The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has published guidelines to set expectations for medical marijuana examinations. These rules are currently in draft form, but will become official on June 4th, 2019. Now that you have found a doctor willing to prescribe medicinal cannabis, what should you expect during your exam?
The most surprising request you will probably hear is for your social security number. Some people are hesitant to give out this information, but it is required in order for your physician to submit a certification on your behalf. Your doctor will also need to recommend an amount you may purchase in a 30-day period. Don’t fret about this; the minimum is four ounces per month which should be sufficient for most. If you believe you will need more, you’ll need two doctor certifications that recommend a higher limit.
The remainder of the appointment will be more typical. You may get a physical examination along with a review of your medical history. You should be asked about your current symptoms and how you are attempting to control them. This will lead into a review of your current medication(s) and allergies to medications.
Finally, assuming your physician wishes to move forward with the certification, you will have a discussion about the potential risks of cannabis use. Your doctor will explain symptoms or side effects that should be a signal to stop use. If the patient is a female, a warning will also be issued concerning the use of marijuana while pregnant or breastfeeding.
What you probably won’t receive is guidance on dosage or product selection. Common protocols for this have not been established uniformly. This is also precisely what makes doctors the most uneasy about certifying a patient for medical marijuana. However, your local dispensary should be able to get your started on your journey.
Further reading:
19 CSR 30-95.110 Physicians (DHSS draft rule)