3 things to look for in a dispensary

I make a lot of recommendations on specific dispensaries to go to. Each patient leaves with at least three dispensaries they can visit knowing their information will be protected, they will receive great service from a knowledgeable staff and get quality medicine. This is my formula for creating a great relationship with the customer and building brand loyalty. Brand loyalty is paramount in an aggressive market like Oklahoma. We love our Oklahoma brands and we love to root for our favorites. Sometimes it even gets bloody (see buds and brawls).

With over six thousand dispensary licenses issued in the state, competition is stiff and the claws are out. How do your protect your medical information while also exploring the growing world of medical marijuana?

We recommend focusing on these three important values in a dispensary.

• People who are nice make you comfortable - A dispensary is a place you will likely visit at least monthly if not more often. You will build a repertoire with the staff. Find a place you enjoy talking to them and feel comfortable asking questions. Over time, discussing your particular taste in cannabis allows the budtenders to better help you medicate successfully.

• Quality products - If the people at the dispensary are great the products generally are too. Brand awareness is great but don’t be scared to try something a budtender you trust recommends. They often get access to samples that better allow them to pass on the descriptions of the effects to the patients. Once you have found a dispensary that carries products that you like and work will for your specific needs, your life becomes much easier and medicating becomes routine and less stressful.

• Consistency - If you are comfortable with the atmosphere and people. You’ve found products you love. Now you need to make sure they are consistently stocking the products that you use. Your favorite flower might not be in stock every time you stop in the dispensary, but they should have it regularly and be able to recommend products that can substitute if necessary.

Go forth and explore Oklahoma. Don’t get to caught up in getting all of the first time deals. This is your health journey, make the most out of it.

Your privacy matters

It’s frustrating when the caller on the other end of the line is demanding and unreasonable and someday it seems like the calls are all difficult. We at Bloom are between a rock and a not-so-hard place. Not really. It’s pretty clear cut. We are a doctors office. You (the patient) has patient client confidentiality and privacy rights in relation to your personal private medical information. This is your medical information. If you need a copy of a letter or your recommendation for work, court, or an art project; we can help. The process is simple and just like at your general practitioners office. You contact us and fill out a release that allows us to discuss your personal private medical information with whatever party you chose. If you want us to talk to your mailman about your migraines and sciatica; bring it on. Just initial here and sign this little piece of paper first.

If you are frustrated because demanding information over the phone from a doctors office (a medical marijuana doctors office) is just too much bureaucracy for you, I suggest looking into a career where you are not responsible for obtaining private information. In today’s age, I don’t know why people give any information over the phone without written consent.

Just because this is medical marijuana doesn’t mean we are all back alley drug dealers or shady characters. Our patients proudly go through the front door.

For more information on privacy matters: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/laws-regulations/index.html

Saturday Clinics in 2020

In our ongoing efforts to make access to the doctors easier and more convenient we will begin our monthly Saturday clinic this Saturday February 15, 2020. To reserve an appointment you can schedule online or call 405.310.8420 to speak with our staff.

What do you need to bring?

1. Proof of identity (any of the following):

• Oklahoma driver’s license

• Oklahoma identification card

• U.S. passport or other photo identification issued by the U.S government

• For minors who do not have the items above, a certified copy of the minor’s birth certificate (please note that the seal/watermark will need to be visible when uploading the document)

• Tribal identification card approved for identification purposes by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety:    

  • United States Bureau of Indian Affairs identification card or a Oklahoma tribal photo identification cards: Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma, Kiowa, Comanche, Apache of Oklahoma, Absentee Shawnee, Cheyenne-Arapaho, Choctaw, Delaware, Caddo Nation of Oklahoma issued on or after Jan. 9 2008.

2. If applicable, the applicants Medicaid (SoonerCare) or Medicare insurance card or enrollment documentation.

3. If applicable, verification of the applicants 100% disabled veteran status (must be dated within 6 months)

4. Any relevant medical records the doctors may find helpful in determining your eligibility for medical marijuana.

How much does it cost?

We offer recommendations for $75. If you would like us to take your picture and upload your application to the state, there is an additional fee of $25 plus the OMMA fee of $104.30/22.50.

How much does a Medical Marijuana card cost?

In some states, it can cost as much as $900 a year to maintain a medical marijuana license (see Florida laws). We are very fortunate in Oklahoma to have a legislature and voting public (57%) who are in favor of decisions relating to your health being left up to the doctor and patients (unless we are talking reproductive rights and then that’s a whole other story but the topic of this interesting blurb is Marijuana.

The breakdown:

Doctor Visit $75

OMMA Processing $25 (optional)

State Fee $104.30 or $22.50 (veteran/medicare/medicaid)

The cost t is $204.30 ($75 + $25 + $104.30) if you are not a veteran, or on medicare/Medicaid. If you are a Veteran It is $179.30 ($75 +$104.30) we don't charge for processing veterans). If you are a 100% disabled veteran and have the paperwork to prove it to the State of OK the card costs $97.50 ($75 + $22.50). If you are on Medicare or Medicaid the card costs $122.50 ($75 + $25 + $22.50). The doctor's visit only is $75.

Why process now?

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Recommendation form is only valid 30 days from the date it is signed by a physician. If your application is not processed in that timeframe, you will need to schedule another appointment in order for us to reissue you a new recommendation. Our office charges $25 for redoing OMMA paperwork. It is faster, cheaper, and easier for the patient to complete the process with us in the office on the day of the visit.

About Bloom

We offer walk-in and appointments Monday through Friday at our N May location. Appointments can be self-booked 24 hours a day on our website at https://www.bloomdoctors.com/appointments. Our goal is to assist you with the medical marijuana process and ensure an informed transition to consuming cannabis.

Microdosing Cannabis: How and why?

Microdosing or the act of using less than therapeutic levels of a substance in order to reduce the psychoactive effects of the substance, is a common practice used by users of psilocybin and LSD. Microdosing has many practical applications in medical cannabis markets, especially when high THC cultivars favored in recreational markets penetrate medical markets. What are people to do looking to truly alleviate pain or discomfort and still be functional? Microdosing seems to be the key. Most practitioners will agree that tinctures and topicals are medical products, while concentrates are more recreational. Flower, depending on the cannabinoid concentrations and genetics can absolutely to be medicine. But how do you integrate these products into a healthcare routine?

Microdosing cannabis means ingesting or inhaling sub therapeutic levels. Generally practitioners agree that 2.5-5mg is a standard starting place for the unexperienced cannabis user, expecting a medical patient to not use more than 25-30mg per day. An oral method twice a day and inhaled cannabis for acute or breakthrough pain is generally prescribed in medical states where prescriptions are required. Generally with Cannabis, less is more. The sedating effects of the plant tends to be amplified significantly as more is consumed. Modern cannabis users are learning to more effectively manage unwanted side effects by moderating consumption. Devices such a portable vapes, cartridges and dry herb vaporizers make it easier for consumption throughout the day without the smelly side effects of smoking cannabis while reducing psychoactive effects.

Ethics in the legal weed business?

An Idealist

It’s frustrating. I have a newfound respect for the likes of the Wright Brothers and Neil Tyson Degrasse (well not really the later but definitely the first). Being ahead of the curve isn’t easy and isn’t fun and is basically a shitty place to exist. I live somewhere between being laughed at by the medical profession and talked about by stoners. The best part is; I fit perfectly into both of those worlds and am not accepted by either. I had such high hopes of what this industry would look like and be like in OKlahoma. Six months in and my husband is in the corner saying I told you so while slowly shaking his head. Not in a mean way, but in a sad disappointed way. He thinks I am an idealist and in the traditional sense; I am idealistic about some things in business. I don’t operate from a position of scarcity. What does that mean? I believe that if we are stewards of the resources we posses; there is enough for everyone. I don’t believe in socialism, communism, or capitalism as an answer to the worlds problems. All of the isms can go to hell for all I care right now. I believe in democracy in its most pure form; uncorrupted by man. I also believe that people are generally good and doing the best they can. In business those values can be flaws, but can they also be strengths?

A Steward

Stewardship has been a concept that has been ingrained in my heart and mind since a very early age. I was a girl scout for as far back as I can remember and a christian from conception. I was constantly made aware of taking care of the things and people around me. Growing up we were a halfway house for stray animals (and people). My moms heart is much bigger than her wallet or home, a practice she still hones to this day. The idea of taking care of the environment was a hot topic in school in the 1980s and 90s. It was cool to conserve. I remember in third grade doing a play on conservation. I still hum those tunes when brushing my teeth occasionally. So when after college I saw numbers and money become truly what it is, just something on paper that really doesn’t mean anything and all at the same time means everything; I was convinced that there is enough for everyone. We may need to alter how we think about resources and what needs versus luxuries are worth the cost, but at the end of the day, there is enough. There is enough water, land, space, oxygen, we just have to be mindful of how we use those resources. Now your asking, what the fuck is she talking about now? What does stewardship have to do with cannabis and medical marijuana or even ethics? Cannabis is the first industry that has started with the idea of conservation and promoting of ideas that look beyond today and the bottom line. Ideas and practices that will shape the future of commerce. Ideas that will revolutionize trade, agriculture, and industry. Sustainability has been at the forefront of this industry since the beginning. Far before legalization were the growers and farmers creating renewable and sustainable growing practices. Cannabis allows humans a unique way to commune with nature not only through ingesting it but through using it to fuel our minds and economy.

An Opportunity

Oklahoma has a unique opportunity to set the standard for adoption of laws that basically eradicate any barriers to entry, which has been amazing. Literally anyone with a clean OSBI record, $2,500 and not within 1,000 feet of a school can stake claim on their medical marijuana business in Oklahoma. At least until August when the belt buckle tightens and the first round of serious adjustments to the legislation take place. So we have thousands of Oklahomans (some backed by out of staters) staking claim and fighting like the dickens for their portion. Stakes are high folks and the gloves are off. The problem I see isn’t that there is competition. It’s rather that competition is not raising the level of community we have here. It is disheartening to see patients hustled through events and not taken seriously.

It’s time to raise the standard. It’s time to set the standard for what a successful medical marijuana program looks like. We are creating the mold for equality and access to medical marijuana, hopefully we can maintain a semblance of ethical decision making during these transitional times. Pioneering a new industry isn’t for the weak hearted. I look forward to working with individuals dedicated to creating an atmosphere of acceptance, diversity and wellness.

What to expect during your patient evaluation

Excellence

At Bloom Healthcare the patient is the number one priority. From the time you enter the door until the time you leave our space your comfort and experience at the forefront of our minds. Our goal is to provide excellent service and access to knowledgeable doctors who are willing to discuss medicinal cannabis uses with their patients. We want to provide informed consent and appropriate access to medical marijuana in the state of Oklahoma. If the state requires you to pay a doctor to obtain a recommendation; then get your money’s worth. Our doctors are up to date on marijuana research and emerging research regarding the use and efficacy of marijuana for medical uses.

Documentation

Just like when you go to the doctors office for antibiotics or counseling session, seeing a doctor for a medical marijuana recommendation requires paperwork and identification. The identification required by the state can be reviewed here. Our clinic prefers state or federal issued IDs and does not guarantee the acceptance of any other documents for proof of identity.

Privacy

Your privacy is our number one priority. Our scheduling systems and office procedures ensure our continued compliance with HIPPA laws. We offer ample time with the doctor to discuss your specific health concerns and our team is trained to ensure you understand potential drug interactions that can occur with cannabis use. There aren’t waiting rooms full of people overhearing your concerns.

Medical History

Our paperwork may seem like a lot, but establishing a relationship with the patient is serious business. It is important that we obtain a medical history for every patient that includes medical history, current medications, diagnoses, hospitalizations, and social information/drug usage. It is important to understand how cannabis can interact with specific medications and legal/illegal drugs prior to initiating a relationship with cannabis. You do not have to have a diagnoses to obtain a medical marijuana card in the state of Oklahoma. Please be honest with the doctor about how and why you use cannabis products to maximize your time and patient experience.

The Exam

Our team will take your temperature (mostly to make sure we don’t get sick), check your blood pressure, respiration, obtain height, weight, and general health information. It is normal to feel a little stressed when meeting a new doctor. Don’t worry, we are here to help and only bit when bitten. The doctor will review your chart then discuss any health concerns with you and ask if you have any questions about medical marijuana. Suggestions for ingestion methods may be made depending on specific health conditions to facility or maximize efficacy. At this time we are unable to prescribe or recommend specific amounts or strains due to regulations that prevent interstate commerce and medical research; however, we will make every effort to find your resources and solutions for your medical marijuana needs.

OMMA

Upon completion of your evaluation; we will upload your recommendation, picture, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of soonercare/medicaid if applicable to the OMMA website. Don’t worry, we will take the picture too. Come ready for a mug shot. Just kidding, but not really. No teeth, no smiles, no medical tubes allowed. For more information about the picture requirements, see here. Luckily for you, this isn’t our first rodeo, so we will help you get it right the first time. The OMMA charges a fee of $104.30 or $22.50 for soonercare and medicaid patients. A copy of the insurance card or confirmation is required by the state to receive the discounted rate of $22.50. After completion of your OMMA application all you need to do it wait for the confirmation email and then when you postman delivers your card, head to your local dispensary.

Follow-Up

Currently medical marijuana cards expire two years or 24 months after they are issued. We will do our best to notify patients when it is time to renew and of course we have discount renewals for repeat patients. At Bloom Healthcare we strive to make the process as easy and painless as possible.