Crowd Lines up at a Benton Doctor for Medical Marijuana Guidance

Arkansas residents wishing to use medical marijuana for a qualifying condition in Benton have an option: Medicinal Purpose. This medical marijuana recommendation center held a clinic over the weekend to provide guidance. Patients began lining up outside the venue around 8 a.m. Saturday morning.

Patients wishing to use medical marijuana in Arkansas must have a confirmed diagnosis of one of the state’s approved qualifying conditions, according to THV 11 News. A two-page application must be submitted to the Department of Health for consideration. Those approved will be added to the state’s registry.

Dr. Ivy McGee, overseeing the evaluations, said, “I’ve seen patients bring medical records regarding cancer, HIV, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis C and peripheral neuropathy.”

James McSorley is grateful for the new medical marijuana program.

He said, “I’ve been dealing with a lot of hiatal hernia pain and nausea from birth.”

Doctors can only recommend medical marijuana for patients with a qualifying condition.

Dr. McGee said, “Every doctor has a right to practice in a way they feel abides by their conscious and training. And that is the very reason I’m choosing to do so.”

Regarding the clinic and Dr. McGee, James McSorley said, “She was really professional and I liked her. She was on topic as far as diagnosis and what it covered as far as qualifying.”

McSorley wants to stop taking painkillers and pharmaceuticals in general.

In regards to traditional medication, he said, “It keeps me away from my work and kept me away from school.”

Medical marijuana dispensaries won’t be open for a while yet.

McSorley said, “It makes me feel really good, I just wish it were sooner.”

Dr. McGee said, “If you are suffering, there are alternatives and you don’t have to feel guilty in pursuing that because voters in the state of Arkansas have agreed that this is a legal option for therapy.”

The evaluation fee at Medicinal Purpose is $150. Another clinic is scheduled for November 18 at the Holiday Inn Express in Benton from 9 a.m. until noon. The state fee to obtain a medical marijuana card is $50. It is suggested that you bring medical records with you for your evaluation.