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Organic Remedies is unable to dispense medical marijuana to anyone who hasn’t registered with the state of Pennsylvania through their physician.

Here are answers to common questions about the registration process and qualifying conditions.

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General → Patients → Caregivers → Physicians

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”general”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”GENERAL” border_width=”3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Why was medical marijuana use approved in Pennsylvania?”]Studies have shown that medical marijuana can assist patients suffering from certain serious medical conditions by alleviating pain and improving their quality of life.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What is a “serious medical condition” under the Act?”]The Act defines a “serious medical condition” as any one of the following:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Autism
• Cancer
• Crohn’s Disease
• Damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with an objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) / AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
• Huntington’s Disease
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Intractable Seizures
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neuropathies
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• Severe chronic or intractable pain of neuropathic origin or severe chronic or intractable pain in which conventional therapeutic intervention and opiate therapy is contraindicated or ineffective.
• Sickle Cell Anemia.

[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Does the Medical Marijuana Program protect against federal prosecution?”]No. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has the authority to enforce civil and criminal federal laws relating to marijuana possession and use, regardless of state law. Growing, distributing, and/or possessing marijuana in any capacity, except through a federally-approved research program, is a violation of federal law, and no state or local law provides a legal defense to a violation of federal law. In light of current DOJ guidance, however, it may be unlikely that federal authorities would bring civil enforcement actions or criminal investigations and prosecutions against growers/ processors, dispensaries, physicians, seriously ill individuals or caregivers as long as they are acting pursuant to the Act. A memorandum from the DOJ (PDF), dated August 29, 2013, explains the priorities of federal authorities regarding marijuana possession and use, including state medical marijuana programs.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Who is able to obtain medical marijuana?”]Under the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act, patients who are residents of the commonwealth and have a serious medical condition as certified by a physician will be able to obtain medical marijuana at dispensaries that are located in the commonwealth and have a validly-issued permit from the department. A “caregiver” who is designated by the patient and is registered with the department will be able to obtain medical marijuana from a dispensary located in the commonwealth that has a validly- issued permit from the department in order for the caregiver to deliver medical marijuana to the patient.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”How do I find a doctor who participates in the medical marijuana program?”]If you do not have an approved practitioner, you can access the Department of Health’s list on our Approved Practitioners page.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”How do I sign up or register for the medical marijuana program?”]You may register for the program through the Patient and Caregivers Registry[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What is the Patient and Caregivers Registry?”]Patient and Caregivers Registry is an online database created to allow patients and caregivers to participate in the medical marijuana program.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Who needs to register in the Patient and Caregivers Registry?”]If you are a patient or caregiver of a patient, you need to create a profile in the registry and complete the registration process to participate in the program.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What information do I need to have available when I register?”]Patients under the age of 18 are required to have a caregiver apply on their behalf. Patients over the age of 18 (and caregivers) need to have proof of Pennsylvania residency in the form of a Pennsylvania driver’s license or a Pennsylvania state-issued identification card with their current address.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Can minors with serious medical conditions get medical marijuana?”]Yes. Patients under the age of 18 with a serious medical condition may get medical marijuana through a caregiver.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”How do I sign up or register a minor in the program?”]Minors under the age of 18 require a caregiver to register on their behalf. If you are the minor’s parent, legal guardian or spouse you can serve as your minor’s caregiver by registering as their caregiver. If you are not the minor’s parent, legal guardian or spouse, an ‘authorization to designate a third-party caregiver’ form must be completed. This form can be downloaded from the caregiver’s profile. Once completed, you will upload the form in your caregiver profile.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”How much is the medical marijuana ID card?”]The fee for the card is $50. Individuals providing evidence that they participate in the following government programs may qualify for a discounted medical marijuana ID card: Medicaid, PACE/ PACENET, CHIP, SNAP, and WIC.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”When will I get my medical marijuana ID card?”]The department is currently developing the process to obtain a medical marijuana ID card. The department anticipates mailing ID cards to patients and caregivers later this year. More information will be available closer to that time.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”My Medical Marijuana card is about to expire. What do I do?”]Sixty (60) days before the expiration date of your Patient Certification and ID Card, you will receive an email from the Pennsylvania Department of Health letting you know that it is time to renew your registration.  You must renew the registration prior to obtaining a new certification from the practitioner.

To renew your registration, you will need to do the following:

Go to https://padohmmp.custhelp.com/app/login to your patient account.

Click the ‘profile settings’ tab in the blue ribbon at the top.

Review all information (Please note: The first name, last name and address must be EXACTLY as it appears on your Pennsylvania driver’s license or state-issued ID card. If you have a change of address card, list that address. Your information must match what PennDot has on file for you).

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the ‘save changes’ button if you made any changes, and then click the ‘profile settings’ tab again.

Click the blue ‘Renew My Registration’ button. Follow the prompts until you see the message letting you know your information has successfully validated.

After renewing your registration, you’ll receive an email letting you know that your next step is to obtain a new patient certification. You can get a patient certification from any registered practitioner. You do not have to see the same doctor who issued your initial patient certification.

Once the doctor certifies you, if your annual payment is up to date, a new card will be printed and mailed to you at the address listed in your patient portal under ‘profile settings’.

The new card will start after the expiration date of the original card.

If you saw the doctor before renewing your registration, you will need to call that office to let them know when you’ve completed that step, so they can issue the certification.

Payments are no longer tied to the ID card and are instead made annually.

30 days before your annual renewal fee is due, you will receive an email with instructions for making the $50 payment (or $25 if you qualify for a fee reduction).

This fee is paid once every 12 months, regardless of how many cards/certifications you may be issued.  Be sure to watch for this email and pay the annual fee by the due date listed to avoid any lapse in card activation.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”I just received my Medical Marijuana card in the mail. What do I do now?”]Your first step in purchasing medical marijuana products at Organic Remedies is to schedule a patient consultation with one of our expert pharmacists. All new patients must first have a pharmacist consultation.

Do not schedule your patient consultation until your Medical Marijuana card has arrived in the mail from the Department of Health. Be sure to note the “Issued” date on the card. Your card must be “valid” in order to visit our dispensary (a card may arrive in your mail a few days before the “Issued” date becomes valid).

Once you have your valid Medical Marijuana card, you can schedule your new patient consultation online at https://organicremediesmo.com/patients/schedule-an-appointment/ or by calling the dispensary location that is most convenient for you.

You will receive an email to confirm your scheduled consultation.

Next, you can fill out your Patient Intake Forms before your scheduled consultation. You’ll find the forms at  https://organicremediesmo.com/patients/patient-forms/ . There are two forms needed for all patients- the Patient Registration Form and the Patient Disclosure Form.

Download these forms and print them to fill out, or you can type your responses directly into the form, and then print the forms.

Be sure to bring these forms with you on your first visit to our dispensary. Also, be sure to bring with you copies of relevant healthcare records, such as your current list of prescriptions. This will help our pharmacists make informed recommendations based on your healthcare profile.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”I have lost my Medical Marijuana card. What do I do?”]Replacement cards can be obtained through the Pennsylvania Department of Health. To request a replacement card, email the DOH at RA-DHMedMarijuana@pa.gov. Replacement cards are $25 for a first replacement and $50 for each additional replacement. As soon as you request a replacement, your old card will be deactivated for security reasons and will no longer work even if you find it.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”patients”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”PATIENT” border_width=”3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”As a new medical marijuana patient, do I need a Patient Consultation with a Pharmacist?”]Yes. All new medical marijuana patients who have not previously had a pharmacist consultation at another Pennsylvania dispensary must meet with one of our knowledgeable pharmacists for an initial consultation before purchasing any medical marijuana products.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”I have been to another Organic Remedies dispensary location. Do I need to schedule a pharmacist consultation before purchasing products at a different Organic Remedies dispensary location?”]No. If you have previously been to one of our other Organic Remedies dispensary locations, you will not need to schedule a pharmacist consultation before purchasing products at a different location. However, please inform the receptionist that you have been to another Organic Remedies dispensary location, so that we can transfer your records to the relevant dispensary.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”I have been to another dispensary in Pennsylvania, but not Organic Remedies. Do I need a consultation with a pharmacist before purchasing products in the dispensary?”]No, if you have had a previous patient consultation at another Pennsylvania dispensary, you will not need to have an initial consultation with one of our pharmacists. However, if you want to schedule a free patient consultation with one of our pharmacists, you may do so. We look forward to working with you to determine the best medical marijuana therapy for your particular condition.

As a new patient at Organic Remedies, you will need to fill out and submit the New Patient Intake Forms and Disclosure Forms. This will allow us to enter you as a patient in our system database.

You’ll find the forms at  https://organicremediesmo.com/patients/patient-forms/ . There are two forms needed for all patients- the Patient Registration Form and the Patient Disclosure Form.

Download these forms and print them to fill out, or you can type your responses directly into the form, and then print the forms. Fully complete the forms and sign them where indicated.

Be sure to bring these documents with you on your first visit to our dispensary.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”How do I schedule a consultation with a pharmacist?”]To schedule new patient consultation or a follow up patient consultation, go to https://organicremediesmo.com/patients/schedule-an-appointment/   or call the dispensary location most convenient for you.

Follow-up consultations can be scheduled, free of charge, whenever you want.

Be sure to indicate the correct location when scheduling your appointment. You will receive an email to confirm your scheduled consultation.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Is there a charge or fee for a patient consultation?”]No. Patient consultations are always free of charge.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What should I bring for my first visit to Organic Remedies?”]You will need to show your valid Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Caregiver card and also a government-approved photo ID– BEFORE entering our dispensary. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

There are two forms needed for all patients- the Patient Registration Form and the Patient Disclosure Form. You can fill out your Patient Intake Forms before your scheduled consultation. You’ll find the forms at  https://organicremediesmo.com/patients/patient-forms/ .

Download these forms and print them to fill out, or you can type your responses directly into the form, and then print the forms. Fully complete the forms and sign where indicated.

Be sure to bring these documents with you on your first visit to our dispensary.

Also, be sure to bring with you copies of relevant healthcare records, such as your current list of prescriptions. This will help our pharmacists make informed recommendations based on your healthcare profile.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”I have a Medical Marijuana card from another state. Can I visit Organic Remedies?”]No. The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program does not allow individuals from other states to participate in the Program. You must have a valid Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana card to visit our dispensaries.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”I have recently renewed my Medical Marijuana card, but it has not yet arrived in the mail. Can I still come into the dispensary to purchase products?”]No. The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana registry system will not allow approval of an individual without scanning a physical medical marijuana card. We therefore cannot sell products to any individual without a physical valid medical marijuana card.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”How long is the first pharmacist consultation for a new patient?”]Typically, your initial consultation with one of our pharmacists will take between 30 and 45 minutes. However, our pharmacists are passionately committed to your health and well-being and will gladly spend more time with you if you have additional questions or concerns about your therapeutic regimen.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What type of products do you have?”]Organic Remedies has a wide selection of product forms and brands to help you manage your healthcare needs. All of our products are true medical marijuana products containing THC only or with a THC to CBD ratio and may only be purchased by patients registered with the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program. We have partnered with state-approved Growers and Processors to provide the highest quality products to our patients. We offer capsules, tinctures, topicals, extracts, concentrates, vape cartridges, disposable pens, POD cartridges and dry leaf. The strains and availability of products are determined by the state-approved growers and processors. They are constantly changing and improving. Please visit  https://organicremediesmo.com/products/ to see our current Product Menus for each dispensary.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Will the pharmacist help me understand which products I should purchase for my condition?”]Yes. Our pharmacists are committed to helping you achieve your best healthcare outcome and after reviewing your health history and relevant health records, will work with you to make product and dosage recommendations based on your healthcare goals.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Do you offer any discounts?”]Yes, we are pleased to offer a 10% off discount every day to our military service members and military veterans on every sales transaction.

We also celebrate birthdays with a 15% off discount. You can use your birthday discount the day before, the day of or the day after your birthday. Please mention your birthday to your Patient Care Consultant to enjoy these savings.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What is your return policy for medical marijuana products?”]Medical marijuana products will only be accepted for exchange or return if found to be defective or damaged, returned within 14 days of purchase and only with the original packaging and labels. No returns or exchanges will be permitted on devices or ancillary items.

If you feel you have a defective or damaged product, please contact our dispensary location where you purchased the product. A Patient Care Consultant will work with you to troubleshoot common issues and determine if the device or product is truly defective and if so, will provide guidance on next steps. In some cases, a grower may require you to contact them first to approve the return of the product to Organic Remedies. Our team will provide any information needed to contact the grower if this is the case.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Can I use my debit card, credit card or a check for purchasing products?”]No. We currently only accept cash payments. We have an ATM located in each of our dispensaries for your convenience.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Can my wife/husband enter the dispensary with me?”]Only individuals who have a state-approved medical marijuana card and also a government-approved photo ID may enter our dispensaries. Spouses or significant others who do not have these two cards will not be permitted to enter the dispensary, however we are happy to coordinate with patients to have their spouses or individuals supporting them in their healthcare attend consultation sessions via conference call.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Can my service dog enter the dispensary with me?”]Yes, service pets or emotional support pets are permitted to enter the dispensary. We understand the value of these family members and ask that you please keep pets close at hand at all times as many areas of our dispensary are secure access areas. Also, we ask that you maintain control of your pet and respect the feelings of other patients.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Can my children enter the dispensary with me?”]Children under the age of 18 when accompanied by an adult medical marijuana patient or caregiver will be permitted to enter our dispensaries. For security purposes, we respectfully ask that parents or guardians please keep children close at hand at all times as many areas of our dispensary are secure access areas.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”How do I know what products are available when I visit your dispensary?”]Our Product Menus for each dispensary location can be found online at https://organicremediesmo.com/products/. Select the location of choice to review the dispensary’s product menu. Product menus are continuously updated for each location.

Product menus can also be found in the waiting area of each dispensary.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What is my patient profile?”]Your patient profile contains all your relevant patient information. Each time you log onto the patient and caregiver registry, you will be able to access this information.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What is a patient certification?”]A practitioner approved by the Department of Health can issue a patient certification. The certification confirms that you have one of the 17 serious medical conditions defined in the Act and that medical marijuana may benefit you. You cannot participate in the program without a patient certification.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”How do I get a patient certification?”]An approved practitioner can issue your patient certification. If you do not have an approved practitioner, you can access the Department of Health’s list on our Approved Practitioners page.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Do I need a patient certification to create my patient profile in the registry?”]No. You should create your patient profile before obtaining a patient certification. However, to complete registration you will need a patient certification from an approved practitioner. If you do not have an approved practitioner, you can view a list of approved practitioners here (PDF).[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Can you register as a patient for the program if you have a criminal record?”]You are not required to complete a background check if you are registering as a patient. However, all caregivers must complete a background check, and any criminal record will be reviewed prior to their approval.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”If I’m home-bound can I still register for the medical marijuana program?”]If you are home-bound, you may either register yourself and designate up to two caregivers or you may have a caregiver apply on your behalf. Your caregiver, once approved, can pick up your medical marijuana at an approved dispensary.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”caregiver”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”CAREGIVER” border_width=”3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Who is considered a caregiver?”]The Act defines a “caregiver” as an individual 21 years of age or older unless otherwise authorized by the department, who is:

• Designated by a patient
• A parent, legal guardian or spouse of a patient that is under the age of 18 and/or
• Designated to be a caregiver by a parent, legal guardian or spouse of an individual approved by the department if no parent or legal guardian is appropriate or available.

Caregivers must register with the department and complete a criminal history background check in order to receive a medical marijuana ID card.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What is a caregiver profile?”]Your caregiver profile will contain all relevant caregiver information and will be stored in the patient and caregiver registry.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Who must have a caregiver?”]Patients under the age of 18 are required to have a caregiver.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Can I register as a caregiver for someone who I am not related to?”]Adult patients can designate any individual as their caregiver. All caregivers must complete a background check. If you are a caregiver for a minor but not the patient’s parent, legal guardian or spouse, you will need to be designated as a third-party caregiver. This is done by filling out an ‘authorization to designate a third-party caregiver’ form. Once completed, you will upload the form back to your caregiver profile.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What information do I need to register to become a patient’s caregiver?”]In order to register as a patient’s caregiver, you must have proof of Pennsylvania residency in the form of a Pennsylvania driver’s license or a Pennsylvania state-issued identification card with your current address.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Can I register as a caregiver if I have a criminal record?”]All caregivers must complete a background check. Any criminal record will be reviewed prior to approval. You cannot be approved as a caregiver if you have been convicted of a criminal offense that occurred within the last five years relating to the sale or possession of drugs, narcotics or controlled substances.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Can a person be a caregiver for more than one patient?”]Yes. Caregivers may provide care for up to five patients.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”I care for a patient with a disability. How can I register them for the program?”]If the patient is under the age of 18, they are required to have a caregiver apply on their behalf. If a patient is 18 years of age or older and able to register themselves, they may do so. If they cannot, a caregiver may register for them.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”physician”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”PHYSICIAN” border_width=”3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”How can a physician participate in the medical marijuana program?”]In order to participate in the Medical Marijuana Program, a physician must:

1. First, create a profile in the Department of Health Physician Registry. A validation of the physician’s Pennsylvania medical license with the Department of State will occur.
2. Physicians will then be prompted to complete the required 4-hour training provided by a Department of Health approved training entity. View the list of approved training providers.
3. There will be a final review and approval by the Department of Health in order to become a Practitioner who can issue patient certifications.

[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Will the Department of Health website contain a list of registered physicians?”]Yes. You can access the Department of Health’s list on our Approved Practitioners page.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What is the education process for physicians who want to register with the medical marijuana program and issue certifications to eligible Pennsylvanians to use medical marijuana?”]Once validation of the physician’s license occurs with the Department of State, physicians will be prompted to complete a required 4-hour training provided by a Department of Health approved training entity. During the registration process physicians will need to complete 4 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) from an approved provider. The CMEs will count towards the physician’s licensure requirement. View the list of approved training providers.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”75px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”page-sidebar-1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]