Since the implementation of the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) in 2015, tens of thousands of patients in the Lone Star state have turned to medical marijuana as an effective alternative to traditional medication.
If you are considering medical cannabis as a treatment option, you probably have a lot of questions on how to get started.
Before you start googling “how to get a medical marijuana card,” let us answer the most frequently asked questions to guide you through the process of accessing the right medical marijuana treatment in Texas for you.
Do you qualify?
Only qualified patients can have access to medical marijuana in Texas. To participate in the program, patients must meet three basic conditions:
1. Be a permanent Texas resident.
2. Have a qualifying medical condition as determined by law*.
3. Be evaluated and obtain a prescription from a qualified physician who has registered with the state of Texas to prescribe cannabis to their patients.
*Initially approved only to treat patients with intractable epilepsy, the program has evolved over the years, expanding the list of qualifying conditions including any history of cancer, peripheral neuropathy, muscle spasms, epilepsy, dementia, autism, multiple sclerosis, ALS, PTSD, or any of the over 150 other medical conditions approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety. For a more detailed list of qualifying conditions click here, and if you want more information on how medical cannabis can help treat specific conditions, check Texas Cannabis Clinic’s blog articles.
How to find the right marijuana doctor for you in Texas
Once you have established eligibility, the next step is finding the right medical marijuana doctor for you.
Consider three key aspects when making that decision: choose a doctor who is registered with the state and has experience with medical cannabis specifically.
Also, look for a provider who takes the time to be well informed of your medical history and explains how medical marijuana works in your particular health scenario. Your doctor should not rush through the appointment, but rather should take time to discuss possible side effects, how to address them, and any initial precautions you should take when getting started.
Finally, choose a doctor who focuses on empowering patients with knowledge, because that has an invaluable impact in their treatment’s success.
As the largest and most trusted clinic in the state, Texas Cannabis Clinic (TCC) has been a favorite of Texan patients for years.
Dr. Matthew Brimberry, medical director at Texas Cannabis Clinic, was one of the first physicians to be certified by the state of Texas as a medical marijuana doctor. He now leads the largest medical marijuana clinic in the state, offering Texas patients expertise in the field, as well as invaluable patient care standards and customized treatment plans.
"We're proud to prescribe our patients safe, legal, and effective medicine under the Compassionate Use Program," says Dr. Brimberry. "At Texas Cannabis Clinic, we make it easy to speak with a prescribing physician with online appointments that can be booked from anywhere in Texas."
How to get an appointment
Texas Cannabis Clinic offers telemedicine appointments to patients no matter where they are located in the state of Texas.
The process is simple: just click here from your computer or mobile phone to request an appointment and your video visit will be scheduled in no time. You never even have to leave your home to see a qualified doctor.
How to get a medical marijuana prescription in Texas
In contrast with the process in other states, Texas doesn’t provide a “medical marijuana card” and instead utilizes a secured electronic registry that the state-licensed dispensaries can use to access your prescription.
This means instead of waiting one to two weeks for a medical card as in other states, in Texas you can be certified by a marijuana doctor and immediately call the dispensary to fill your prescription.
The process is as simple as one, two, three:
- Schedule a video appointment and upload your proof of diagnosis. If you are suffering from PTSD, your appointment may be used for a PTSD evaluation/diagnosis as well.
- Meet with one of TCC's cannabis clinicians via telemedicine for a TCUP approval, prescription, and personalized treatment plan.
- Call the dispensary for your medicine. Your approved prescriptions will be good for an initial 12 months, refill requests included.
Medical marijuana can provide effective symptom relief when traditional medication has failed or causes intolerable side effects.
Many Texans are finding life-changing relief with access to Texas’s medical marijuana program. If you or a loved one are ready to explore a medical cannabis treatment, set up a telemedicine appointment or contact Texas Cannabis Clinic with your questions today.
Photo courtesy of Texas Cannabis Clinic
Matthew Brimberry MD
