What to Expect at Your First Medical Cannabis Evaluation
One of the most common things new patients tell us: "I didn't know what to expect, so I almost didn't come." Here's exactly what happens — from the moment you contact PremierMD to the moment you're certified.
Before Your Appointment: The Intake Form
It starts with our online eligibility form — about five minutes to complete. You'll tell us your primary condition, your insurance information, and your preferred location (or telehealth). Within one business day, a member of our team will contact you to confirm your insurance coverage and schedule your appointment. No surprises at checkout.
Most Appointments Are Done by Video Call — From Home
The vast majority of our medical cannabis evaluations are done by telemedicine. Before your appointment, we'll send you a secure link by email or text. Click it at the scheduled time on any phone, tablet, or computer with a camera. No app to download. No account to create. No technical setup required.
If you prefer to come in person, all four of our NJ offices are available — and the experience is the same either way. But most patients tell us telemedicine is more convenient, particularly for a first appointment when you may not know what to expect.
What to have ready for your telehealth visit:
- Valid New Jersey driver's license or state ID (hold it up to the camera for a moment)
- Your insurance card
- Your current medication list
- A quiet, private space with a decent connection
- Any relevant medical records — helpful but not required
The Evaluation: What Your Provider Will Do
Your provider — a board-certified physician, PA, or NP — will spend time with you going through your medical history. This is a real appointment, not a rubber stamp. They'll want to understand:
- How long you've been dealing with your condition
- What treatments you've tried and how they've worked (or haven't)
- Your current medications and any side effects
- Your goals — what do you hope cannabis therapy will help with?
- Any concerns or questions you have about cannabis
Based on this review, your provider will make a clinical determination: is cannabis therapy appropriate for you? If yes, they'll submit a certification to the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission and discuss next steps. If there are any concerns or they need additional information, they'll discuss this with you directly.
The "What If I've Never Used Cannabis?" Question
This is one of the most common things patients tell us at the start of appointments — and it's perfectly fine. The majority of our patients are not regular cannabis users, and many have never used it at all. Your provider is not evaluating your cannabis experience. They are evaluating your medical history and your qualifying condition.
If you are certified, your provider will talk through product options, delivery methods, and starting doses. They will tell you to start low and go slow — and what to do if you have concerns after your first use.
After Your Appointment: What Happens Next
Once your provider submits your certification, it goes to the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission for processing. You'll receive an email from the CRC with instructions to register and obtain your patient ID number. This typically takes 1–4 weeks. Your PremierMD team will guide you through the process and answer any questions.
And then? You're a patient here. We'll schedule follow-up appointments, handle your annual recertification, and be available to adjust your recommendations over time. This is just the beginning of your care.
Want a visual overview of the full certification process? See our How It Works page.
