FAQs cannabis
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS MEDICINAL CANNABIS IS USED TO TREAT? Medicinal cannabis can be used to manage a variety of conditions, including: Chronic Pain: Helps in reducing pain and improving function in conditions like arthritis or neuropathy. Cancer-related Symptoms: Assists with managing pain, nausea, and loss of appetite during chemotherapy. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): May help reduce muscle spasticity and pain. Epilepsy: CBD, in particular, has been studied for its effectiveness in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in certain types of epilepsy. Mental Health Conditions: Research is ongoing, but some studies suggest potential benefits for anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
DO I QUALIFY FOR MEDICINAL CANNABIS in FLORIDA? The state of FLORIDA accepts these diagnosed conditions, but there are many more conditions of similar kind or class that are able to qualify you. Contact us now to see if you qualify. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) HIV / AIDS Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Crohn's disease Parkinson's disease Epilepsy Glaucoma Cancer Terminal illness Chronic Non-Malignant Pain
DO I QUALIFY FOR MEDICINAL CANNABIS in PENNSYLVANIA? The state of PENNSYLVANIA accepts these eligible conditions and more. Contact us now to see if you qualify. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Anxiety disorders Autism Cancer Chronic Hepatitis C Crohn's disease Damage to the nervous tissue of the central nervous system (brain-spinal cord) Dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders Epilepsy Glaucoma HIV /AIDS Huntington's disease Inflammatory bowel disease Intractable seizures Multiple sclerosis (MS) Neurodegenerative diseases Neuropathies Opioid use disorder Parkinson's disease Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Severe chronic or intractable pain Sickle cell anemia Terminal illness Tourette syndrome ​
WHAT IF I AM NOT SUFFERING FROM ANY OF THE CONDITIONS LISTED ABOVE? While each state lists specific conditions, the state Constitution grants physicians the authority to certify patients suffering from many other conditions if the physician believes the benefits of medical cannabis use outweigh the risks. So basically, you may qualify for cannabis use and not even know it! Contact us to find out.
HOW DOES THE FLORIDA PROGRAM WORK? All patients and caregivers must have proof of Florida residency (either permanent or seasonal) in the form of a state-issued driver's license or a state-issued ID card with their current address. Patients must also have a working email address. To initiate the process, patients must have an in-person consultation with a qualified Florida physician who is authorized to recommend medical marijuana. The next step involves completing an application for a Medical Marijuana ID Card with the Department of Health. Once the patient's ID card application is approved by the Department, they are legally permitted to visit any of the state's dispensaries or arrange for delivery through a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center.  CGS Physician Services, LLC can be your one-stop shop to get certified.
HOW DOES THE PENNSYLVANIA PROGRAM WORK? All patients and caregivers must have proof of Pennsylvania residency in the form of a Pennsylvania driver's license or a Pennsylvania state-issued ID card with their current address. Patients and caregivers also must have a working email address. ​ You would then need to register on the Pennsylvania Department of Health Medical Marijuana Program website before your appointment with the doctor.  https://padohmmp.custhelp.com/app/login ​ You should have the patient ID number handy when connecting with the doctor.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO SEE THE DOCTOR? Patients under Florida law are required to be seen for re-certification at least once every 210 days (7 months). The initial visit MUST be in person with your doctor. Any subsequent visits can be done virtually. Â For patients who are inexperienced with cannabis or are severely debilitated, physicians have the discretion to schedule more frequent visits to ensure proper care. Moreover, some patients may prefer additional office visits to become more comfortable with medical cannabis. Patients under Pennsylvania law are required to be seen for re-certification once per year, and this is done virtually.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE? Because cannabis is still prohibited at a Federal level, we are unable to accept medical insurance.
WHY SHOULD I "ASK DR. SHAW"? That is entirely dependent on you, your circumstances, and your goals. If you have questions about medical cannabis or want to take a very detailed look into your ailments and the breadth of options from which you can leverage cannabis, then this is for you. You can book as many appointments as you need. Some people like to meet with a coach every month, and some choose to do it a few times a year.
HOW DO I KNOW IF "ASK DR. SHAW" IS NECESSARY? Are you unsure of how cannabis and CBD might be able to help you? Is cannabis legalization confusing and you don’t understand what products are available to you at this time? Are you struggling to find the right products, dosing, and daily or weekly regimen that is convenient for you as an individual? If you said yes to any of those questions, there is value in speaking with Dr. Shaw at least once to get those questions (and any others) answered.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEDICAL CANNABIS AND RECREATIONAL CANNABIS? Marijuana is only legal in Florida once a person has obtained a Medical Marijuana Use Authorization, as outlined in Chapter 381 in Florida Statutes. Medical cannabis is not taxed, requires a state issued Medical Marijuana ID Card and a doctor's recommendation in order to be purchased. Recreational cannabis is not yet legal and/or available from Florida dispensaries. After getting approval from Florida's Supreme Court earlier this year, voters will have a chance to vote for or against recreational marijuana legalization this November during the general election, otherwise known as Amendment 3.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO USE CANNABIS? Medicinal cannabis is available in multiple routes including the flower (plant version), oral, sublingual, inhalation, topical and edible. These routes offer multiple ways to introduce cannabis into the system, each with its unique way of being physically, psychologically and/or emotionally beneficial. The "best way" can only be determined by you - it is a very individual decision based on your experience.
CAN I TRAVEL WITH MEDICAL CANNABIS? If you are traveling WITHIN the state of Florida, then yes. You may pack it when you are traveling within the state of Florida (but it is NOT recommended that you drive/ operate heavy machinery while under the influence of cannabis). You are NOT able to cross any borders with medicinal cannabis (not by bicycle, car, train, plane or otherwise).
WILL CANNABIS HELP ME SLEEP? Many patients often report that medical cannabis offers "the best sleep I have ever had in my life."
WILL CANNABIS HELP MY PAIN? Cannabis from various origins and species has been employed in various forms as anti-pain agents for thousands of years.
SHOULD I VAPE or SMOKE FLOWER? Two reasons you should VAPE rather than SMOKE whole flower: 1) Smoking (burning, combusting) Cannabis produces: Ash, tar, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and carcinogens.  ALL THINGS YOU DON'T WANT IN YOUR LUNGS! 2) Whole flower contains many Cannabinoids and Terpenes that have wonderful beneficial effects on the human body. These substances distill off the flower at 280-340 degrees. When you VAPE (at 350 degrees), you receive all of them, and they work together to heal and protect your body.  However, when you SMOKE whole flower, you combust or burn the leaves at 550 degrees, and that destroys many of the Terpenes and Cannabinoids that you want. That makes no sense! Invest in a DRY HERB VAPORIZER and get the full benefits of whole flower. They cost between $25 and $400. You can find them on Amazon or by Googling "Dry Herb Vaporizers"
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY? If we cannot approve you after your exam, your money will be refunded.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE? You may reschedule your paid appointment. Â Cancellations up to 24 hours before your scheduled appointment is free; however, cancellations within 24 hours of appointment carries a $25 administrative fee.