[ladyknight]

October 2009:


The Bottom Line: The Cost of an Expired Recommendation



During these financially trying times, ASA has heard similar stories from several members. Here’s an example:

A patient did not renew her medical marijuana recommendation because she felt she couldn’t afford to pay the $150 fee charged by her recommending doctor. She hoped for the best and let the expiration date come and go. Then, about 6 months later, she had a law enforcement encounter. The officer issued a criminal citation for possession of marijuana based on the fact that her recommendation had expired.

Here were a few of this patient’s options:


1) She could plead guilty and pay the $100 criminal fine; a misdemeanor for possession of marijuana would then be on her record.
2) She could hire a private attorney.
3) She could ask the court to appoint a public defender. Most people who qualify for a public defender are still required to pay a fee; often, the fee is around $100.
4) And, finally, the patient could choose to defend herself and hope for the best.


After she made her decision and dealt with the criminal citation, she realized that she still had to pay the doctor’s fee to get an up-to-date recommendation. She talked about what an immense hassle the criminal citation was, and explained how expensive the whole ordeal turned out to be.

Yes, sometimes doctor’s fees are difficult to pay, and the current medical system might be frustrating, but ultimately, you can save yourself time and money by making a doctor’s appointment before your recommendation for medical cannabis expires.