Photo by Jessica Lux of Landa Prisoner Outreach Program

The THC Expose, held last weekend April 23-25th, 2010 was well attended, though numbers appeared diminished from their first event in June 2009. What may have been most remarkable was the absence of the hundreds of Los Angeles medical cannabis dispensing clinics. A few, the largest clinics returned, like Herbal Solutions and The Farmacy, each have multiple locations. However, the majority stayed away. Was it because the show was marketed to the overall population and not to specifically medical patients? Possibly. However what’s more likely is that operators of Los Angeles medical cannabis dispensaries are so frightened for their existence that any event right now seems frivolous. Los Angeles citizens who are medical cannabis patients are also bracing for major changes to access, and increased law enforcement activities.

This June when the city’s newly passed Medical Marijuana Regulations come into effect every person who gets medicine from any but 4 dispensing clinics (only 4 locations meet the city zoning standards) in this major metropolitan area may lose their right to safe access. This is a disappointment for all of us, especially those members of the community like, Yamileth Bolanos, who worked tirelessly on behalf of patients at City Hall and in the community at large for the last 4 years.

We will be celebrating cannabis this weekend with fellow advocates at the THC Expose.  Come by and visit us at THE WEST COAST LEAF Newspaper’s booth #609 (in the all ages area).

We’ll have free literature, books and natural fiber hemp blend totes and fun pins for sale.  We’d love to see you, so come on by!

INSURING QUALITY

“As cannabis businesses emerge into the mainstream, they face the same insurance needs as other companies. Max Del Real and Michael Aberle are seen inspecting the budding crop of a potential client for Statewide Insurance.” -WCL

The photo above is from the cover story of  Spring 2010 issue.  Pick-up your own copy to read more (or click on the pic to go to WCL’s online edition).

The West Coast Leaf is run by two tireless and effective advocates: Chris Conrad and Mikki Norris.  Come and meet the humble stars!

Today, 3/24/2010, Amy Goodman interviews Award winning physician Dr. Diane Meier, Director of the Center to Advance Palliative Care and the Lilian and Benjamin Hertzberg Palliative Care Institute at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Palliative care starts with the patient and is efficacious from the time a diagnosis is made.

Dr. Meier discusses WHAT palliative care is, and how to get it. Follow this link to video of Dr. Diane Meier on Democracy Now with Amy Goodman.

“Palliative care is about living as well as you can, for as long as you can,  and helping to lift the burden of living with an illness.”  Dr. Meier

Now, when health care is a luxury for many of us, what we pay for our visit is an important part of the equation when deciding on a doctor.  For this reason we’re glad that there are low-cost clinics serving people who want to use cannabis as their medicine.

Can you get a reliable cannabis recommendation from a low-cost clinic? Yes. California’s Licensed Medical Doctors swear to uphold a standard of care and follow best practice guidelines when recommending any treatment.

Below is text from the California Medical Board website discussing cannabis (marijuana) treatment evaluations:

[The] accepted standards are the same as any reasonable and prudent physician would follow when recommending or approving any other medication, and include the following:

1. History and good faith examination of the patient.
2. Development of a treatment plan with objectives.
3. Provision of informed consent including discussion of side effects.
4. Periodic review of the treatment’s efficacy.
5. Consultation, as necessary.
6. Proper record keeping that supports the decision to recommend the use of medical marijuana.

When we see our physician it is up as individuals, or,if we are lucky, our medical advocate, to have a check list of  items and questions to ensure our care is complete.

Fraud
Like any other industry where money concerned, scams are always a possibility.  Again, it is up to us to make sure that we are receiving care from a reliable Medical Doctor. If you ever have a doubt, you might ask your doctor to show you his physician’s card. Like a driver’s license, M.D.s carry this on them at all times and will usually present to you it if you ask to see it.  At CannAssist we require documented proof of identity, and a written declaration promising practice medicine in strict accordance with California Law.  We also have in-office registration and system training.  This lets us get to know the staff and medical professionals we serve, and allows us to recommend their clinics wholeheartedly.

Want a low-cost clinic in Los Angeles please visit H*WOOD Medical Clinic.

And in San Francisco try Greenway

]]> http://www.cannassist.com/news/2010/03/23/choosing-a-doctor/feed/ http://www.cannassist.com/news/2009/04/06/check-it-out/ http://www.cannassist.com/news/2009/04/06/check-it-out/#comments Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:15:08 +0000 admin http://cannassist.com/news/?p=379 Thanks to Steve Elliot, Twitter @alapoet, for sending us a link to his fabulous blog “Reality Catcher”. Dig It!

Cheers Steve! Your request also prompted creation of Twitter link category.

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Charles’ sentencing has been continued until April 30 to allow prosecutors to obtain a written statement from the DOJ indicating whether or not federal policy regarding medical cannabis has changed. Judge Wu’s interaction with the prosecutor on this topic was promising. However, the judge did not seem persuaded by the defense explanations as to why the mandatory minimum sentences should not apply. It is still unclear how the final sentencing will go, but Charles is at home with his family for now.

__________________
Don Duncan
California Director
Americans for Safe Access
http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

Are you an ASA member? http://www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/Join

Last year Drew Carrey did some great reporting for Reason.Tv on Charlie’s case.  Click Here to Watch.

Please also Check out Charlie’s Website.