• Registered: 2009-11-03
  • Posts: 2

Topic: Am I locked in to my chosen caregiver? Can I change at any time?

I recently got registered as a MMJ patient in Colorado.  When I  went to the Dr, they asked if I wanted to make their dispensary my caregiver.  Not knowing any better, I agreed.  After visiting their dispensary, and seeing what a joke it was, I would now like to change my caregiver to a better dispensary, to take advantage of the 'membership' offers they have. 

Just for the record, and I don't know how any of you feel about this, but I think that a dispensary should not be operated by a number of pimple faced kids who are so stoned that they can't complete a sentence without stuttering the word dude.  They should also be knowledgeable of the product, and be able to make suggestions based on your particular needs or desires.

At the clinic, I was given a discounted rate for the Dr. visit, by signing up them as my caregiver.  Am I bound by anything that says I can't change it after paying my fee for the Dr. visit?  Seems like a scam, to try to get patients to think that they now have to stay with them as their primary caregiver.

So, can I re-assign my caregiver to another dispensary whenever I want?  What is the process to do this?

Thanks

  • Registered: 2008-02-12
  • Posts: 462

Re: Am I locked in to my chosen caregiver? Can I change at any time?

Floyd770 wrote:

I recently got registered as a MMJ patient in Colorado.  When I  went to the Dr, they asked if I wanted to make their dispensary my caregiver.  Not knowing any better, I agreed.  After visiting their dispensary, and seeing what a joke it was, I would now like to change my caregiver to a better dispensary, to take advantage of the 'membership' offers they have. 

Just for the record, and I don't know how any of you feel about this, but I think that a dispensary should not be operated by a number of pimple faced kids who are so stoned that they can't complete a sentence without stuttering the word dude.  They should also be knowledgeable of the product, and be able to make suggestions based on your particular needs or desires.

At the clinic, I was given a discounted rate for the Dr. visit, by signing up them as my caregiver.  Am I bound by anything that says I can't change it after paying my fee for the Dr. visit?  Seems like a scam, to try to get patients to think that they now have to stay with them as their primary caregiver.

So, can I re-assign my caregiver to another dispensary whenever I want?  What is the process to do this?

Thanks

In CA it is illegal for a doctor to refer to dispensaries, collectives or co-ops... clear conflict of interest.  Also, you are allowed to change caregivers in CA.  Your recommendation shouldn't be tied to any specific dispensary, etc.

  • Registered: 2009-11-03
  • Posts: 2

Re: Am I locked in to my chosen caregiver? Can I change at any time?

Thanks,

I've found a wealth of information today, and I suppose I should have done some research before asking this, but yes, in Co, you can change your caregiver at any time.  The state does in fact not even keep a record of who is a caregiver for what patients..    Its up to the patient to designate whomever they want, and mail in a form, but even the form is not required.

As far as the dispensary and the Dr. issue, they are in fact, separate entities, 'by name' but are operated by the same people it seems.  These are some of the more shady operations, like the dispensary I mentioned.

I would also like to say, that after visiting a few other dispensaries today, I have seen a much better and responsible representation of what a dispensary should be.  I was just a bit nervous after my first and only experience until today.