To qualify, a patient must have a written certification from a qualifying physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. Certifying practitioners must first register with the health department and take a two-to-four hour course. A certification must specify that the patient is in the practitioner’s continuing care for the condition, that the patient is likely to receive therapeutic or palliative benefits from marijuana, and that he or she has a qualifying condition. The practitioner must consider what form of medical marijuana the patient should use and state any recommendations or limitations on the certification.
