Even with state license many patients unable to access medical marijuana

Even with state license many patients unable to access medical marijuana

 

As patients and caregivers around the state prepare to submit applications for patient licenses, home cultivation, and caregiver licenses starting Friday, June 28, many of the state’s most at-need patients are left without answers.

Greenway reached out to 12 hospice, home health, and assisted living facilities, as well as two state associations on Thursday. Of those contacted, only two facilities had standing policies on medical cannabis, neither of which endorsed or permitted employees to participate in instruction, administration, or procurement of cannabis for patients.

Of the other 10 sources contacted by Greenway, 8 separate entities stated this was the first time they had been contacted about the issue and had no policy in place at this time.

What that means for patients is that as many go to apply, or have family and friends assist them in the application process, a large percentage of the patients this program could benefit most may continue to have problems accessing medical cannabis, even at home.

As of publication, Greenway staff has been unable to find a single assisted living facility in the state that will permit residents to have, store, or consume medical cannabis on-site.

For those that reside in their own home, but rely on home health services or skilled nursing professionals, we have not yet been able to find an organization that will allow their providers to register as caregivers, which restricts them from being able to procure or handle a patient’s cannabis and assist with administration.

Some patients will find solace as several nurses and caretakers around the state have begun to offer independent services to those applying for medical marijuana patient licenses, but the few life rafts in a dense sea of confusion and unattended patient need make for a tough storm to weather.

For those that are able to find a viable option, payment may become the next obstacle lying just below the surface, as most insurance and any federally assisted programs often exclude any care performed in relation to medical cannabis, making these caregivers an out of pocket expense in most locations.