Medical cannabis has gained national recognition in the US as a viable treatment option to manage symptoms of various health conditions. In Texas, the use of medical cannabis is regulated by the Texas’ Compassionate Use Program (TCUP). Since its inception in 2015, the TCUP has evolved through the years to expand its scope and make medical cannabis a real treatment option for thousands of Texans.
To access medical cannabis in the Lone Star state, you must have a qualifying condition. Once you have been diagnosed with that condition, you can schedule an appointment and see a registered medical cannabis doctor. These doctors have undergone specialized training and can provide you with the necessary guidance and recommendations for medical cannabis treatment. Once approved, you will be inscribed in the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT) and receive a prescription that allows you to obtain medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries anywhere in the state.
This guide aims to provide you with everything you need to know about scheduling an appointment and taking the first step to unlocking the benefits of medical marijuana. When you’re seeking relief or managing symptoms of a qualifying condition, understanding the process can help you access the care you need to keep moving forward in your healing journey.
Step 1: Do You Qualify?
To be eligible for medical cannabis treatment in Texas, you must be a permanent Texas resident and have a qualifying medical condition. The TCUP currently allows the use of medical cannabis for conditions such as epilepsy and other seizure disorders, cancer, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spasticity and other incurable neurodegenerative diseases. If you suspect that you are suffering from PTSD but have not been diagnosed, our team at Texas Cannabis Clinic can help evaluate your condition and establish a diagnosis; for all other qualifying conditions it’s essential to have proof of diagnosis from a healthcare professional before seeking a medical cannabis appointment.
Step 2: Finding the Right Medical Cannabis Doctor For You
Finding the right medical marijuana doctor for you is a key piece of the process. It’s so important, we wrote this comprehensive article about it. In a nutshell, when selecting a medical marijuana doctor, choose someone who is registered in the CURT as only those providers are authorized to prescribe medical cannabis in the state. Consider their experience and expertise in medical cannabis treatment and expect them to have a comprehensive approach that contemplates your medical history, and a team-player attitude to work with any other healthcare professionals caring for you. It’s also essential to choose a doctor who is accessible, makes you feel comfortable, listens to your concerns and answers any questions you might have. Building a strong doctor-patient relationship is crucial for an effective and successful treatment.
Lucky for you, you already found us so you are one step ahead in your journey! We have a team of medical providers for you to choose from. No matter where you are located in the state of Texas, you can schedule a telehealth appointment and meet with us from the comfort of your own home.
Step 3: Scheduling Your Appointment
You have a qualifying condition, have proof of diagnosis and found us, now what? The next step in the process is contacting us to provide all the supporting documents verifying your qualifying condition so we can confirm your eligibility to the TCUP (ie. referral from your PCP or treating specialist, current prescriptions). Once your eligibility is confirmed, you can book an appointment on our website to meet with one of our certified medical providers.
Step 4: Showing up! (What to Expect From Your Appointment)
Texas Cannabis Clinic is a 100% telehealth practice, which means you just need an internet enabled device to connect with one of our qualified providers without leaving your home. During the appointment, we will review your medical history, symptoms and previous treatments as well as ask specific questions related to your condition. If you want us to evaluate if you suffer from PTSD, this can be done during that first appointment; for all other conditions please provide proof of diagnosis by a healthcare provider.
During this first appointment we will confirm if you qualify for medical cannabis treatment under the TCUP and discuss potential treatment options. It’s essential for you to be open and honest about your medical history and voice any questions or concerns you may have as this will help us make an accurate assessment of whether medical cannabis is a good fit for you and which THC:CBD ratio and medical cannabis form (gummies, tinctures…) is more adequate for your needs, preferences and abilities. If you don’t qualify for the program, we will refund the cost of your visit.
Once you are approved and ready to start treatment, we will register your name on the CURT, provide you with a prescription and educate you on the proper use and dosage of medical cannabis. We will also discuss onset time, potential side effects, drug interactions and the importance of scheduling regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
We can’t stress enough the importance of scheduling follow-up appointments as these provide an opportunity to assess how effective the treatment is proving to be, to consult with your doctor any new questions and to make changes to your prescription if needed. Stay committed to these appointments to ensure optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scheduling An Appointment For Medical Cannabis in Texas
If you are considering medical cannabis as a treatment alternative for the first time, you might have many questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding scheduling an appointment for medical cannabis in Texas:
- Can I schedule a medical cannabis appointment without a diagnosis? No, you need to have a diagnosis in place before scheduling an appointment. The only exception is if you suspect you are suffering from PTSD, in which case the team at TCC can perform an evaluation to make a diagnosis on the first visit; for all other qualifying conditions, proof of diagnosis is required before scheduling an appointment.
- Are there age restrictions to receive medical cannabis treatment in Texas? Yes, to be eligible patients must be at least 18 years old or have a legal guardian who can provide consent.
- Do I have to choose a medical cannabis doctor in my city? No, you do not. For example, TCC is a 100% telehealth practice, serving patients all over the state of Texas so physical proximity is not necessary.
- How can I prepare for my appointment? Have your medical records and a list of current prescriptions at hand, as well as a list of your symptoms and the questions or concerns you might have about starting a treatment with medical cannabis.
- What are key subjects to discuss during my appointment? Make sure you have a clear understanding of how medical marijuana can benefit your specific condition as well as possible side effects and how to manage them. Also discuss with your doctor the different forms of marijuana available to you at authorized dispensaries and which one is better suited for you, so by the time you show up at the dispensary you know exactly what you’re getting and why.
- Is the cost of the appointment covered by my medical insurance? Likely not. To this date medical cannabis treatments are not covered by insurance but given that the cannabis industry is in constant evolution and so is the regulation that governs this activity, check with your insurance to verify as circumstances might eventually change.
- What forms of payment are accepted to pay for my appointment? You can pay with debit or credit cards; FSA cards are accepted as well.
- I’m ready to schedule my appointment. How can I proceed? Great! You just have to click here and our system will guide you in no time.
Scheduling an appointment for medical cannabis in Texas requires being a permanent Lone Star state resident, having a qualifying condition, finding the right medical marijuana doctor for you, and following the necessary steps to obtain your prescription. Remember to be honest and open during the appointment, get informed about all aspects of your treatment and follow-up regularly for the best results. If you have further questions or need more information, contact us. We are here to help you take control of your health and explore the potential benefits of medical cannabis.
