Medical Marijuana and Telehealth: Oklahoma MMJ Card and Treatment Online

Are you dealing with a long-term medical condition? Perhaps you’re not satisfied with your current treatment options.

If so, a doctor who is familiar with medical marijuana can help you. An Oklahoma MMJ doctor is just like any other doctor, but they know about the medicinal benefits of cannabis.

They can provide recommendations and help you navigate Oklahoma’s medical cannabis laws. Best of all, telehealth gives you access to doctors outside your local area.

The state of Oklahoma allows marijuana dispensaries. With a medical cannabis license, you can obtain CBD, edibles, vaping oil, liquids, or dry flower.  

This article will provide greater insight into medical cannabis doctors and Oklahoma telehealth laws. Let’s explore. 

Benefits of Telehealth

Telehealth is the distribution of health services using telecommunication mediums. It gives the patient quicker access to doctors. It also allows patients to get faster recommendations.

You can also receive better guidance on medication use between appointments. Moreover, telehealth gives some patients wider access to treatment options.

• Example: A patient lives in an area of Oklahoma where medical experts frown on medical cannabis. Therefore, the patient is unable to obtain a medical prescription. A telehealth service gives access to patients who cannot receive a recommendation locally. 

Telehealth is legal in Oklahoma. It’s also growing in popularity nationwide. Experts expect the medium to grow by over 9% in 2020. 

Due to covid-19, many states are allowing it temporarily. However, Oklahoma allows permanent telehealth meetings for medical marijuana patients. 

Telehealth frees up more of your doctor’s time. Therefore, he or she has additional time to focus on your health and concerns. Additionally, more than one doctor or professional can join meetings and provide further recommendations.  

Medical Marijuana and Telehealth

Oklahoma law allows medical professionals to approve medical marijuana prescriptions virtually. The state legalized medical marijuana in 2018. Oklahoma has a history with telehealth going back to 1997, requiring telehealth coverage from programs like Medicaid and disability insurance.

Residents can only get medical marijuana if a medical professional advocates its use. Officials have classified medical marijuana under telemedicine.

The state has a telemedicine network that’s in development. With that, patients can still see a telehealth professional outside the state. 

Oklahoma’s telehealth laws will benefit you in the following ways:

• A robust network allows patients to see a doctor sooner. 

• Remote meetings cost less than in-person appointments

• Patients don’t have to contend with waiting times or excess paperwork 

State law allows data transfer during telehealth appointments. This means your information will present and available to the doctor without delay. Plus, you don’t have to worry about red tape.

The state also allows professionals to evaluate, treat, and recommend the appropriate remedies. These remedies also include cannabis.  

Medical Marijuana Requirements

A medical marijuana card in Oklahoma will last for two years. You can apply for a renewal when your expiration date arrives.

The renewal process is similar to the enrollment process. However, experts recommend starting the renewal at least two months in advance. If you must renew your card, follow these steps:

1. Receive a recommendation from a physician who is board-certified by Oklahoma

2. Submit your renewal application on the state’s website

3. Submit documentation needed for the application

The state requires a $100 processing fee. However, you’ll receive a discount fee of $22.50 if you’re on Medicare or Medicaid.

Overall, it takes 14 days to process your application. However, the timeframe may be slower due to covid-19. With that, you can ensure a speedier process by completing your application without errors.

Check for such mistakes as blurry photos or a wrong address. If all goes well, you should receive your card in two weeks. 

• Note: Some Oklahoma residents have heard they can buy from a dispensary before receiving their medical cards. This is isn’t true. State law mandates that no person can buy from a dispensary until receiving a medical card. 

Further, your doctor can help you through the application process. If this is your first time using medical marijuana, a telehealth medium gives you easier access to medical professionals in case you have questions and concerns. 

Do I Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Prescription?

First, you must be at least 18 or older to receive a license. If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must submit an application on your behalf. From there, the guardian will purchase marijuana products for the minor. 

To qualify for an MMJ card, you must be an Oklahoma resident with proof of identity. You must also have a recommendation from a physician, and the document must be current (within 30 days). 

The state will not intervene in terms of medical marijuana prescriptions. Additionally, Oklahoma doesn’t have an official list of conditions where marijuana is the appropriate remedy.

Only your doctor can champion cannabis treatment. With that, practitioners generally prescribe marijuana solutions for people suffering from long-term ailments. These conditions may include:

• Anxiety

• Glaucoma

• Inflammation

• Cancer

• Chron’s disease

• AIDS/HIV

• Neuropathic disorders

• Acute nausea

• Terminal illnesses

• Epilepsy

• Cachexia

• Wasting syndrome

There are many other conditions where marijuana is the appropriate prescription. However, talk to your provider to see if medical marijuana is the right solution for you. Cannabis is a great solution in areas where western medicine has failed. 

Oklahoma MMJ: Connecting with a Medical Marijuana Doctor

You can find services and networks to connect you to the right physician. An Oklahoma MMJ doctor can help you, as long as they’re certified. You can also see your health professional digitally, saving you money on fuel costs and doctor visits.

Telehealth will benefit you in the long-run because doctors can monitor your condition and side effects more carefully. They can also help you get your medical marijuana license. 

Interested in learning more about Oklahoma medical card doctors? Click here to learn how you can connect with a medical cannabis expert.