How to Get Medical Records for Your Medical Marijuana Card Evaluation
Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated February 3, 2025
Your medical records could be the key to accessing medical marijuana treatment. However, many patients don’t know how to obtain these crucial documents. We’re here to help.
By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:
- Do I need medical records for medical marijuana?
- How do I get medical records for my marijuana card appointment?
- Can I get a medical card without medical records?
There are two main ways you can find and obtain your medical records:
- Access them online through your doctor’s patient portal. This option is usually free.
- Contact your physician and request a copy of your medical records.
Yes, getting your medical records for your cannabis appointment is usually that simple. We’ve helped thousands of patients get medical marijuana cards in 26 states. Many patients, like you, ask how to get their records for a marijuana evaluation. With help from our patients and doctors, we created this guide to make the process easier for you.
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Do You Need Medical Records for Medical Marijuana?
Not always, but they can make a big difference in helping the doctor understand your health journey.
Medical records are especially helpful during online video evaluations because they provide your doctor with clear, documented evidence of your qualifying condition. They also help your doctor:
- Understand your complete medical history
- Assess how medical marijuana may interact with your current medications
- Create a personalized treatment plan
- Make informed decisions about whether medical marijuana is right for you
- Track your health progress and treatment outcomes
Don’t let a lack of medical records discourage you from seeking a medical marijuana card, however. Our expert cannabis doctors at Quick Med Cards might still be able to evaluate your condition during your appointment.
What Medical Records Do You Need for Medical Marijuana?
You may be wondering: What is a medical record? What are the components of a medical record? What are the best records for a medical marijuana evaluation?
The National Library of Medicine defines a medical record as a summary of your interactions with healthcare providers. It includes details like diagnoses, treatments, lab tests, and other services you’ve received. It helps doctors understand your history, spot patterns, and improve your treatment.
Types of medical records:
You can submit different types of medical records for your medical marijuana appointment. The top two options include:
- Existing prescriptions that treat your medical condition
- Doctor’s notes detailing your symptoms and treatment history
Your existing prescriptions top this brief list since you likely already have them. Doctor’s notes come at a close second since they are detailed and easy to obtain from your physician.
Other medical records could include:
- Diagnostic Reports
- Treatment Records
- Surgical History
- Family History
- Laboratory Results
- Imaging Studies
- Vital Signs Records
Requesting Medical Records for a Medical Marijuana Card
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). You’ve probably seen this on many medical websites, including this one. (We’re HIPAA compliant!)
You probably know that HIPAA laws protect the privacy of your medical records. But did you know these same laws also give you the right to access your medical records?
Knowing this, here’s how you can get your medical records:
1. Access your online patient portal (The quick way)
Most healthcare providers offer secure online patient portals where you can view and download your medical records for free. These user-friendly platforms let you:
- View your complete medical history
- Access lab results and diagnoses
- Download official medical documents
- Message your healthcare provider
To access your medical records online, follow these steps:
- Search for “[Your Hospital’s Name] patient portal” online.
- Log in to your account if you have existing credentials.
- Recover credentials or create an account if you are new to the portal.
Once you access your medical records online, download them. Then, upload the files to your Quick Med Cards account. You can do this either when booking your appointment or before your medical marijuana consultation.
Are you unsure about portal availability? Contact your healthcare provider for access information and instructions.
2. Direct request to your healthcare provider
Can’t find your medical records online? Then you can request them directly from your healthcare provider by:
- Sending an email request
- Mailing or faxing a formal letter
- Filling out a medical records request form
Note: Some providers may charge a small fee to process direct requests.
What if I Can’t Get My Medical Records?
The consultation itself can sometimes be enough for your doctor to determine your eligibility for medical marijuana.
During your telemedicine appointment, your cannabis doctor will:
- Listen to your symptoms and concerns
- Evaluate your current condition
- Assess whether medical marijuana could benefit you
- Create a treatment plan tailored to your needs
Our doctors at Quick Med Cards always advise patients to upload their medical records for the most accurate assessment. They can still evaluate you without them, but having records gives them a clearer picture of your health.
How do I Get a Copy of My Medical Card?
The process for getting a copy of your medical card depends on your state.
In some states, your doctor’s recommendation alone is enough to buy medical marijuana. In these cases, we’ll send a digital copy of your card via email, and you can also access it in your Quick Med Cards account.
In other states, you’ll need to register with the state’s medical marijuana program after your doctor approves you. You can often download your card from the state’s patient portal. The state may mail a physical copy to the address you provide during registration.
Our customer care team will be with you every step of the way, ready to assist with anything, including where to get copies of your medical card. So, book your appointment and get your medical marijuana card today!
Key Highlights
- Medical records help doctors understand your health history and create personalized treatment plans.
- Medical records are not always required for a medical marijuana card, but they can streamline the evaluation process.
- The best medical records for submission include existing prescriptions and doctor’s notes.
- HIPAA laws protect your medical records and ensure your right to access them.
- You can obtain your medical records online through a patient portal or by requesting them from your healthcare provider.
- Our doctors can still assess your condition through telemedicine even if you do not have medical records.
Conclusion
Getting your medical records for a medical marijuana appointment is easy. You can quickly access them through your doctor’s online patient portal. Or request them directly from your healthcare provider. The best records for your appointment include existing prescriptions and doctor’s notes.
Quick Med Cards guarantees affordable pricing, fast service, and compassionate care. Book your appointment today (whether or not you have your records) and take the first step toward better care!
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FAQ: Medical Records for Medical Marijuana
Do you still have questions about getting your medical documentation for your cannabis evaluation? You may find the answers below.
How do I get a medical card without medical records?
You may be able to get a medical card without medical records in some cases. However, we generally advise patients to provide their medical records to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here’s what to do:
- Book an online consultation with a licensed cannabis doctor through Quick Med Cards.
- Join the video call at your scheduled time.
- Answer your doctor’s questions honestly about your symptoms and health needs.
- Discuss your medical history and symptoms with the doctor to determine if cannabis treatment is right for you.
- Receive your recommendation if the doctor determines that you qualify, even without medical records.
Does a medical card go on your record?
No, a medical card does not go on your record. Your medical records, including cannabis prescriptions and medical cards, are protected under HIPAA to ensure your privacy. Employers cannot access this information through a background check.
Do chiropractic records count for medical marijuana?
Yes, chiropractic records count as medical records for medical marijuana. They include treatment plans, diagnostic findings, and progress notes, meeting state care standards. These records can support your evaluation by providing a detailed condition history.
Can I take therapist records for a medical marijuana card appointment?
It depends. You can request mental health records, but there are exceptions. Therapy notes labeled as “impressions” aren’t accessible under HIPAA. Psychotherapists’ notes, kept separate from your medical chart, are also excluded. These rules help prevent misunderstandings and protect the provider-patient relationship.