Cannabis Law Group's Medical Marijuana Legal Blog
Consumers Warned as Fraudulent Medical Cannabis Cards in California
The Cannabis Doctors Network is currently streamlining efficacy, security, convenience and legality for patients who are qualified and are seeking to obtain a medical cannabis card in California. Our state currently hosts the most proactive laws to protect doctor recommended patients who are approved for the medical marijuana program, which currently allows for more than 100 different medical conditions to be treated using medicinal cannabis.
Unfortunately, this voter and state approved program consists of some fraudsters that are trying to swindle patients out of their hard earned monies too. These fraudulent providers offer bogus cards and false promises, according to marketwire.
Our California medical marijuana lawyers understand that the Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) was established to provide a voluntary medical marijuana identification card issuance to deserving parties. The program comes equipped with a registry program for qualified patients and their caregivers. The web-based registry system allows law enforcement and the public to verify the validity of qualified patient or caregiver’s card as authorization to possess, grow, transport and/or use Medical Marijuana in California, according to the MMP website.
“While there are plenty of credible organizations that can assist patients in getting a valid and legal medical marijuana recommendation in California, sadly there are some unscrupulous persons who are in it just for the easy buck,” warns Srii Srinivasan, spokesperson for Cannabis Doctors Network.
California was the first and remains the most well-known state to permit medical marijuana. The drug is currently being legally sold to patients in Colorado, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, Washington and New Mexico as well. Five other states will open for business this year, including Arizona, Rhode Island, Maine, New Jersey and the District of Columbia.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) specifically states that the only way that a patient can be issued a valid medical marijuana recommendation is by visiting a doctor that possesses in good standing, “a license to practice medicine or osteopathy in California issued by the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California.”
To receive a valid card, a registered physician must complete a full examination of the patient. An examination must include a patient’s history and must assume “responsibility for an aspect of the medical care,” according to CDPH. After an examination, the physician must “document in the patient’s medical record that the patient has a serious medical condition and that the medical use of marijuana is appropriate.”
Once the doctor examination is completed, records must be submitted to CDPH with any other required paperwork and needed fees for approval. It is then and only then that the state will review the patient’s information and decide whether or not to approve a medical marijuana card. When a patient is issued a card, they are protected by California Medical Marijuana Law as covered under California Senate Bill 420 (HS 11362.7) Medical Marijuana Implementation.
“Beware of doctors who promise you same day cards, or who will write you a prescription [which is illegal] for medical marijuana,” says Srinivasan. “If a doctor refers you to a marijuana dispensary, that’s illegal as well and is a sure sign of fraud.”
The Cannabis Doctors Network offers users an online system that allows patients to prequalify securely. They’re then matched with thoroughly prescreened medical marijuana doctors in our state.
“Make sure you are getting seen by a real doctor and that they are signing off on your recommendation, and not a nurse or an assistant,” explains Srinivasan. “This is the only way to be certain that you are fully covered under California law.”
The CANNABIS LAW GROUP offers experienced and aggressive representation to the medical marijuana industry in Southern California– including growers, dispensaries and collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call 949-375-4734 for a confidential consultation to discuss your rights.