Can I Have a Telehealth Evaluation? Questions to Ask by State

Driving to an appointment is hard when you live with pain, fatigue, or a condition that makes travel tiring. So it is natural to ask whether your medical cannabis evaluation can happen by video. Yes: we offer telehealth visits for patients in North Dakota and Minnesota. A few details still depend on your situation, so here are the questions worth asking before you book.

Why the Answer Depends on the State

North Dakota and Minnesota each write their own rules for medical cannabis. Those rules can say who may certify patients, what kind of relationship the clinician must have with you, and whether any part of the process must happen in person. Separate licensing rules also apply to all telehealth. In general, a clinician needs to be licensed in the state where you are physically located at the time of the visit.

Rules in this area have changed over time and may change again. We don't want to give you an answer here that is out of date by the time you read it. Instead, check the official sources and ask us directly:

• North Dakota: ND HHS medical marijuana page
• Minnesota: Office of Cannabis Management, Division of Medical Cannabis

Questions to Ask About the Rules

1. Does my state allow a certification visit by telehealth? Ask whether the answer is different for a first evaluation and a renewal.
2. Does it have to be video, or can it be a phone call? Some rules treat these differently.
3. Where do I need to be during the visit? If you live in Minnesota but work in Grand Forks, for example, your location at the time of the visit may matter.
4. Is the clinician licensed in my state? Dr. Charlotte Ewals sees patients in North Dakota and Minnesota only.
5. Are there any steps that must happen in person? Ask about identity checks, exams, and signatures.

Questions to Ask About the Visit Itself

• How do I send my records ahead of time? The evaluation depends on documentation of your diagnosis, whether it is in person or by video.
• How will you confirm my identity? Have a government-issued photo ID ready.
• What platform do you use, and do I need to download anything? Ask for a test link if you are not comfortable with video calls.
• What happens if the connection fails? Ask whether you will be called back or rescheduled. At our clinic, rescheduling is free.
• Is the fee the same as an in-person visit? Yes, the clinic fee is the same. Our fees are listed in what an evaluation costs at our clinic.

If a Video Visit Is Available, How to Get Ready

• Find a quiet, private space where you can speak openly about your health.
• Use a device with a working camera and microphone, and charge it first.
• Have your medication list, records, ID, and written questions within reach.
• Join a few minutes early to sort out any sound or camera problems.

What Does Not Change with Telehealth

A video visit is still a full medical evaluation. The clinician still reviews your records, asks about your history and medicines, and decides whether certification is appropriate. A telehealth visit does not make approval more likely, and it does not skip the state's review. After certification, you still complete your own application or registration with the state, and the state decides whether to issue a card or enroll you.

And as with any visit, a card issued in one state is issued under that state's law. Federal law and other states' laws may differ, so check before traveling.

Next Steps

The simplest way to get a clear answer for your situation is to call us at (218) 274-4500 before booking, or start your booking here and note that you are asking about telehealth. If you are a Minnesota resident, also read the current Minnesota registration steps.