Pain relief from medical marijuana is real and available for many ailments. See the Testimonials of those who have experience the relief of medical marijuana. Curious about the Legality of Medical Marijuana? We have the facts you need.

How do I set up an appointment?

Setting up an appointment is simple.  Please call (808) 321-3793, or visit our Hawaii Marijuana Certificate home page, and fill out the form. If you are not on Oahu, you can email me and I will then give you my direct number, instead of getting the Ewa Beach office to give it to you. Email can work a lot faster. To do so, just register on the home page, and the email address for contact will be given to you.

Do I have to be a resident of Hawaii to get a "BLUE CARD"?

So far, YES! You HAVE TO be a resident of Hawaii to participate in this program. I get many calls from mainland people who ask me how they can get a temporary prescription for medical cannabis to use while they vacation here. As of yet, there is no mechanism for "out of state" residents to get a BLUE CARD unless they are elligle for and can get Hawaiian ID, which requires an Hawaiian address. There are no precriptions for medical cannabis in Hawaii. The legislature is considering a tempoary license to be granted to those who hold an offical state license from another state, not a county or physician recommend such as exists in California. This temporary license will require a fee to be paid, and is meant to be associated with any NEW HAWAIIAN dispensary system. Stay tune for that as it will make the news, for sure.

Do I need to be referred by another physician?

No. We can evaluate anyone who feels that they may benefit from Medical Marijuana.

Do I have to pay the fee if I do not receive a recommendation?

No, your fee will be returned if you do not meet the requirements of the law.  You will receive an honest appraisal of your condition, from a physician board certified in Pain and Palliative Care medicine.

Will my name be on any federal list if I get a medical marijuana recommendation?

Absolutely not! We consider your privacy to be the utmost importance. We follow HIPAA guidelines to ensure patient privacy.  The state is required by the same standards to guard against inappropriate or unauthorized divulsion of medical information.  The state receives only the most basic information about your condition.

Do you accept insurance?

Sorry.  Insurances will not pay for the medical evaluation or recommendation.  Watch out for scams by para-medical people who will offset fees or give you differential pricing by getting your medical insurance information. Also, there are groups, such as have existed in Waikiki, who set up fake clinics and then leave after a few months of operation with your money and no hope of a "Blue Card".  NED has also established guidelines against virtual offices, rented hotel rooms, hotel executive suites, or mobile offices.

Can you tell me the process of getting a recommendation (Hawaii State Blue Card)?

When you arrive at our office you will be asked to fill out a medical history form, along with some other documents and disclosures. You must provide a valid state-issued ID, passport, or Driver’s License prior to your evaluation. You will then meet with Dr Barton who will evaluate you for the recommendation. If you qualify under the laws of Hawaii, Dr Barton will complete the physician's portion of the application.  The application is completed and sent to the state offices in Honolulu.  They are now sending out a confirmation letter directly to patients, stating that they have received your application.  The letter also acts as an official license with a temporary expiration date.  This is taking about 4-6 weeks after your doctor visit..  Sometimes an extension letter is required due to the load of applications on the NED's staff.  After 8 to 10 weeks, the Blue Card will then be sent to the Ewa Beach office for the signature of the physician.  After that, you can either pick it up at the office or we will mail it to you.  The effective period of the Blue Card is from the end of the month in which it was finally processed and lasts for one year.

What medical documentation should I bring?

It is important for you to bring any medical documentation (from previous physician visits, ER visits, chiropractor visits, etc.) that supports your diagnosis. This includes: recent medical records, prescriptions, physician’s letter, chiropractor’s letter, x-rays, MRI’s or any other documentation that you think can help.

Do you accept people on probation?

No, we do not issue recommendations to people on probation.

How can I obtain my medical records?

Call your physician or the hospital where you were treated and tell them you want copies of your medical records. They will tell you the process and typically have you sign an authorization to fax to them.  Usually, nowadays, it is just best to get them yourself and bring them to the office at the time of your appointment.  I have to say that one in ten people are able to get their medical records sent to our office.  Bottom line: Go get 1-3 pages of documentation yourself, or have your doctor's office write a short summary of your conditions and diagnoses.

What happens if I have never seen a physician but I know medical marijuana will help my condition?

This is fairly common, to have people self treat and self medicate for long periods of time, simply because it is so effective and safe. It has to do with medical therapy attitudes, cultural differences, and access to healthcare. You can still be evaluated.  It may require more time and effort to meet the standards of care requirements, but things are mangeable

What happens if I've lost or cannot retrieve my records or documentation?

You can still be evaluated.  Depending on the narrative, the application may need to be held until fiurther medical standards are met.  You will receive an honest opinion. 

Do I have to be 18?

Yes and NO. You must be at least 18 to be an adult patient.  Minors must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardian.  It is best to have both parents in agreement for this line of medical therapy, when considering the circumstances of a minor. I STRONGLY recommend that both parents be present for the evaluation, no matter the marital or legal guardian status. Also, I recommend that prior discussions be made between parents as to how monitor the use of medical cannabis and how to evaluate for any misuse or diversion. Lastly, an agreement needs to be written down pertaining to the circumstances in which this privelege will be removed.

What exactly do I get if I receive a recommendation?

You will be granted the right to grow seven marijuana plants, with three mature plants at any one time. You will be allowed the right to pocess up to 3 ounces of dry material.  The Blue Card does NOT give you the right to overgrow or over pocess.

How long will the recommendation last?

Recommendations are for one year. We advise you to make an appointment before the expiration date so that you can be re-evaluated and obtain a renewal of your physician recommendation.  With the new temporary letters being sent out, I would recommend you apply for your card 6 weeks in advance of your expiration date.

Is medical Marijuana only for people with AIDS, Cancer or Glaucoma?

You don't have to be going blind from Glaucoma, or dying from AIDS or Cancer to receive compassion. If you suffer from a chronic or persistent medical or psychiatric disorder that either substantially limits the ability to conduct one or more major life activities or which, if not alleviated, may cause serious harm to your safety or physical health, you may qualify for medical marijuana. Examples include chronic back/neck pain, severe menstrual cramps, chronic insomnia, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, spastic colitis, and a chronic pain disorder, including the effects of war.

Do I need to have a State Issued Medical Marijuana ID card to use, possess and grow medical marijuana.

YES.

What medical documentation should I bring to the appointment?

It is important for you to bring any medical documentation (from previous physician visits, ER visits, chiropractor visits, etc.) that supports your diagnosis. This includes: recent medical records, prescriptions, physician’s letter, chiropractor’s letter, x-rays, MRI’s, or any other documentation that you think can help.

What else should I bring?

We require a valid form of identification with your picture, such as your drivers license, Hawaii State Identification Card or Passport.

If I become a medical marijuana patient, where do I obtain medical marijuana?

We cannot help you purchase medical marijuana nor recommend any dispensary, collective or cooperative. There are numerous organizations and websites that will help you locate dispensaries in other states, coops and collectives.  Medical offices are expressly forbidden to discuss the procurement of any cannabis, seeds, or clones.  If your doctor or office does do this, understand that they are putting their own licenses on the block, and perhaps, even your "Blue Card".   Sorry.