Please call to set appointment.  Before coming in for your appointment, I would like you to review the required consent form that we can complete at the first appointment. I also require you to bring medical records that justify the certification for medical marijuana in your case.  The qualifying conditions are quite broad, and most patients will qualify.  I also encourage you to inform your primary care physician that you will be using medical marijuana products to make sure he/she does not prescribe sedating medications that may interact adversely.  A comprehensive plan of care is our goal.

Thank you for making an appointment with Alternative Medical Solutions.  We are here to help you with getting your Florida Medical Marijuana card for qualified conditions.  There is much research  regarding the many benefits to your health if used properly.  Options include mostly CBD products that help chronic pain and inflammation without the euphoric effects of THC.  But for many conditions, THC is a better choice.  Before coming in for your appointment, I would like you to review the required consent form that we can complete at the first appointment. I also require you to bring medical records that justify the certification for medical marijuana in your case.  The qualifying conditions are quite broad, and most patients will qualify.  I also encourage you to inform your primary care physician that you will be using medical marijuana products to make sure he/she does not prescribe sedating medications that may interact adversely.  A comprehensive plan of care is our goal.

The state has been quite slow in approving the applications – currently I am told it takes between 30 and 60 days after we send the application to the state before you get your card, and can obtain your product from a dispensary.  There are no dispensaries close to Sebastian, but this can all be done mail order.  The initial consultation which will include completion of your application to the state is $200.  Initial certification can be for up to 210 days (30 weeks).  I offer a no cost phone follow up in the first 30 days of obtaining your card to make sure you are doing well, and see if adjustments need to be made.  After the 210 days are done, the state requires a re-assessment at my office, and the fee for recertification at this visit is $100.  Insurance does NOT pay for medical marijuana certification, and payment is expected at the time of your office visit.  We accept cash or check at this time, later credit cards will be accepted.  After I register you, you will get an email asking for you to fill out some further info for the state, and they will ask you for a $75 fee for them to process your request. Currently they require payment to be sent in by snail mail, but hopefully electronic payment will be an option soon. You will also need a passport quality photo to send or scan and email to the state.  The state is not making this easy for us!

Our office is dedicated solely to alternative solutions for chronic conditions and certifying you for medical marijuana.  I am NOT a primary care doctor, and will not prescribe for your routine medical conditions. I will not prescribe any opiates. However, many patients on medical marijuana are able to markedly reduce or eliminate their need for opiates.  I am doing this part time, and have limited but flexible office hours.  Availability during the summers will be very limited, as we spend a good but of our summers in Washington state skydiving and boating. 

I look forward to meeting with you and discussing your options. 

Ed Stroup, MD

Alternative Medical Solutions