Common Scams and Bad Tactics to Look for When Getting a Medical Marijuana Card
Introduction
Obtaining a medical marijuana card can be an important step for patients seeking legal access to cannabis for medicinal purposes. However, as the market grows, so do the number of scams and bad tactics designed to take advantage of vulnerable individuals, particularly older patients. It’s crucial to understand these deceptive practices to protect yourself from falling victim to them.
This article will highlight some of the most common scams and bad tactics used by unscrupulous companies, and provide helpful tips on how to avoid them.
1) Unverified Websites with Dubious Claims
One of the most common tactics used by fraudulent companies is the creation of websites that appear legitimate but lack proper verification. These websites may boast impressive claims, such as a large number of patients trusting their platform, but they often fail to provide any verified proof of this information. Unfortunately, these websites can be created quickly and easily, giving them an air of legitimacy. Once they’ve been recognized as a scam, these sites can disappear and reappear under new names, perpetuating the cycle of fraud.
Many patients, especially older ones, fall victim to these scams. These websites may also use the logos of trusted organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Trustpilot to create the illusion of credibility. However, these logos can be easily copied and used fraudulently.
How to Avoid This Scam:
Check for Verified Reviews: Always verify reviews through third-party websites like Trustpilot, Google, and the BBB. Authentic reviews will often be backed by multiple independent sources.
Do Your Research: A simple Google search of the company name followed by “reviews” will often help identify if the reviews are real or fabricated.
Look for Transparency: Legitimate companies will have clear, accessible contact information and will encourage open communication.
For instance, at CannabisMD TeleMed, all patient reviews are verified through third-party websites, ensuring their authenticity.
2) Providers with Unverified or Expired Licenses
A medical marijuana card can only be issued by a licensed healthcare provider, so it is essential to verify that the healthcare practitioner you're working with has a valid medical license in your state. Scammers often attempt to issue certificates using expired or unverified licenses. In some cases, patients may receive a certification with an incomplete or missing license number.
There have been multiple reports of patients being issued certificates from providers whose licenses had expired or were invalid. These patients were unable to contact the provider or company for resolution, leaving them in a difficult position.
How to Avoid This Scam:
Verify the Provider’s License: Every state has a system to verify the medical licenses of healthcare practitioners. For example, in Virginia, you can use this license lookup tool to verify a healthcare provider’s license. If the provider is legitimate, you should also be able to find information about their qualifications and history.
Ask for Documentation: Request a copy of the healthcare provider’s license number before proceeding with any medical marijuana evaluation.
Taking these steps will ensure that you are working with a qualified and licensed healthcare provider who can legally help you obtain a medical marijuana card.
3) Multi-Year Plans with Unverifiable Discounts
Some companies offer multi-year plans to help patients obtain their medical marijuana card with a supposed discount. These plans often entice patients with lower upfront costs, claiming that they will save money over multiple years of card renewals. These companies may display daily statistics showing how many patients have opted for these multi-year plans, using social proof tactics to influence new patients into following suit.
The problem is that medical marijuana cards need to be renewed annually, and state laws and regulations can change frequently. A company offering a multi-year plan might not honor the discount or could face problems as laws evolve. Additionally, once you commit to these plans, the terms of service usually prohibit refunds, which means if you cannot use the service in future years, you will lose your money.
Related: Renewal of Medical Marijuana Certifications
How to Avoid This Scam:
Stick to Annual Evaluations: It is always safer to pay for medical marijuana evaluations on a yearly basis. This ensures you can reevaluate your needs and ensure that the healthcare provider is still reputable.
Avoid Long-Term Commitments: Avoid any company that pressures you into long-term commitments. This is often a red flag signaling a potential scam.
Read the Fine Print: Carefully review the terms of service before signing anything. Look for any clauses that may make it difficult for you to get a refund if the service doesn’t meet your needs.
Paying for your medical marijuana evaluation each year ensures that you are not locked into a plan that may not work in your favor in the long run.
4) Expedited Card Delivery Fees
Another common scam tactic used by companies is offering expedited delivery for an additional fee. These companies claim that paying an extra $30 to $60 will ensure your medical marijuana card is processed and delivered faster. However, after testing these claims, we found that whether or not the expedited fee is paid, the provider will submit the necessary documentation in the same amount of time.
This tactic preys on patients who are eager to receive their medical marijuana card quickly, taking advantage of their urgency to extract more money from them. In reality, there is no legitimate reason to pay extra for expedited processing in most cases.
Read Also: The Convenience and Benefits of Medical Marijuana Delivery
How to Avoid This Scam:
Choose a Transparent Company: Look for companies that do not charge additional fees for expedited services. Reputable providers will process all applications equally and will not prioritize certain patients over others.
Understand the Processing Timeline: Know that it can take several days or even weeks to receive your card after the evaluation. If the timeline seems too quick or offers unrealistic guarantees, consider going with a different provider. In Virginia, the process is very quick and patients can receive their medical marijuana card minutes after their appointment.
Ask Questions: If you are unsure about an expedited processing fee, ask the company directly why it’s necessary and whether it guarantees a faster turnaround. Just remember, they may have a great story about why you should select this option so we recommend taking what they say with a grain of salt.
Opting out of these unnecessary fees and choosing a transparent, customer-focused company will save you both time and money.
5) Companies Offering Fake Guarantees
Lastly, some companies might promise guarantees that are too good to be true. They might claim that you’ll be approved for your medical marijuana card no matter what. While these promises can sound enticing, they’re often a tactic to lure in patients who are desperate or uncertain about the process.
These companies might use language that encourages you to make a decision quickly, sometimes even offering a “limited-time offer” or a “one-time deal.” Once you sign up and pay, you may find that the company’s process is more complicated than expected, and you’re unable to get your card, with no real recourse for a refund.
How to Avoid This Scam:
Read All Agreements Carefully: Look for any hidden clauses or vague language that could prevent you from receiving a refund if something goes wrong.
Trust Your Instincts: If an offer seems too good to be true or feels rushed, it probably is. Take a step back and review other options before committing.
Research the Company’s Reputation: Check the company’s reputation through third-party reviews and consumer protection websites before paying for any services.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid falling victim to guarantees that sound too good to be true.
Conclusion
The process of obtaining a medical marijuana card should be a straightforward and secure experience. Unfortunately, with the rise of online services and the growing demand for cannabis-based medicine, many scammers are taking advantage of unsuspecting patients. By being vigilant and cautious about the companies and healthcare providers you choose to work with, you can avoid falling prey to scams and ensure that you receive the legitimate care and services you deserve.
To stay safe:
Always verify reviews and the legitimacy of the company.
Ensure your healthcare provider is licensed and in good standing.
Avoid multi-year payment plans and expedited delivery fees that seem too good to be true.
Read the fine print and trust your instincts when dealing with medical marijuana card providers.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to navigate the process with confidence and avoid scams designed to take advantage of those in need.
FAQs
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To verify a website’s legitimacy, check for verified reviews on trusted third-party platforms such as Trustpilot, Google, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Ensure the company provides clear contact information and transparent details about their services. Conduct a Google search of the company's name followed by "reviews" to see what others are saying.
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You can verify a healthcare provider’s license through your state’s official medical licensing board website. For example, in Virginia, you can use this license lookup tool. Ensure the provider’s license is current and valid before proceeding with an evaluation.
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Medical marijuana cards need to be renewed annually, and laws governing their use frequently change. Multi-year plans may become unusable if regulations shift, or you may no longer require the card. Additionally, most companies offering these plans do not provide refunds for unused years, making them a financial risk.
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No, in most cases, paying for expedited delivery is a waste of money. Companies that offer this option often process all applications in the same amount of time, regardless of whether you pay the fee. Avoid companies that charge for this service and opt for transparent providers who treat all patients equally.
