EMBRACING CHANGE
• Epilepsy or other intractable seizure disorder ;
• Multiple sclerosis , muscle spasms or spasticity ;
• Chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome ; or
• Post-traumatic stress disorder .
Numerous physicians and APP ’ s have already jumped the hoops of obtaining authorization to issue written certifications recommending the use of medical cannabis to patients in Kentucky . To become certified , a currently licensed Kentucky provider must complete an application , obtain a KASPER certification , obtain 6 category 1 CME on cannabis education and submit a $ 100 fee . Once the required forms are received , the approval process takes around 7 – 10 days to receive the state certification from the appropriate licensing board . Once approved , the provider ’ s name and contact information will be added to the state registry , so be aware that prospective patients will find your name and be reaching out . If you see a patient that meets the requirements for becoming a “ qualified patient ,” the qualified caregiver will need to enter the individual with a written certification on the state website . The patent then obtains from the website a registry ID card which requires a $ 25 fee . The state website has a guide that walk applicants through the steps to register , including the required information and documents they will need to complete the card application process .
In summary , it is the responsibility of each clinician interested in becoming a certified Kentucky cannabis provider to know the state rules and federal restrictions . As physicians , we are at the top of the medical pyramid and must hold our decisions to a higher standard . We must be able to evaluate and understand the patients ’ various medical conditions and appreciate the potential side effects , drug interactions and contraindications for using cannabis . This is especially important as we consider CBD and THC in conjunction with prescription medications as well as legal chemicals such as OTC meds , alcohol , nicotine and caffeine . There frequently exists the need for careful monitoring and potential adjustments to medication regimens to avoid toxicity and side effects . We have clinical , moral and legal obligations to our patients . Consider these challenges carefully before jumping into the cannabis certification world .
1 www . ncsl . org / research / health / state-medicalmarijuana-laws . aspx .
2
Mikuriya , Tod . “ Marijuana as Medicine : Past , Present , and Future .” California Medicine , vol . 110 , no . 1 , 1969 , pp . 34 – 40 . United States . Congress . House .
3
Hanson , Karmen , and Alise Garcia . “ State Medical Marijuana Laws .” Affirmative Action | Overview , National Conference of State Legislators , 2019 ,
4 https :// kymedcan . ky . gov /
Dr . Wernert is the Executive Medical Director of Norton Medical Group and practices with Norton Behavioral Medicine .
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