You have heard great things about medical cannabis and how it could potentially help you. You are ready to apply for a card but have heard nightmares about how medical card applications get delayed. You are worried you might run into trouble.
For starters, know that the states have done an excellent job streamlining the application process. Most applications are reviewed and acted upon without a glitch. When things are delayed, it’s usually because of something that is easily pinpointed and corrected. So don’t worry. Go ahead and apply.
BeehiveMed is a Utah organization that helps patients get their medical cannabis cards. They say there are some common mistakes that tend to delay card applications. Here are five such mistakes:
1. Applying Without a Recommendation
One of the most frequent mistakes is applying for a card without a medical provider’s recommendation. Utah is like every other state with a medical cannabis program in that they require patients to visit with a doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or podiatrist before completing their card applications.
The states are different in terms of how they administer their programs, but Utah’s system only allows an applicant to get so far without meeting with a medical provider. Until that meeting takes place, the application process cannot be completed.
2. Working With an Uninformed Provider
Speaking of meeting with a medical provider, another common mistake is working with someone who doesn’t understand his or her responsibilities under the law. We will use Utah as an example once again.
Medical providers in Utah must create their own accounts on the state’s EVS. When they visit a patient looking to obtain a medical card, they must log onto the EVS and enter specific information. Without that information, a patient cannot be approved for a card. So an application could be delayed if a patient is working with a medical provider who does not know what to do.
3. Incorrect or Incomplete Application Details
Medical cannabis applications are typically completed online. Note that some states ask for more detailed information than others. The one thing they all have in common is that information is verified before an application is approved. So submitting an incomplete application or one with incorrect details will ultimately lead to delays.
Avoiding a delay of this type is as simple as being very careful when completing an application. Answer all questions completely and truthfully. Provide every detail the state is requesting.
4. Insufficient Documentation
Each of the states has its own documentation requirements as well. Patients virtually guarantee an application delay if they don’t furnish all the right documentation in a timely manner. Patients also run into trouble if their supporting documents are incomplete. It just makes sense. If documentation requirements aren’t meant, how can the state proceed with application approval?
5. Payment and Technical Issues
Lastly, there are payment and technical problems. From a payment perspective, states will not issue medical cannabis cards until applicants pay the required fees. They tend to be pretty affordable. In Utah, a card costs $15 annually.
On the technical side of things, there is always the possibility that the state’s online medical cannabis portal will experience glitches. It’s part of living in the digital world. Even a slight glitch can delay applications for days or weeks.
Most medical cannabis card applications are submitted and approved with no difficulties. But delays are still possible when things aren’t done correctly or computer systems glitch. It is not the end of the world. If an application gets delayed, a patient just needs to wait until things are resolved.
