Frequently Asked Questions

See what GCN’s most Frequently Asked Questions are
Can I Be Arrested For Recommending Medical Cannabis?

Under state law, physicians are protected against any kind of punishment for advising a patient about medical cannabis or providing a patient with a signed recommendation for medical cannabis. Physicians are also protected under federal law by Conant v. Walters, in which the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that doctors cannot be punished or even investigated—solely for recommending medical cannabis because doing so is protected free speech. The U.S. Supreme Court let the decision stand.

Can I Recommend A Dispensary To My Patients?

No. Under state law, no doctor should be affiliated with any privately-operated club, organization or dispensary and doctors are not authorized to provide information on acquisition of cannabis.

Who Uses Green Compassion Network?

Doctors from all specialties in Ohio are able to connect with thousands of seriously ill patients across the state who use our site to request medical cannabis evaluation appointments every day.

Are There Any Special Qualifications To Become A Member of The Green Compassion Network?

The Green Compassion Network has adopted strict standards in evaluating the medical cannabis doctors and clinics allowed to join our network of trusted physicians. First, each physician must meet the criteria for Ohio’s medical cannabis law. Secondly, we have a rigorous vetting and approval process. We review every doctor who joins our network to ensure that each physician is licensed and in good standing. We check board certification with the State Medical Board of Ohio, the Ohio Medical Association, and the Ohio Osteopathic Association. We confirm each physician and clinic to ensure the information provided is correct and valid.

How Does Green Compassion Network Protect Patients’ Confidentiality?

Each of the patients who use our service consents to allow their PHI to be used in the prequalifying, request for appointment, and verification process. We take every opportunity to ensure that patient’s confidential health information is protected and transmitted in line with HIPPA regulations, including using a secure platform and HIPPA-compliant servers.

How Do I See More Patients?

The most successful physicians and clinics in the Network are those with complete, detailed profiles with a high-quality picture. To ensure your listing attracts more patients, complete your profile as thoroughly as possible. You should also encourage your patients to write reviews for your listing, which will make your profile stand out.

What Happens If I Don’t Respond To My Appointment Requests?

If you do not respond to appointment requests by confirming or denying within 2 business days, your profile will receive a temporary activity suspension. Please note that if you have 3 or more activity suspensions within 30 days your profile may be suspended indefinitely. In that case, you must call the Green Compassion Network support team and you will be reinstated on a case-by-case basis.

Why Is My Profile Suspended?

There are three reasons why your profile may be suspended:

  • You do not respond to your appointment requests within 2 business days.
  • Your billing information cannot be processed.
  • You do not complete each patient’s post-appointment protocol. (i.e. issue the recommendation, deny the recommendation or mark the patient as a no-show).
How Do I Reactivate My Profile?

Simply contact the Green Compassion Network support team at info@GreenCompassionNetwork.com or call 833-426-4673.

How Do I Cancel My Affiliation?

You may cancel your affiliation with Green Compassion Network by contacting our support team info@GreenCompassionNetwork.com or by calling 833-426-4673.

How can a patient obtain a recommendation for medical marijuana in the State of Ohio?

The federal government prohibits doctors from being able to prescribe marijuana. Instead, patients must have a recommendation from a certified physician. Physicians interested in recommending the use of medical marijuana for patients must apply for a certificate to recommend from the State Medical Board of Ohio.

What rules are the Medical Board working on related to the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program?

All of the Medical Board rules are now available online. http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/4731-32 House Bill 523 authorized the State Medical Board of Ohio to adopt rules for the following:

  • The procedures that a physician must follow when applying for a certificate to recommend;
  • The conditions that must be met to be eligible for a certificate to recommend;
  • The schedule and procedures for renewing a certificate to recommend;
  • The reasons for which a certificate to recommend may be suspended or revoked;
  • The standards under which a certificate to recommend suspension may be lifted; and,
  • The minimal standards of care when recommending treatment with medical marijuana.
What are the requirements for Doctors wanting a certificate to recommend?

Applicants must hold an active, unrestricted MD or DO license from the State Medical Board of Ohio. Additionally, applicants will need to complete at least two hours of continuing medical education that will assist in diagnosing qualifying conditions, treating those conditions with medical marijuana and possible drug interactions. Full requirements for a certificate to recommend outlined in Ohio Administrative Code 4731-32-02.

Where can a Physician find the qualifying CME training?

Only medical marijuana CMEs approved by the Ohio State Medical Association and the Ohio Osteopathic Association meet the requirements for a certificate to recommend. The OSMA and the OOA have posted information on their websites. The following vendors are recognized by the State Medical Board of Ohio as qualified providers who offer approved CME training:
TheAnswerPage.com 
ExtraStepAssurance.com 
TheMedicalCannabisInstitute.org

Is affirmative defense still applicable now that the Medical Board has finalized their Medical Marijuana rules?

As a way to protect patients and parents or guardians of minor patients who seek to use marijuana prior to the creation and implementation of all the administrative rules necessary to run the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program, HB 523 created an affirmative defense for certain marijuana-related crimes. According to the law, a patient, parent, or guardian can only raise an affirmative defense if they have, among other requirements, received a written recommendation from his or her doctor that certifies a certain number of criteria are met. The Board recommends that physicians consult with their private legal counsel and/or employer for interpretation of the legislation.

The affirmative defense established by HB 523 may be raised only for conduct occurring on or after the effective date of the legislation, but no later than sixty days after the date the State Board of Pharmacy begins accepting applications for patient registration pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 3796.08 .

What are the Qualifying Medical condition that may be treated with Medical Marijuana?

Certified physicians may recommend medical marijuana only for the treatment of a qualifying medical condition. Under Ohio law, all of the following are qualifying medical conditions: AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy or another seizure disorder, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, hepatitis C, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, pain that is either chronic and severe or intractable, Parkinson’s disease, positive status for HIV, post-traumatic stress disorder, sickle cell anemia, spinal cord disease or injury, Tourette’s syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and ulcerative colitis.

How can new qualifying Medical conditions be added?

The State Medical Board of Ohio established Nov. 1, 2018 -Dec. 31, 2018 as the first submission period for petitions to add a qualifying medical condition to the Medical Marijuana Control Program. PETITIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED BEFORE NOV. 1, 2018. During the submission period next fall, all petitions should be filed electronically through the State’s website, medicalmarijuana.ohio.gov. A petition needs to include:

  • The name and contact information
  • Specific disease or condition requested to be added
  • Information from experts who specialize in the study of the disease or condition
  • Relevant medical or scientific evidence
  • Consideration of whether conventional medical therapies are insufficient to treat or alleviate the disease or condition
  • Evidence supporting the use of medical marijuana to treat or alleviate the disease or condition and other types of medical or scientific documentation
  • Letters of support provided by physicians

Under Ohio law, all of the following are already identified as qualifying medical conditions: AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy or another seizure disorder, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, hepatitis C, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, pain that is either chronic and severe or intractable, Parkinson’s disease, positive status for HIV, post-traumatic stress disorder, sickle cell anemia, spinal cord disease or injury, Tourette’s syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and ulcerative colitis.

Will Medical Marijuana be available to Minors?

Yes. However, a physician holding an active certificate to recommend may recommend treatment with medical marijuana only after obtaining the consent of a parent or another person responsible for providing consent to treatment.

May a licensee of the Medical Board administer, dispense, Utilize, or Topically apply products containing Medical Marijuana in the course of Treatment of a patient?

 

 

 

 

 

What is your refund policy?

We aim to be as transparent about our refund policy as possible. It is as follows:

  • Cancel within 24 hours of joining our service—100% refund
  • Cancel after 24 hours—100% refund minus $25 fee.
  • Reschedule/No-show/Cancel appointments less than 48 hours prior—$50 fee
  • Once a recommendation is issued after your exam, our services are non-refundable in any way.
Do I receive my recommendation on the first visit?

Yes!!! Ohio state law requires that a certified physician activate your Medical Cannabis once they have completed an exam and confirmed that you qualify. At this time, you’ll receive your Patient ID number!

Am I guaranteed a medical marijuana/cannabis recommendation?

NO. While we do offer a money back guarantee if you do not pre-qualify, we DO NOT guarantee that you will receive a recommendation. You can only receive a recommendation if our doctors determine you have a qualifying condition as defined by Ohio law, and that the benefits of using medical marijuana outweigh the risks.

Do I have to pay for an evaluation fee if I do not receive a recommendation?

No, if you do not pre-qualify or receive a recommendation for evaluation you will be refunded your money in full.

How long does it take to get an Ohio medical marijuana/cannabis recommendation?

Approximately 15 minutes! Upon completion of your exam, if you qualify, your physician will immediately add you to the State’s patient registry. To get your card and begin treatment after you receive a recommendation, you must pay a fee to the State of Ohio Pharmacy Board and upload a passport style photo to apply for the card.

 

What Do I Need To Bring With Me To My Appointment?

You must provide a valid state-issued ID or Driver’s License and bring along any necessary medical documentation to support your diagnosis. This includes recent medical records, prescriptions, physician’s letter, chiropractor’s letter, x-rays, MRI’s or any other documentation related to your medical condition(s). Green Compassion Network’s prequalifying process helps you to accomplish this in advance of your face to face evaluation, thus expediting your medical cannabis qualification.

 

What Are The Standards For Admission Of Doctors Into The Green Compassion Network?

The Green Compassion Network has adopted strict standards in evaluating the doctors allowed to join our network of trusted physicians. Only qualified, licensed, board certified physicians who are in good standing are eligible for listing on the Green Compassion Network. Each physician meets Ohio’s specific requirements for recommending medical cannabis.

 

Will My Information Be Kept Private?

Absolutely. Green Compassion Network will treat your information with the utmost confidentiality. We will never add your name to any state list. And, we will only discuss your private information for verification purposes. Your visit to a medical cannabis doctor is considered part of your confidential medical record and your doctor will only discuss your medical condition and your medical cannabis recommendation for verification purposes. For more information, please view our privacy policy.

 

Do Recommending Doctors Accept Health Insurance?

No. Insurance companies currently do not cover medical cannabis; therefore, none of GCN’s in-network doctors accept insurance.

 

Is Medical Cannabis Legal Under Federal Law in the U.S?

No. Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under federal law, and federal law regulating marijuana supersedes state law in all states including U.S. territories. Legalized medical cannabis is regulated state by state.

 

What are the qualifying medical conditions that may be treated with medical marijuana?

Certified physicians may recommend medical marijuana only for the treatment of a qualifying medical condition. Under Ohio law, all of the following are qualifying medical conditions: AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy or another seizure disorder, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, hepatitis C, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, pain that is either chronic and severe or intractable, Parkinson’s disease, positive status for HIV, post-traumatic stress disorder, sickle cell anemia, spinal cord disease or injury, Tourette’s syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and ulcerative colitis.

 

Can new qualifying medical conditions be added?

The State Medical Board of Ohio established Nov. 1, 2018 – Dec. 31, 2018, as the first submission period for petitions to add a qualifying medical condition to the Medical Marijuana Control Program. NO PETITIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED BEFORE NOV. 1, 2018.

During the submission period next fall, all petitions should be filed electronically through the State’s website, medicalmarijuana.ohio.gov. A petition needs to include:

  • The name and contact information.
  • Specific disease or condition requested to be added.
  • Information from experts who specialize in the study of the disease or condition
  • Relevant medical or scientific evidence
  • Consideration of whether conventional medical therapies are insufficient to treat or alleviate the disease or condition
  • Evidence supporting the use of medical marijuana to treat or alleviate the disease or condition and other types of medical or scientific documentation
  • Letters of support provided by physicians

Rule 4731-32-05, Ohio Administrative Code provides details regarding how to file a petition to add a condition and the supporting documentation is available in Ohio Administrative Code 4731-32-05.

Under Ohio law, all of the following are already identified as qualifying medical conditions: AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy or another seizure disorder, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, hepatitis C, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, pain that is either chronic and severe or intractable, Parkinson’s disease, positive status for HIV, post-traumatic stress disorder, sickle cell anemia, spinal cord disease or injury, Tourette’s syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and ulcerative colitis.

Do I need to register?

Yes. All medical marijuana patients and their caregivers are required to register with the State Board of Pharmacy. Full details regarding registration as a patient or caregiver can be found in Chapter 3796:7-2-01 of the Ohio Administrative Code.

How long will my registered Medical Cannabis Card be valid?

A patient or caregiver registration will be valid from the date of issuance and expire one year later, on the last day of the month it was issued. If the patient is diagnosed as terminally ill, the patient’s registration will expire after six months.

Will my registration status be made publicly available?

No. The law prohibits the Board of Pharmacy, as well as licensed dispensaries, from making personal identifying information public. Physicians and those employed by dispensaries will be able to verify a patient or caregiver’s registration.

Where will I be able to obtain medical marijuana?

Medical marijuana will be available from retail dispensaries licensed by the Board of Pharmacy. Once the Board of Pharmacy has completed its dispensary licensing process dispensary locations will be made available through this site or the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program at medicalmarijuana.ohio.gov.

What forms of medical marijuana will be available?

The following forms of medical marijuana are permitted: oils, tinctures, plant material, edibles and patches. The law prohibits the use of medical marijuana by smoking or combustion, but does allows for vaporization (vaping). The law prohibits any form that is attractive to children.

Can new forms be approved?

Yes. An individual may petition the Board of Pharmacy to approve an additional form or method of using medical marijuana. The petition form can be found by visiting: www.medicalmarijuana.ohio.gov/AddFormMethod.

Please note: The law prohibits any form or method considered attractive to children.

Will medical marijuana be available to minors?

Yes. However, a certified physician may recommend treatment with medical marijuana only after obtaining the consent of a parent or another person responsible for providing consent to treatment.

Will I be permitted to grow medical marijuana for personal consumption?

No. The law prohibits the cultivation of medical marijuana for personal, family, or household use.

How much medical marijuana will a registered patient or caregiver be able to possess at one time?

The amount of medical marijuana possessed by a registered patient or caregiver must not exceed a 90-day supply. Full details regarding a 90-day supply can be found in Ohio Administrative Rule 3796:8-2-04.

Will I be able to use my medical marijuana registration card in other states? Will an out-of-state card be recognized in Ohio?

The law requires that the Board of Pharmacy attempt to negotiate and enter into reciprocity agreements with other states. Before entering into an agreement with another state, the Board must determine that both of the following apply:

  • The eligibility requirements imposed by the other state in order to obtain a registry identification card are substantially comparable to Ohio’s requirements; and,
  • The other state recognizes a patient or caregiver registration and identification card issued in Ohio.

https://www.medicalmarijuana.ohio.gov/patients-caregivers

Does Ohio recognize medical marijuana cards issued by other states?

Currently, Ohio does not recognize medical marijuana registry cards issued in other states. The law requires that the Board of Pharmacy attempt in good faith to negotiate and enter into reciprocity agreements with other states. If Ohio does enter into a reciprocity agreement with another state, more information will be posted to the OMMCP website.

What is required of a physician to recommend medical marijuana now that House Bill 523 is effective?

A physician is not permitted to issue a state of Ohio approved written recommendation to use medical marijuana until the physician has obtained a certificate to recommend from the State Medical Board of Ohio. Per Bill 523, the rules outlining the standards and process needed to obtain such a certificate to recommend was developed prior to September 8, 2017. For more information, please visit the website for the State Medical Board of Ohio.

As a way to protect patients and parents or guardians of minor patients who seek to use marijuana prior to the creation and implementation of all the administrative rules necessary to run the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program, HB 523 created an affirmative defense for certain marijuana-related crimes. According to the law, a patient, parent, or guardian can only raise an affirmative defense if they have, among other requirements, received a written recommendation from his or her doctor that certifies a certain number of criteria are met. The Board recommends that physicians consult with their private legal counsel and/or employer for interpretation of the legislation.

DISCLAIMER

Any statements made on this website regarding medical marijuana or its treatment properties have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Links to any external informational websites or publicly accessible videos are provided solely as a service to our users. The links provide additional information that may be useful or interesting and have no direct affiliation with www.gcnhope.com or Green Compassion Network, LLC. Please review our full Terms of Use Agreement for more information and the terms and conditions governing use of this website. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from your physician or other health care practitioners. Please consult your physician or health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any medical marijuana product. PLEASE NOTE: THE MATERIAL ON THIS WEBSITE IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE BEGINNING ANY DIET OR EXERCISE PROGRAM.

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PLEASE NOTE: THE MATERIAL ON THIS WEBSITE IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.

ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE BEGINNING ANY DIET OR EXERCISE PROGRAM.

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Genesis 1:29-31

Then God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the Earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you, and to every beast of the Earth and to every bird of the sky and to everything that moves on the Earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food"; and it was so. God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.

GCN's Contact Info

833-426-4673 - National

330-361-4032 - Local

833-283-4880 - Fax

Info@GCNHope.com

  6657 Frank Avenue NW
  Suite 100
  North Canton, Ohio 44720