Short answer
A medical cannabis prescribing doctor is a licensed clinician who certifies that a patient has a qualifying condition under state law. The clinician does not write a prescription of the kind a pharmacy fills. Cannabis is a Schedule I drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Instead of a prescription, the clinician signs a state certification or enters the patient into a state registry. The patient uses that certification to buy cannabis at a licensed dispensary.
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Why the word "prescribing" is imprecise
Federal law blocks doctors from prescribing cannabis. A 2002 appeals court ruling, Conant v. Walters, protects doctors who discuss or recommend cannabis with patients. That is why state programs use the words certify, recommend, and authorize. A certification issued in one state does not carry into another state.
Who qualifies to certify
State rules list different clinician types.
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- Maryland: physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, podiatrists, and physician assistants.
- New York: physicians and nurse practitioners.
- Florida: physicians who finish a state course and join the Office of Medical Marijuana Use registry.
- Ohio: physicians with an active Ohio license and a DEA registration number.
Some states require board certification in a specialty. Others require only an active license in good standing. Rules change. Check the state health department list before you book.
Understanding the Costs of a Medical Cannabis Doctor Visit
What happens at the appointment
- The clinician reviews records, imaging, and medication history.
- The clinician confirms a qualifying diagnosis. Common qualifying conditions include cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- The clinician covers routes of use, dosing, and side effects.
- The clinician files the certification with the state.
Visits run 15 to 30 minutes. Many clinics offer telehealth. A few states require an in-person visit for the first certification.
Cost and renewal
Visit fees run $100 to $300. State registration fees add $25 to $100. Most states require renewal every 6 to 12 months. Florida requires physician recertification every 210 days. Medicare Part D does not cover cannabis, and many commercial plans do not cover the visit.
Limits to know
A certification does not shield a person from employer drug testing. Federal law at 18 U.S.C. 922(g) still bars cannabis users from buying firearms. Active-duty military members cannot use cannabis under any state program.
Questions to ask
- How many certifications have you filed?
- Which conditions do you certify?
- What is the total cost, including the state fee?
- How long is the certification valid?
- Do you send renewal reminders?
Ask for the total price in writing. Ask what happens if the state rejects the certification. A clinic that answers both questions in plain terms is a clinic worth using.