Redondo Beach, CA – In his Friday, August 19, 2011 luncheon talk at the Cancer Support Community facility in Redondo Beach, MediCann’s Chief Medical Officer, Mark L. Rabe, MD, ABIHM, had 25-30 individuals affected by cancer asking lots of great questions. Their interest was piqued when they learned that in addition to many accepted medical uses in treating the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of cancer therapies, medical cannabis and cannabinoids have significant potential in the treatment of cancer itself.
MediCann Gives away One Million Dollars Annually to those Less Fortunate
By Dr. Jean Talleyrand
MediCann has always taken a deep interest not only in our patients but also in the community outside of our practice, especially those less fortunate. Many people, and certain members of the media believe that medical cannabis physicians are in this branch of medicine merely because its profitable, and that this sentiment overshadows the real deal: which is to heal. Continue reading →
Integrative, Holistic Medical Cannabis Specialist, Dr. Mark Rabe Leads Discussion
REDONDO BEACH, CA – MediCann brings the “Cannabis and Cancer” educational talk to the Cancer Support Community on August 19th in Redondo Beach, CA, and invites the public to learn about the health benefits and science behind Continue reading →
From Miss USA to HBO – Medical Cannabis is Having a ‘Moment’
By Dr. Jean Talleyrand
The Miss USA Pageant is about as mainstream and American as apple pie and Barbie dolls. Little girls tune in to see the most beautiful and community-minded young women compete for the annual title. Each year, the runners-up are asked the same questions: how would they end war, starvation, and what do they want to ‘be’ when they graduate from college? Clearly this was a banner year for trick questions Continue reading →
It’s your first evaluation and you’re not sure what to expect. There are many opinions about medical cannabis and it’s use, but it’s human nature to question future, unknown experiences based on your past. Since this question is asked so frequently, we decided to create a primer for patients, to help take the guesswork out of what happens on your first evaluation, what to bring, and answer any questions and concerns you may have:
• Will I be seen by a ‘real’ doctor?
• Will the office run in a similar fashion to the one I used to go to at Kaiser?
• Are all the health care providers licensed professionals?
• Is the clinic in a safe area of town?
• Will my doctor follow the regular medical procedure for first time patients?
• Will my doctor prescribe my medicine?
• Where will I get my medicine, can I purchase it on the premises?
• Is this a ‘regular’ doctors office with ‘regular’ office hours?
• What do I need to bring? Can I sign up online to save time?
• Is this legal? My parents and friends are concerned.
All of these questions are valid and thank you for asking!
First of all, all of our doctors are ‘real,’ and really talented, dedicated and compassionate! MediCann is the largest physician-driven and owned medical cannabis evaluation company in the country. We have operated since 2004 and have seen over 250,000 patients in that time. Our offices are safe, clean, friendly and open during regular business hours. We pride ourselves on choosing locations that are easy for patients to get to with an eye on their comfort and safety – not all clinics can say the same.
The most burning question many of our patients ask us is: is it legal? It is, if you have a recommendation by one of our licensed physicians. But first we need to evaluate your condition to ascertain if medical cannabis is the right treatment for you. We believe it is a miracle drug, used since the dawn of time, alleviating pain, reducing inflammation and tumors, and even helping the people with debilitating diseases such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis rejoin the celebration of living. There is no drug that has so many positive and measurable effects on disease that we know about, and as scientists and healers, we seek to explore new ways to expose these benefits to better serve our patients. Is medical cannabis right for you? Let’s schedule an appointment and see. Medical cannabis and alternative medicine is not for everyone, but it could help your condition and help you live a more robust life as a result.
So what happens at your first evaluation?
Evaluation 101 – The Steps
MediCann takes the stress and fear out of obtaining a medical cannabis recommendation and ID card. Your well being is our primary concern. You’ll be impressed with the courteous service, comfortable surroundings and highly trained professional physicians at all MediCann clinics.
Many Patients either come to us through referrals from their own doctor or are evaluated by MediCann physicians at our clinics. Upon verification of an illness, disease or physical problem for which cannabis may provide benefit, you will be issued verification papers–your recommendation–that you can use to obtain cannabis at a dispensary or to show to law enforcement agents, if necessary.
The first appointment is like any other doctors appointment. You will be seated in a private, comfortable examination room and be seen by one of our physicians. Remember, we are doctors and went to medical school right alongside many of the traditional practitioners you may have seen up until this appointment. The process is the same: We will take our time to understand what your condition is by referring to your previous medical records, examine you, and interview you on your specific issues and concerns and take notes.
After our physical has evaluated you, he will ask you if you have questions about medical cannabis, it’s benefits, use, and any potential side effects. This is a great opportunity to really find out how medical cannabis can help your condition, so don’t hold back! We want to make sure you are comfortable with your treatment plan what you are taking the drug for, and why. When we are satisfied that you are in full understanding of this, will issue you a letter of recommendation. Although we cannot recommend a particular dispensary, we can point you to online resources so that you can find a convenient dispensary close to home or work, allowing you to purchase medical cannabis legally.
What to Bring
You will need to provide verified proof of identity and California residency. Accepted methods of verification include:
Valid California ID (DMV issued California driver’s license or Identification card)
Valid Passport or Out of State ID with proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, car or voter registration
Valid Passport or Out of State ID with temporary DMV form
Expired California ID with temporary DMV form
Valid Government-issued ID
Valid Resident Card for California
Temporary DMV form with any photo ID
Military Card with proof of residency
Any “other” ID must be Government issued
We do not accept Birth Certificates.
You will also receive a MediCann ID card following your visit that will be mailed to an address that you provide. The MediCann ID card is provided at no extra cost to all MediCann patients.
Patient Participation – Welcome!
Just this month we have launched our Online Scheduler so you can make appointments online at your convenience. Once you are a patient, you have the added benefit of being able to review your custom recommendations to better monitor your health goals.
Inform Yourself and Decide
We are excited to be able to show you the future of what safe, natural medicine looks like and it starts with you. We welcome you to our site, our community and our Facebook page, where you can investigate further our point of view, see how others have benefitted from treatment, and decide if medical cannabis is a good fit for your condition.
Dr. Jean Talleyrand, is a lot of things to a lot of people: doctor, healer, father, national medical cannabis thought leader, educator, and now social media health host on his new Facebook chat series, The Doctor is In.
This tale has no conclusion – or happy ending, It’s an ongoing debate riddled with confusion. Tempers flare, and everyone has an opinion on the seemingly ironic Prop. 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act. Continue reading →
Beginning July 18, every existing MediCann patient or potential patient will be able to schedule their own medical appointment and view their own medical record online, with our new Continue reading →
“There’s widespread misconception that people are using the medical cannabis movement as a cover for those who want to use recreationally. Although, I have no problem with people using cannabis as recreation, I know that cannabis has medicinal properties and many patients benefit Continue reading →
“It’s really important that people have safe access to consistent and quality medicine that is safe and natural.” - JoAnna LaForce, Founder The Farmacy
Dispensing Health - The Difference in Dispensaries
By Carolyn Gerin
Angela, a 65-year old office manager and arthritis sufferer, walks with difficulty down a busy city street and into a darkened alley. She hears music pumping, and raucous voices in the background. She’s not sure if she’s in the right place, as it sounds more like a concert than the location where she is to pick up her medicine. She clutches her purse (and her medical cannabis recommendation) closer to her body and continues on. She’s sure she has the correct address: it’s the location of the dispensary that is closest to her home. She arrives at the door to find 3 guards in baggy jeans, hoodies, chain wallets, and tattoos. They are nice enough, but visually alarming, especially to someone advanced in years. A chained pit bull strains and sometimes barks at newcomers entering the main area. Pot leaf posters festoon the walls and a pretty girl in a low-cut shirt, cracking gum, asks if Angela has been helped. Other dispensary clients and employees look on as this quiet, self-conscious senior citizen is expected to speak above the noise about her condition. Angela displays her recommendation letter, pays in cash, shoves her medicine to the bottom of her bag and practically flees the area, feeling guilty, foolish, self conscious, and most alarmingly, frightened.
It’s just another day at the office at anydispensary.com……
out of what happens on your first evaluation, what to bring, and answer any questions and concerns you may have: