[ShiningSkull]

Go here to read the comments left about Steve Lopez' story on his visit to get a rec from a MMJ doctor.
Medical marijuana for an L.A. Times columnist | Comments Blog | Los Angeles Times

His story is here, in case you haven't read it. A visit to the medical marijuana doctor -- latimes.com

Let's get in there ourselves and speak up, trackers!

Comments Blog
Because sometimes the comments are the best part

Medical marijuana for an L.A. Times columnist

October 28, 2009 | 3:49 pm

Marijuana

For a lot of people, the details about medical marijuana can be hazy. Hundreds of dispensaries have grown like weeds around Los Angeles, some of which are open as late as fast-food restaurants (a blessed coincidence). But how does one get a prescription to use this medicine?

Thankfully, L.A. Times columnist Steve Lopez broke down part of the process in his column today about his visit to the medical marijuana doctor.

In his account, Lopez educates us about obtaining a marijuana “recommendation” from an obstetrician who had advertised as being someone who could write a script for the controversial bud.

So the question is: Is Lopez’s account of visiting the doctor an accurate depiction of the experience?

Do you agree with him that we’re better off legalizing the plant? Or do the recreational users who abuse the system need to be, excuse the pun, weeded out?

Our interactive map of L.A. marijuana dispensaries shows which are licensed and which have been denied applications -- it also marks their proximity to schools, parks and libraries. What do you think about the location of these dispensaries? Does it matter that they are so close to schools and public spaces? Or do you consider this much ado about nothing?

-- Kelsey Ramos

Medical marijuana for an L.A. Times columnist | Comments Blog | Los Angeles Times

[raddatatpat]

Recreational users are the reasons we are continually fighting to what we the voters worked hard for. None of them were even old enough to vote for Prop. 215 What WE should do is make receiving recommendations a bit more difficult under the age of 26. As far as those dispensaries operating in shady areas that I rather watch from TV, shut em down. Why? The purpose of this law is to provide safe access to our medication not still go to the hood for it.
RADDATATPAT

[raddatatpat]

Originally Posted by ShiningSkull

Go here to read the comments left about Steve Lopez' story on his visit to get a rec from a MMJ doctor.
Medical marijuana for an L.A. Times columnist | Comments Blog | Los Angeles Times

His story is here, in case you haven't read it. A visit to the medical marijuana doctor -- latimes.com

Let's get in there ourselves and speak up, trackers!

Comments Blog
Because sometimes the comments are the best part

Medical marijuana for an L.A. Times columnist

October 28, 2009 | 3:49 pm

Marijuana

For a lot of people, the details about medical marijuana can be hazy. Hundreds of dispensaries have grown like weeds around Los Angeles, some of which are open as late as fast-food restaurants (a blessed coincidence). But how does one get a prescription to use this medicine?

Thankfully, L.A. Times columnist Steve Lopez broke down part of the process in his column today about his visit to the medical marijuana doctor.

In his account, Lopez educates us about obtaining a marijuana “recommendation” from an obstetrician who had advertised as being someone who could write a script for the controversial bud.

So the question is: Is Lopez’s account of visiting the doctor an accurate depiction of the experience?

Do you agree with him that we’re better off legalizing the plant? Or do the recreational users who abuse the system need to be, excuse the pun, weeded out?

Our interactive map of L.A. marijuana dispensaries shows which are licensed and which have been denied applications -- it also marks their proximity to schools, parks and libraries. What do you think about the location of these dispensaries? Does it matter that they are so close to schools and public spaces? Or do you consider this much ado about nothing?

-- Kelsey Ramos

Medical marijuana for an L.A. Times columnist | Comments Blog | Los Angeles Times

Recreational users are either helping or hurting us. So, were was these people that make a big percentage of patients when the rallies called for them? Too medicated? Probably. We need their help, if not, let them wait like we did for another proposition to vote and act on.
RADDATATPAT

[Greenbud]

26 years of age? Not even 21? But at 18 a U.S. male has to register with Selective Service to potentially die for his country yet can't decide what to put in his own body? If I were 18 that wouldn't fly but I see your point. That 18 year old would get out to vote against this is wishful thinking.

Yeah, it so friggin' complicated but more than anything it's the patient apathy that is killing us and letting the media and politician run all over us.

Thanks for keeping the dialogue going these stressful and eventful days.

Best,

GB

[washgirl]

And here is the largest problem the Drs!

[darlingcyrano]

This is not a new concept, but it seems finally there is some light being shed. I've noticed that many just go with what's "in heat." It's always coming down hard on the collectives who are actually putting forth some risk.

I've always been a firm believer that the "professional side" of the MMJ industry has contributed to a lot of this mess, but they are overlooked when everyone wants to point fingers.

Attorneys -- do you guys realize that many of the hardship applicants had copy-and-paste text from an attorney listing their reason for hardship? This "loophole" that was yesterday's news, was also pushed hard by attorneys giving operators a good dose of encouragement. That's beside the point though....

PHYSICIANS have to take some responsibility for this mess too. Okay, so yeah, I know you are all pro-MJ and believe that people can medicate with what they choose to - I'm here, I believe you. But physicians are STEP ONE into MMJ. THERE ARE RECC MILLS whether you want to admit it or not.

My first physician was Dr Eidelman. Examination and consultation, check. 2 years later, I got my second renewal with Dr Aldridge. Examination and consultation, check. (In fact, Dr Aldridge unintentionally insulted me, digging a little further and recommended that I should also regularly see a psychologist. Great.) My most recent renewal was last December with another physician who will go unnamed......

This office is popular as far as advertising goes. The receptionist/assistant/front office girl was friendly... little did I know, she does most of the work. When it was my turn to be evaluated, she came into the room and took my blood pressure. The doctor came in and -- I mean this is the nicest way possible (and yes, with some sarcasm, so lighten up and take a joke)-- the man was "one-foot-in-the-grave", OR AT LEAST seemed it. He was wearing the stethoscope, and SHE moved the probe on my chest and back. She asked me all the questions as I recounted my need for renewal and updated them on my progress over the past year.

The whole time, the doctor was looking at me (or past me, I couldn't tell), holding on to my wrist and that meaty part between my thumb and forefinger. Pulses, I suppose. I was quite detailed in recounting recent occurrences and episodes I had been having, but the only words the Doctor MUMBLED to me was "So, you have migraines?" -- Uh, yeah, that was like so-10-minutes-ago, and if he was listening at all, that was not my main issue (and not the reason I use MMJ) but rather a by-product of stress related to my other 2 HUGE issues I so freely discussed with the girl.

He mumbled and stared and poked around with my hand, not because he didn't know what he was doing. He was probably a FANTASTIC physician (at some point)... I barely understood him and he barely understood me, because the man was old. I'm not discriminating, I love old people. But there comes a point when a physician must retire, if he is not able to steer most of the consultation and communication. I know Physician's Assistants are very active in this game. But my physician seemed nothing more than a "prop" to go with the motions.

So to answer the question: "Is Lopez’s account of visiting the doctor an accurate depiction of the experience?"

Maybe, maybe not. Mainstream media could be evil and biased. But there's my story for you. My point is, (like collectives) SOME are good, SOME are not-so-good.

Everyone comes down so hard on collectives being all nit-picky, but remember, they're there in business because docs are tossing reccs out, and raking it in - Did I mention it was Cash Only? The Medical Board has guidelines (Welcome to the Medical Board of California - Medical Marijuana)... and docs seem to be faced with little or no risk, unlike collective operators. Sure, that's what they're there for and they are doing their job - but remember, they are STEP ONE that opens the gateway.

I've lately seen people coming down hard on collective advertising and "tactics". Has anyone paid attention to Physician advertising? Medicann's advertisements are by far the best I've seen (the "Typical Stoner" ads)..... but it's hard to miss many of the others... notice the names of the offices, notice the photos they use, notice how the fees are getting more and more competitive as the number of physicians are growing, notice the sex appeal in some.

I sense a good chance of neg-rep for this, but it's like, Jeez already, why do some people mistake it for going against the movement, and get all up in arms when someone challenges legitimacy.

The economy is bad. I need a new job. I'm never working at a collective again after that one experience, and with all that's going on I sometimes fear being in the wrong place at the wrong time when obtaining my own medication. DAMN, I wish I went to med school. The all-caps is enticing: IMMEDIATE POSITION AVAILABLE FOR THE RIGHT DOCTOR.

[Medpatient]

They need to legalize it.

I thought I would never say it but this whole Medical Marijuana movement has become a massive joke. So much so that I refuse to be an activist any longer.

Anyone and everyone running around with a recommendation. Too many kids getting recs, yea I know Im not a doctor so how can I tell if they are sick or not.

I cant but let me ask you this, how many times have you been to your regular doctor and seen the doctors office packed with kids because of their illness like you do with a Marijuana doctor or dispensary.

Funny I walk into CVS to get my prescription filled and have yet to ever see a kid standing in line waiting to pick up their prescription yet that is mainly what I see at a dispensary.

I know that many people won't like what I have to say, but at the same time I am a little smarter then to let people bullshit me and that is what this movement has become one big bullshit game.

[danktsebad]

$$$$

power

= control.

[silvercloud]

There is an awful amount of temptation to bypass the tax collector when involved in 100% cash transactions for physicians' fees ~ IRS will undoubtedly keep a close vigilance on the books of both dispensaries & doctors ~ that is all

[zbestwun2001]

Originally Posted by Medpatient

Anyone and everyone running around with a recommendation. Too many kids getting recs, yea I know Im not a doctor so how can I tell if they are sick or not.

I cant but let me ask you this, how many times have you been to your regular doctor and seen the doctors office packed with kids because of their illness like you do with a Marijuana doctor or dispensary.

Funny I walk into CVS to get my prescription filled and have yet to ever see a kid standing in line waiting to pick up their prescription yet that is mainly what I see at a dispensary.

You go guy....WORD!

That's why I go to co-ops where this sideshow is not going on.

It's sad.

[Shanghai]

To my knowledge Dr's are required to take vital signs and require to the patient to bring in records or consult with the primary care doctor and on top of that create a treatment plan. Medicann and a ton of other doctors do not do this. This is why we have such a huge problem. That is also why Medicann is under investigation by the medical board and just like Assad one day all patients will here that there Medicann rec is no good... Such a shame. All doctors have to do is follow the med board guidelines but that rarely happens because such procedures would cut into the profits... This truley makes me sick!!!!!!!!!