Using medical cannabis is considerably different from using traditional prescription medications. For example, patients can’t just purchase medical cannabis at any corner drugstore. Their medicines are sold exclusively at state-licensed pharmacies. That begs the question of what a new patient can expect on that first pharmacy visit.
The remainder of this post deals exclusively with medical cannabis pharmacies as opposed to general marijuana dispensaries. The distinction is important because not all states with medical cannabis programs allow recreational consumption. And in states with both, the business models for dispensaries and pharmacies are different.
The Medical Cannabis Card
New medical cannabis patients must have a valid medical card to purchase products. So that is the starting point. A retailer like the Beehive Farmacy in Utah could not sell products at either of its locations to people who do not possess valid cards. Staff at both the Salt Lake City and Brigham City locations are required to check cards before patients are allowed access to the premises.
Getting a card is not especially difficult in most states. In Utah, patients submit an electronic application and then visit with a medical provider. As long as everything is in order, a card is issued within fifteen business days.
Consulting With the Pharmacist
New patients should expect to consult with a medical cannabis pharmacist on their first visit. Utah is among the states that mandate this initial consultation. A Utah pharmacy cannot dispense medical cannabis without a first consultation.
The consultation is voluntary in other states but still recommended. New patients should understand that pharmacists are the most qualified medical providers to help them. Pharmacists are trained in the science of medicine and how it affects the body. They have the answers new patients are seeking.
Selecting Products
While pharmacists can consult on the medical aspects of using cannabis, pharmacy agents are the experts in brands, delivery methods, and similar topics. New patients should expect to consult with a pharmacy agent to figure out what to buy.
During that first visit, the pharmacy agent will offer a best guess based on the information the patient provides. But on subsequent visits, an agent can help the patient fine-tune product selection based on previous experience. For this reason, it is extremely helpful when patients track their consumption and results.
Payment in Cash
Although there are exceptions to the rule, patients should expect to pay cash at the pharmacy. Medical cannabis is still largely a cash-only business because of federal banking regulations that prevent pharmacies from accessing traditional bank services.
It is common for pharmacies to have ATMs on-site. This gives patients an opportunity to travel to the pharmacy without large amounts of cash but still make purchases after withdrawing from the ATM.
Purchasing Accessories
Finally, new patients should expect the possibility of having to purchase accessories along with their first supplies of medical cannabis. For example, a patient might decide to try vaping on the recommendation of a pharmacy agent. In addition to his medicine, he will have to purchase a vaping device.
Vape pens, dry heating vaporizers, and batteries are all accessories one could expect to find at a medical cannabis pharmacy. Accessories come with the package. Fortunately, they do not have to be purchased with every visit.
The first visit to a medical cannabis pharmacy can be both confusing and overwhelming. If you are a new patient, do not be afraid to ask for as much help as you need. Above all, the pharmacy wants you to have a pleasant experience so that you leave feeling confident about your purchase.
