What to expect from an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor
Last updated on Sept 16, 2025
Created on Jul 14, 2021
Article written by
Dr. Mark KasabuskiDirector of Provider Operations
To get a medical marijuana card, you’ll first need to be certified by a healthcare provider. This person is usually a physician, but other types of healthcare professionals can also certify patients for medical cannabis.
Learn what kinds of providers can recommend medical marijuana, plus what to expect when you see a medical marijuana doctor for an initial or renewal appointment.
Get your medical marijuana card
Connect with a licensed physician online in minutes.
Larger purchase limits 
Access to higher potency strains 
Save up to 40% on product taxes 
Enhanced legal protection
What is a medical marijuana doctor?
The term medical marijuana doctor broadly refers to any healthcare professional who can certify patients for medical cannabis.
A medical cannabis certification is an official referral to a state’s marijuana program that confirms an individual’s eligibility based on a health condition.
What kind of doctor prescribes medical marijuana?
Depending on the state, a medical marijuana healthcare professional may be a:
- Doctor, including a medical doctor (MD), osteopathic doctor (DO), or naturopathic doctor (ND/NMD)
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
- Physician assistant (PA)
- Dentist
- Midwife
- Podiatrist
Not every healthcare professional with these credentials can certify patients for medical cannabis. Those who do certify patients must undergo state-required courses or training to ensure they are knowledgeable about the medical uses of cannabis.
How to see a medical marijuana doctor
You can see a medical marijuana doctor in person by searching for a provider in your area. Or, you can book an appointment through a virtual service provider like Leafwell.
Virtual appointments allow you to speak with a healthcare provider from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you. All you need is a cell phone, tablet, or computer.
Virtual appointments are a great option for many patients because they are quick, easy, private, and often less expensive than in-person doctor’s visits. They are also more accessible for people who may not be easily able to travel to an in-person clinic.
In some states, you may be required to have an in-person consultation if you’re getting certified for cannabis for the first time.
Get your medical marijuana card
Connect with a licensed physician online in minutes.
Larger purchase limits Access to higher potency strains Save up to 40% on product taxes Enhanced legal protection
What to expect
While the exact process of seeing a medical marijuana doctor varies, you can expect to follow these basic steps:
- Select your desired telehealth service provider or healthcare professional.
- Book an appointment.
- Complete intake forms and submit medical records, as needed. Your provider will review these documents to understand why you want to use medical cannabis and whether it’s a good option for your health needs.
- Meet with your certifying doctor, in person or online. Virtual appointments typically take around 10 minutes. You’ll answer questions about your health conditions and symptoms, and you should have the opportunity to ask your provider questions.
- After your appointment, look out for instructions from your provider’s office or telehealth service to finish registering with your state’s medical marijuana program.
Each state has different rules for medical cannabis certifications, so it’s important to read any follow-up instructions carefully and ensure you complete the necessary processes to complete your application.
While rare, there are some situations in which you may not be approved for medical cannabis use.
How to request medical records for your medical marijuana appointment
Different states have different requirements for getting a medical marijuana card. In all cases, you’ll need to provide some evidence of a symptom or condition, including medical records or other doctor’s notes.
You have the right to get copies of your medical records, whether they are maintained electronically or on paper. These include doctor’s notes, medical test results, lab reports, and billing information.
To get your medical records ahead of your cannabis certification appointment, you’ll need to complete an information release form, which should be available at any hospital or clinic where you have received treatment. Many hospitals and clinics allow authorization forms to be filled out online.
Sometimes, a separate form is needed to request or send medical records.
If you’re not sure where to find release forms, speak with an office staff member or use a virtual chat service for support.
Once you have the authorization form, you will likely need to provide your:
- Address
- Date of birth
- Social security number
- Phone number
In some cases, you may also be asked to specify:
- Treatment dates or ranges
- The documents you want to be released
- Your reasons for requesting the records
Can I see my medical marijuana doctor again to renew?
Most medical cannabis providers offer ongoing care to their patients, meaning patients can renew with the same doctor when their certification expires.
Like initial appointments, medical card renewals can easily be completed online using virtual service providers like Leafwell.
It’s also acceptable to change doctors during your renewal period if you weren’t satisfied with your initial appointment, or if your original provider is no longer offering certifications.
Resources
- A guide to the Medicinal Cannabis Program for healthcare practitioners. https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/medicinalcannabis/health-care-providers/
- New York State Medical Cannabis Program: Practitioner rights and protections. https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/05/nys_mcp_practitioner-bundle.pdf
- Resources for medical professionals. https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/medical-marijuana/physicians
Get your medical card
Connect with a licensed physician online in minutes.
Larger purchase limits Access to higher potency strains Save up to 40% on product taxes Enhanced legal protection
