Medical Marijuana Frequently Asked Questions

⦁ Please bring your North Dakota or Minnesota ID.
⦁ You must provide copies of your medical records indicating your qualifying condition. (If you need a records release, see the forms tab to print).

⦁ Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
⦁ Diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
⦁ Not a legal resident of ND or MN

In Minnesota, certification is valid for 12 months. After this time, you will need to recertify with your provider. This appointment can be done via telephone, facetime, or in person. Additionally, you must re-register with the state annually.

In North Dakota, certification is valid for 8 months. After this time, you will need to recertify with your provider. This appointment can be done via telephone, facetime, or in person.

No, medical marijuana cards are not considered public record. Because of HIPAA, medical records, including medical treatments such as medical marijuana, are not public. People will not be able to access someone else’s medical records unless the patient gives his or her written permission.

It depends on what state you are traveling to. There are numerous states that recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards. This includes Washington, Washington DC, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Nevada, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona to Hawaii, California, and Colorado.

Marijuana is not federally legal; therefore it is illegal to travel out of state with your prescription.

As Medical Marijuana is still illegal on the federal level, insurance companies will not pay for marijuana related provider visits or treatment despite these being legal in the states of North Dakota and Minnesota.

Yes. Medical marijuana records are private. Medical marijuana records are protected by HIPAA. HIPAA is a very strong, complete, and thorough health privacy law. Just as your doctor cannot call the police if you show up to the emergency room with marijuana, he or she cannot reveal your medical marijuana records to anyone else, including law enforcement, without your permission.

Yes, unreimbursed health expenses are tax-deductible. If you have a prescription for medical marijuana, any and all expenses related to that prescription should be tax-deductible. Keep in mind that you will only be able to claim this as a tax deduction if you itemize. KEEP YOUR RECIEPTS! If you are looking for tax advice related to medical marijuana, you should always double-check with a licensed tax professional.

Even though marijuana is not typically as addictive as other substances, it is possible that you may still become dependent on it. Make sure that you followed the advice of a trained medical professional.
Unlike opioids, however, over-using marijuana does not cause respiratory distress and death. This point is helpful for patients to understand. No data exists of a patient dying from a marijuana overdose.

Yes. It is possible for you to smoke medical marijuana. When you get a prescription for medical marijuana, you should speak with your doctor about the best way to take it for your specific condition. For example, if you suffer from a chronic lung condition, smoking medical marijuana is probably not the best idea. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

Medical marijuana has two main compounds. CBD which binds to cannabinoid receptors and THC which induces the “high” sensation. Different types of marijuana have different levels of CBD and THC. Depending on your condition, different ratios of CBD and THC are recommended.

Medical marijuana can be smoked, vaporized, consumed and applied topically. It comes in the forms of flower, concentrates, cartridges, tinctures and lotions.

Dr. Ewal’s recommendation for new users or medical marijuana is “start low and go slow.” The use of this medical is highly individual. Patient’s report reduced negative side effects while maintaining symptom relief during the initial 2 weeks.