Connecticut law requires qualifying medical cannabis patients to be certified by registered healthcare providers before they can apply for medical marijuana cards. Minors with eligible conditions must obtain certifications for medical marijuana from two registered healthcare practitioners. Connecticut medical marijuana doctors may certify patients for medical cannabis online via telehealth.
Yes. Registered physicians must certify qualifying medical marijuana patients for medical cannabis use in Connecticut. Per the Connecticut Palliative Use of Marijuana Act, a healthcare provider must have an existing, ongoing healthcare relationship with a patient before they can certify them for medical marijuana treatment. Minors under 18 years old must be certified by two healthcare providers. One must have a bonafide relationship with the patient, and the other must be certified by the Board of Physicians (BOP) to treat minors with debilitating medical conditions.
The Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program only allows state-licensed physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses to issue certifications for medical cannabis. They must be registered with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and meet the DCP eligibility requirements for healthcare providers.
No, the DCP does not keep a list of approved medical marijuana doctors in Connecticut.
Qualifying medical marijuana patients in Connecticut can ask their physicians if they are certified to issue medical marijuana recommendations. Alternatively, they can ask for referrals to DCP-registered healthcare providers.
Yes. Enacted in 2023, HB-6768 allows DCP-approved healthcare providers to examine and issue certifications to marijuana patients via telemedicine in Connecticut. Telehealth provides a more flexible and convenient way of meeting one's physician and getting certified for medical marijuana in the state.
Connecticut medical marijuana doctors can recommend up to 5 ounces of medical marijuana per month to medical cannabis patients in the state.