Therapeutic Cannabis Certification Service
(Medical Marijuana)

Introduction to the Therapeutic
Cannabis Program

This page provides information about qualifying criteria for Medical Marijuana / Therapeutic Cannabis and the certification process.

Who is a Certifying Provider?

Some Granite State Pain Associates providers participate in the certification process with the State of New Hampshire while others do not. Please be advised that you may need to see a different provider than the person you normally see if that provider lacks the proper qualifications or has chosen not to participate in the program.

The State of New Hampshire requires patients to have an established provider/patient relationship of at least three months with a certifying provider prior to initiation of the certification process.

Certification means that a provider verifies for the state that a patient has a qualifying medical condition.

What are the Qualifying Medical Conditions for treatment with Therapeutic Cannabis?

The State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has established a list of Qualifying Medical Conditions. Refer to RSA 126-X:1, IX(a).

“Qualifying medical condition*” means “the presence of:

(A) Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pancreatitis, spinal cord injury or disease, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, lupus, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or one or more injuries or conditions that has resulted in one or more qualifying symptoms under subparagraph (B); AND
(B) A severely debilitating or terminal medical condition or its treatment that has produced at least one of the following: elevated intraocular pressure, cachexia, chemotherapy-induced anorexia, wasting syndrome, agitation of Alzheimer’s disease, severe pain that has not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures or for which other treatment options produced serious side effects, constant or severe nausea, moderate to severe vomiting, seizures, or severe, persistent muscle spasms;OR
“Qualifying medical condition” also means:
(A) Moderate to severe chronic pain.
(B) Severe pain that has not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures or for which other treatment options produced serious side effects.
(C) Moderate or severe post-traumatic stress disorder.
*as referenced on 09/13/2018

Will my insurance cover Medical Marijuana and the certification process?

Unfortunately, the answer at this time is no. Health insurance companies currently are not participating in the program.

What are the fees for the Certification Process?

The initial consult fee is $150.00. Follow-up visits are expected to occur at approximately 3-6 month intervals at provider discretion and the fee per visit is $75.00. Payment is due upon arrival, and Granite State Pain Associates will accept cash, credit or debit card payment only. Personal checks are not accepted.

There is a $50.00 application fee which is sent by the patient to the State of New Hampshire. This can be a personal check.

How does the certification process work?

The patient must have an established patient/provider relationship for medical care of at least three months. During this time, various therapies may be trialed and opiates reduced or eliminated when indicated.

After that time, if the patient has a “Qualifying Medical Condition”, the provider may complete the ‘Written Certification for the Therapeutic Use of Cannabis’. This certification form is then sent by the patient along with their application to the State of New Hampshire. The state will then review the application and certification and will notify the patient of approval or denial within 20 days of receiving the application. It may take longer to receive the Registry Identification Card, however.

What are cannabinoids, and what can they do for me?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that provide the therapeutic benefits of the cannabis plant. Each compound is associated with a different property that can be utilized for a different therapeutic benefit. Research has identified approximately 85 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant itself. As research progresses, we learn more about the potential beneficial properties associated with each of these chemicals.

When cannabis is consumed, these chemicals bind to receptors in the brain producing different effects.

Below are just some of the cannabinoids that have been identified and the potential benefits that have been associated with them:

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CBD, CBG, CBC, CBGA, CBCA, TCHA – Anti-Inflammatory (reduces inflammation)

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THC, CBD, CBN, CBC, CBGA – Analgesic (relieves pain)

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CBD, CBG, CBC, THCA, CBDA – Anti-Proliferative (inhibits tumor cell growth)

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THC, CBD, CBN, THCA – Anti-Spasmodic (relieves muscle spasms )

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CBD,CBG,CBC,THCV – Bone Stimulant (promotes bone growth)

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CBD, CBG, CBGA – Antibacterial (kills or slows bacterial growth)

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THC, CBD – Anti-Enemic (reduces nausea and vomiting)

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CBD, THCV – Anti-Epileptic (reduces seizures)

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CBD – Neuroprotective (protects the nervous system)

As research progresses, and therapeutic use of cannabis promotes more opportunity for study, we will continue to learn more and more about this fascinating plant.

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Granite State Pain Associates

How will the medication affect me?

Many patients ask, “Will this make me feel high or not in control?” Providers at the dispensaries will help you to find a good comfort level. Marijuana available for medical use also is available in a wide variety of strains, some of which are “bred” to have lower concentrations of THC (the chemical that causes the psychoactive affect) and higher concentrations of other chemicals which are reported to help in certain conditions, such as: CBD which helps with muscle spasms and Alzheimer’s disease, CBC which helps relieve pain, and reduce inflammation, THCV which helps with seizures.

Does cannabis help with pain? Studies have shown that patients using medical cannabis have reported pain relief. However, as with all emerging treatments, there is some controversy surrounding these claims. There is currently more research being conducted.

Will I become dependent on Medical Cannabis?

As with all controlled substances, dependence is possible. It is important to take the medication only as prescribed and consult with your provider if you have any questions or concerns arise. Our providers will be seeing you regularly to monitor your response to therapy and to monitor you for any unwanted side effects.

Is it safe to drive under the influence of Cannabis?

Under RSA 126-X:3, NO person shall be exempt from arrest or prosecution for being under the influence of medical cannabis while operating a motor vehicle, commercial vehicle, boat, vessel, or any other vehicle propelled or drawn by power other than muscular power.

I think I’m ready, what do I do now?

If you are already a patient with Granite State Pain Associates and wish to schedule a consultation to determine your eligibility for this therapy, please contact our Clinical Coordinator, Michelle, at: 603-692-1805 or 603-692-3166 Ext. 1103.

To become a New Patient of Granite State Pain Associates the please click here.