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What to Know About Getting Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania

 

Medical marijuana became legal in the state of Pennsylvania in 2016, under Act 16​. This was an important landmark for those who suffer from disabilities, illness, and other medical conditions. Marijuana regulation also ensures that the product bought through the legalized process is clean, tested, and pure, so you know exactly what you are putting in your body.

Here is a breakdown on the process for obtaining medical marijuana in Pennsylvania:

1. In order to obtain medical marijuana through Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Program, the first step is to register for the program through the â€‹Medical Marijuana Registry​. When completing the application, up to two caregivers may be designated to assist the patient in obtaining medical marijuana. The patient may designate a spouse, a parent, or even a friend. Patients under the age of 18 are required to have a caregiver. Caregivers will need to register on behalf of the patient for the medical marijuana program. All caregivers must complete a background check before being approved.

2. A qualifying physician must certify that the patient had one of the  medical conditions that qualify for medical marijuana: ALS, autism,  cancer (including remission therapy), Crohn’s Disease, damage to the  nervous tissue of the central nervous system, dyskinetic and spastic  movement disorders, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Huntington’s  Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, intractable seizures, Multiple  Sclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, neuropathies, opioid use  disorder, Parkinson’s Disease, PTSD, chronic pain, Sickle Cell  Anemia, and terminal illness.​ â€‹Approved physicians have access to the  Medical Marijuana Registry and submit their certifications directly to  the system. If a physician is not registered with the Department of Health, you can â€‹find an approved physician online.

3. The next step is to pay the $50 fee for a medical marijuana ID card.  This needs to be renewed annually and match the timeline of the doctor’s certification. Patients who participate in assistance programs, including Medicaid, PACE/PACENET, CHIP, SNAP, and WIC, may be eligible for fee reductions.

4. Find a licensed medical marijuana dispensary in Pennsylvania. With three locations – Abington, Sellersville, and Malvern – TerraVida Holistic Centers is a group of medical marijuana dispensaries committed to providing the highest quality patient care. As a women-owned business, TerraVida Holistic Centers is proud to offer one of the largest selections of products available in Pennsylvania.

5. In order to enter the facility, a patient/caregiver medical marijuana ID card issued by the state is required. A secondary ID, such as a driver’s license or valid state ID should be accompanied with the medical marijuana ID card for verification purposes. It is highly suggested to also bring a list of current medications to provide the medical professionals on site with a comprehensive understanding of the condition(s).

6. In the initial complimentary consultation, a medical professional on site will meet with the patient to determine a monthly dose and plan based on their unique lifestyle. The medical professionals will consider any medications the patient is currently taking and what symptoms they are working to alleviate. They will then provide recommendations on both the types of marijuana strains and the forms of consumption that may be most suitable. Forms of consumption available include vaporizers (disposable and cartridges), concentrates, oils, capsules, transdermal patches, tinctures, dry leaf, and lotion.

7. The final step is to consult with a Product Specialist in the dispensing area and purchase your desired products!

TerraVida Holistic Centers is a woman-owned medical marijuana dispensary with a diverse team of professionals committed to providing the highest quality patient care. TerraVida is a diverse business employing a talented pool of pharmaceutical professionals and community and veterans service professionals, ensuring the most positive patient experience in the area. Additionally, TerraVida is committed to supporting our local community programs and veterans’ services. Learn more at www.terravidahc.com.


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