Call us today to learn more about Salmon Falls Family Healthcare’s
Therapeutic Cannabis Certification Service.
Please contact our Therapeutic Cannabis Program Specialist, Devin at 603-692-4018 at extension 1426.
Salmon Falls Family Healthcare
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 Salmon Falls Family Healthcare providers participate in the certification process with the State of New Hampshire while others providers do not. Please be advised that you may need to see a different provider than the person you normally see if that provider lacks proper qualifications or has chosen not to participate in the program.
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). A Qualifying Medical Condition means the “presence of.” You are required to have a medical condition listed in BOTH section (1) and section (2) below.
(1.) Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis C (currently receiving antiviral treatment), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), 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, or one or more injuries that significantly interfere with daily activities as documented by the patient’s provider.
AND
(2.) 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.
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 $225.00. Follow-up visits are expected to occur at approximately 3-6 month intervals at provider discretion and the fee per visit is $125.00. Payment is due upon arrival and Salmon Falls Family Healthcare 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?
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.
How do I get a prescription for Medical Marijuana?
Medical Marijuana is only prescribed by providers at one of the state dispensaries. It is important to understand that our providers cannot ‘prescribe’ medical marijuana; they can only ‘certify your condition’.
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 medical condition.
The medications come in several formulations including: Capsules, tinctures, topical lotions and balms, lozenges, chewable, sub-lingual tablets, trans-dermal patches, edible baked goods and infused beverages as well as vapor pens. Smoking the medication is never advised.
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 can 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.
CBD, CBG, CBC, CBGA, CBCA, TCHA – Anti-Inflammatory (reduces inflammation)
THC, CBD, CBN, CBC, CBGA – Analgesic (relieves pain)
CBD, CBG, CBC, THCA, CBDA – Anti-Proliferative (inhibits tumor cell growth)
THC, CBD, CBN, THCA – Anti-Spasmodic (relieves muscle spasms )
CBD,CBG,CBC,THCV – Bone Stimulant (promotes bone growth)
CBD, CBG, CBGA – Antibacterial (kills or slows bacterial growth )
THC, CBD – Anti-Enemic (reduces nausea and vomiting)
CBD, THCV – Anti-Epileptic (reduces seizures)
THC – Appetite Stimulant
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.
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 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.
I think I’m ready, what do I do now?
If you are already a patient with Salmon Falls Family Healthcare and wish to schedule a consultation to determine your eligibility for this therapy, please contact our Clinical Coordinator, Pam at 603-692-1822 or 603-692-3166, extension 1117.
If you are a new patient, please contact our Therapeutic Cannabis Program, at 603-692-4018 extension 1111.
If you qualify, please bring these forms with you to your Therapeutic Cannabis Consultation Appointment:
Therapeutic Cannabis – Patient Instructions
*Review in detail the “New Hampshire Application for the Therapeutic Use of Cannabis” and the instructions provided therein by the State of New Hampshire.
*Complete the following forms and bring to your appointment the following forms:
Salmon Falls Family Healthcare:
Consent for Therapeutic Cannabis
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.)
Want to learn more? Check out these additional informational links below.
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana-medicine