manufacturing, can pose significant issues. And, if you’ve been convicted of a crime involving drugs and guns, it could prevent you from getting a card. Criminal charges from violent crimes or those involving firearms are significant obstacles to approval.
4. Parental Consent Is Required for a Medical Card
Did you know that in most states, once you reach the age of eighteen (18), you don't require parental consent to get a medical card? If your state has legalized medical marijuana, you may independently apply to become a registered patient if you meet the established criteria and qualifying health conditions. However, you need your parent's consent if you are younger than eighteen. United States law generally considers you to be a legal adult once you turn eighteen. Teens with health problems who would like to explore MMJ as an alternative to traditional medicines need caregiver assistance to obtain their cannabis. The caregiver is a parent or legal guardian older than twenty-one (21) who registers to assist a minor. Caregivers are legally permitted to purchase, consult with a care provider, and administer medical cannabis for a minor after both the minor and the caregiver have become registered with the state medical marijuana program.
5. Your Chronic Health Symptoms Are Not Diagnosed
Each state with a medical cannabis program has a list of qualifying health conditions. If you have a diagnosed disease or condition, you're likely to be approved. Provide some evidence or proof of your diagnosis from your medical records. Sometimes, medical marijuana programs consider chronic symptoms or chronic pain without a formal diagnosis. A doctor's confirmation of your chronic symptoms could help you get your card in these cases. Chronic pain is a widely accepted condition. However, if your pain is occasional rather than daily, it might not qualify as chronic pain. Patients sometimes need to fill out a pain inventory to show their pain is chronic, helping measure pain frequency and intensity. Also helpful, are describing the side effects from traditional medications you may be taking for your conditions. This may help determine the timing for marijuana use.
If You Ran into a Top 5 Reason Cannabis Card is Denied, What to Do Now?
If you ran into one of these top 5 reasons why marijuana cards are denied, first, ensure you’ve filled out and submitted all necessary information. Clerical mistakes or incomplete applications often lead to medical marijuana card rejections. Secondly, criminal charges involving drugs or violence are another common barrier. If it’s a clerical error, update your application with the correct details. For those declined by a doctor, consider consulting a new physician. Find out why the first doctor turned you down. This is an essential step. To safeguard your health, if you believe you qualify, think about appealing to your state’s medical marijuana authority.
You Should Apply for a Card
If you have health conditions or symptoms that disrupt your daily life and have considered medical cannabis, apply for a card. For years, in states where cannabis is not legal, patients have pushed state legislators to recognize their needs and the benefits of medical marijuana. When a medical marijuana program starts in your state, check the state’s list of qualifying health conditions. Then, if you have a diagnosed condition listed, you’re eligible to apply for a medical card. Florida has had a medical marijuana use registry program since 2014 and is now pushing for recreational. If you’ve been tracking your state’s legalization efforts, you likely celebrated when medical cards became accessible.
