You and your doctor have spoken about medical marijuana as an alternative treatment for your illness. You have qualified, applied and have been accepted into the state Medical Cannabis Pilot Program – now what do you do? The next step requires that you align yourself with one of the many dispensaries across the state. How do you decide which one to use? Understanding and navigating the world of medical marijuana and its dispensaries can be difficult, to say the least. Here is your complete guide to medical marijuana dispensaries – what they are, how they function and how to find one closest to you.
What are They?
Medical Marijuana is often sought after as an alternative therapy for those living with a variety of chronic or debilitating conditions. Medical Marijuana, however, is much different than other therapies; it is not prescribed by a doctor, directly, but rather recommended with a note that holds true for the duration of a patient’s treatment. Patients who have been accepted into the state program and who are qualified to receive medical marijuana as part of their medical treatment can’t go to a Walgreen’s or CVS to pick up their treatment; rather, they must go to a licensed, state-approved dispensary – a place where medical marijuana is dispensed in the appropriate amount in a safe, effective and legal manner. Each state is different in regards to rules, regulations, policies and the size and stature of these facilities.
How Do They Function?
While patients who have been admitted to the program can access any dispensary across the state, it is required that they align themselves with a single site to actually make a purchase. Application forms to register at medical marijuana dispensaries in Northbrook, or in other areas, can be accessed online through the Illinois State Department of Public Health. Once submitted and approved, a patient in need of medical marijuana can visit the dispensary and make a purchase. The process is a simple one; patients just need to furnish their identification cards and letters of support on behalf of their physician, and are given access to the specific amounts and types of medical marijuana that they need per their treatment plan.
How Do I Find the Closest One to Me?
Finding an approved, licensed and state regulated medical marijuana dispensary can be easy, if you know where to look. A full listing of locations – as they are operating today – can be found on the Illinois State Department of Public Health website. This list is consistently modified to reflect any changes or the addition of new locations throughout the state. The state Department of Public Health makes the information easily accessible for all and is always available to answer questions patients might have about navigating the system and the pilot program.
For more information on Medical marijuana dispensaries in Northbrook, contact Greenhouse at website.
