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What Kind of Doctors Can Prescribe Medical Weed?

Evelyn Gentry | August 29, 2023

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There are a total of 38 US states where medical marijuana is legal. Within these states, specific medical marijuana programs are functional which require you to have a valid medical marijuana recommendation from a physician as a core requirement to apply for a medical marijuana card.

But the question that arises now is what kind of doctors can prescribe medical marijuana?

This can include:

Medical doctors (MDs)
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs)
Naturopathic doctors (NDs)

Can I ask my primary doctor to certify me?

No, in most cases, asking your primary caregiver to certify you for a medical card won’t work. To be eligible for prescribing medical marijuana, the practitioner must be a Medical Doctor (MD), an Osteopathic Doctor (DO), or a Naturopathic Doctor (ND/NMD) with the required set of medical qualifications.

Relevant Blog: Can a Psychiatrist Prescribe Medical Marijuana?

Also, even if opting for medical marijuana treatment may look like the best possible option, a doctor can still refuse you to certify for medical marijuana use. Reasons behind such a decision range from opting for a more effective way of treatment to considering the long-term health implications of the treatment.

How to find a qualified medical marijuana doctor?

In almost every US state with an active medical marijuana card, the certifying doctor must be qualified to prescribe medical marijuana in a specific state. You can’t get a medical marijuana prescription from a doctor in Alaska to apply for a medical marijuana card in Texas.

This makes the whole search for a credible and eligible medical marijuana doctor in your state quite challenging. Fortunately, you can now book an appointment online via a platform like The Kif that allows you to get a medical marijuana recommendation from a valid medical marijuana doctor, completely online.

Evelyn Gentry

Important Medical Information & Disclaimers

Medical Disclaimer

The content on this page is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical marijuana recommendations are made only by licensed U.S. healthcare providers via secure telemedicine, in accordance with state laws.

Always consult a qualified physician before making any decisions about your health or starting new therapies.

Source: FDA – Cannabis Research & Drug Approval Process

Individual Results May Vary

Medical cannabis affects every patient differently. Outcomes depend on the product chosen, dosing, medical condition, and lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and medication adherence. Effectiveness may vary widely; regular follow-ups with your provider are essential.

Source: NIH – Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects of medical marijuana include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, red eyes, impaired concentration, and increased appetite. Some may experience anxiety, rapid heartbeat, memory issues, or mild hallucinations when using high-THC products. Rare but serious effects include depression, psychosis, heart rhythm changes, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (frequent vomiting).

Source: Mayo Clinic – Marijuana: Safety and Side Effects

Legal & Regulatory Notice

Medical marijuana is regulated by state law. Marijuana remains a Schedule I substance under U.S. federal law and is not prescribed in the traditional sense; it is recommended or certified for use, not prescribed. Initial evaluations may require in-person visits in certain states; renewals are often available via telemedicine, depending on local regulations.

Sources: DEA – Controlled Substances Act & Telehealth.org – Cannabis Prescribing and Telehealth

Product Quality & Safety

Only purchase medical cannabis from dispensaries licensed and regulated in your state. Unregulated products may contain contaminants or inaccurate THC/CBD concentrations, presenting safety risks.

Source: FDA – What To Know About Cannabis Products

Reporting Side Effects

If you experience unexpected or severe side effects from medical cannabis, notify your provider immediately and report them to the FDA’s MedWatch program: MedWatch Online or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your report helps improve safety for all patients.

Source: FDA – MedWatch Safety & Adverse Event Reporting