In order to be considered for the Therapeutic Cannabis Program, you must meet certain criteria to qualify for medical marijuana.
There are rules set in place by Tara Delle Chiaie, MSN, FNP-BC, APRN along with the state’s rules and requirements.
Who is a Certifying Provider?
Tara Delle Chiaie our Board Certified Nurse practitioner is a certifying provider here at Delle Chiaie Concierge Medicine.
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. Our patients must be a part of our medical concierge practice or be an existing client in order to be considered for this service. Tara must have an established relationship with the client prior to completing the application.
Medical Members rates are $50-$150 a month (age dependent) and the certification process is $175 for your initial visit and every three months thereafter the visit fee is $75. Should you lapse or miss your three-month check-in; you will be required to start over. Careful and close monitoring is essential to your health and the success of the program.
Certification means that a provider verifies for the state that a patient has a qualifying medical condition. You then must apply yourself to the state. There are absolutely NO refunds on the service we provided should the state deny your application.
Qualifying Medical Conditions for treatment with Therapeutic Cannabis?
The State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NHDHHS) 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 have 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.
Does insurance cover Medical Marijuana and the certification process?
No. Health insurance companies currently are not participating in the program.
What are the fees for the Certification Process?
The initial consult fee is $175.00. Follow-up visits are expected to occur at approximately 3 months. The fee per visit is $75.00. for maintenance visits to stay a part of the program. Payment is due at the time of booking. Please note our cancelation policy is strictly enforced.
In addition to the fees form Delle Chiaie Concierge Medicine, PLLC, 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.
Tell me how the certification process works?
The patient must have an established patient-provider relationship for medical care of at least three months with a member of our team. During this time, various therapies may be trialed and opiates and or benzo’s reduced or eliminated when indicated. There is zero exception to this rule.
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.
How do I get a prescription for Medical Marijuana?
Medical Marijuana is only prescribed by providers at one of the state dispensaries. Our practice is not a dispensary, Tara can only certify your condition to be presented to the state.
After certification and approval, patients will choose one of the four dispensaries in the state, with locations in Dover, Merrimack, Plymouth and Lebanon. The dispensaries are staffed by medical professionals who will consult with patients and prescribe the medications based on the medical conditions.
The medications come in several formulations including, Capsules, tinctures, topical lotions and balms, lozenges, chewable, sublingual tablets, transdermal patches, edible baked goods, and infused beverages as well as vapor pens. Smoking the medication is never advised.
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.
Is it safe to drive while 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.
Will I become dependent on Medical Cannabis?
As with all controlled substances, dependence is very possible. It is important to take the medication only as prescribed and consult with your provider if you have any questions or concerns arise. The provider you have within our practice will see you regularly at 3 month intervals to monitor your response to the therapy and to monitor you for any unwanted side effects.
I think I’m qualified, now what?
If you are already a patient with DCCM and wish to schedule a consultation to determine your eligibility for this type of therapy, please contact us at 603-783-1087.
If you are a new patient, please note we must first establish a relationship with you.
Please bring these forms with you to your Therapeutic Cannabis Consultation Appointment:
Forms you will need:
Consent for Therapeutic Cannabis This will Be emailed to you once you have an appointment
Marijuana History Form This will Be emailed to you once you have an appointment
State of NH Forms:
State of New Hampshire Forms:
New Hampshire Application for the Therapeutic Use of Cannabis
New Hampshire Written Certification for the Therapeutic Use of Cannabis Form. (This form is for your provider to complete.)
Prior to your Therapeutic Cannabis Consultation Appointment:
Review in detail the “NH Application for the Therapeutic Use of Cannabis” and the instructions provided therein by the State of NH
The NH Application for the Therapeutic Use of Cannabis (completed by the patient) and the NH Written Certification for the Therapeutic Use of Cannabis form (completed by the provider) are to be mailed to the State of NH Department of Health and Human Services within 60 days of your Written Certification date. DHHS also requires a check for the Application Fee, proof of residency, and a digital passport-sized photo in jpg format on a CD with name and date of birth. (See detailed instructions with the State of NH Application.)
Payments for all Therapeutic Cannabis appointments are due upon at the time of booking your appointment. Payment is due in cash or by debit/credit card. We do not accept personal checks.
The charge for the initial consult appointment is $175.00.
Follow up visits that will occur approximately every three months will be done so at a charge of $75.00 per visit, also due at the time of service.
Once your application is received by DHHS, they will make a decision within 20 days. You will be notified by the State of NH of your application’s acceptance or denial. Once you are approved it will take longer to receive your Therapeutic Cannabis Registry Identification Card.