Specific pain diagnoses
Certain chronic pain and neuropathic pain conditions, complex regional pain syndrome, and severe rheumatoid arthritis are on the state list. The exact diagnostic criteria matter.
In-person evaluations for adults 18+
Medical Marijuana Certification
Medical Marijuana Certification
in West Hartford, CT
Need a Connecticut medical marijuana card? Dr. Heidari offers in-person evaluations for adults at our West Hartford office. She reviews your diagnosis, medications and treatment history to decide whether you qualify.
Certification depends on your evaluation. Connecticut DCP issues the medical marijuana registration certificate.
Meet with Dr. Heidari
Discuss your condition and treatment options.
At Ample Urgent & Primary Care, Dr. Heidari reviews your diagnosis, symptoms and previous treatments. She discusses the possible benefits and risks of medical cannabis before deciding whether to certify you.
Bring your medication list and questions. If you qualify, we explain how to complete Connecticut registration. If you do not, we discuss other treatment options.
Medical marijuana is also called medical cannabis. Certification confirms eligibility for the state program. It does not guarantee that cannabis will relieve your symptoms.
Am I a candidate?
Pain-related conditions
Neurological conditions
Other qualifying diagnoses
Who qualifies for medical marijuana in Connecticut?
For this adult service, you must be 18 or older, live in Connecticut, and have an eligible debilitating medical condition. A clinician must determine that certification is appropriate. People confined in a correctional facility under Connecticut's Department of Correction are not eligible.
Neurological disorders
Examples include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and Tourette syndrome.
Additional conditions
PTSD, cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and glaucoma are among the listed adult conditions.
Chronic pain has a specific definition.
The general chronic pain entry requires symptoms lasting at least six months, an identified underlying chronic condition, and inadequate response to other treatment interventions. Not every pain complaint qualifies.
These are examples, not the full list. Check Connecticut DCP's complete qualifying-condition list. Being listed does not mean cannabis is the best treatment for that condition.
Getting your card
How to get your Connecticut medical marijuana card
Certification by your provider and registration with the state are separate steps. The process has four steps.
Arrange your visit
Request an in-person evaluation or call our West Hartford office. Ask about the visit fee and the records to bring.
Meet with Dr. Heidari
Review your history, treatments, medications and potential risks. If clinically appropriate, Dr. Heidari starts your certification in the state system.
Complete your application
Follow the DCP instructions to access BizNet, verify your details, upload identity and residency documents, and complete the patient attestations.
Receive the state decision
DCP reviews your application. If approved, use your registration to obtain products through a licensed dispensary or hybrid retailer.
Official DCP registration instructions. The practice cannot control state processing time or approval.
Come prepared
What to bring to your evaluation
- Current photo identification. Have an unexpired government-issued ID available.
- Proof of Connecticut residency. State registration requires an acceptable document showing your name and home address. Many documents must be dated within 90 days; exceptions apply.
- Relevant medical records. Bring records of your diagnosis and prior treatments, plus a list of medications and supplements.
- An email address you can access. You will use it for state registration and program communications.
- Your existing certificate, if renewing. Check its expiration date before scheduling.
Missing records? Call before your visit to discuss what is needed. See DCP's accepted identity and residency documents.
Keep health information out of the website form. Do not send diagnoses, medical records or symptoms through the appointment request form or ordinary email. Call for instructions on sharing records.
Current Connecticut rules
When to renew your medical marijuana certification
Since January 2026, Connecticut allows clinicians to select the certification period based on the patient's needs. A one-year term is no longer the only option.
Dr. Heidari determines the appropriate period after assessment. Check the expiration date on your certificate and arrange recertification before it expires. Renewal is a new clinical review, not an automatic approval.
Available certification periods
6months
12months
18months
24months
Dr. Heidari selects the certification period after your evaluation.
Understanding the program
Why consider a medical card when adult-use cannabis is legal?
Connecticut's medical program offers benefits for registered qualifying patients. You still need a qualifying diagnosis and a medical evaluation.
Tax-free qualifying purchases
Registered patients and caregivers receive the program's tax exemption on qualifying purchases at licensed facilities.
Medical program access
The program offers greater product variety and priority entry at hybrid retailers. A dispensary pharmacist can discuss product questions.
Medical follow-up
Discuss other treatments, medication concerns and follow-up with your provider.
Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program benefits. Registration benefits do not guarantee a clinical benefit.
Benefits, limitations & safety
Medical cannabis benefits and risks
Evidence varies by condition and product. Research suggests modest benefits for some chronic pain and multiple sclerosis symptoms, while evidence for other uses is limited. The cannabis plant itself is not FDA-approved as a treatment; certain specific cannabinoid medicines are.
We review your health history and other treatment options before deciding whether to certify you. Do not stop prescribed treatment or delay care while seeking a medical card.
What we discuss at your visit
- Current medicines, supplements, alcohol use and possible interactions.
- Dizziness, impaired attention and memory, and effects on driving. Do not drive while impaired.
- Anxiety, paranoia or a history of psychosis, and the risk of cannabis use disorder.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding. CDC recommends avoiding cannabis during pregnancy; breastfeeding patients are also encouraged to avoid use.
- Product questions, safe storage away from children, and follow-up needs.
CDC: Health effects, driving and pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Common questions
Medical marijuana certification FAQs
How do I get a medical marijuana card in Connecticut?
For Ample's service, start with an in-person evaluation. If Dr. Heidari determines certification is appropriate, she initiates the state process. You then complete your patient application with Connecticut DCP. DCP reviews the application and issues the registration certificate if approved.
Does chronic pain qualify for a CT medical marijuana card?
Certain chronic pain conditions qualify. The state's general chronic pain entry requires pain lasting at least six months, an identified underlying chronic condition, and lack of response to other treatment interventions. A brief episode of pain does not automatically meet that definition.
Can I qualify for anxiety, depression or trouble sleeping?
These symptoms alone are not separately named on Connecticut's current qualifying-condition list. PTSD is listed, but it requires an appropriate diagnosis and assessment. Discuss your actual diagnosis, history and treatment options at your visit; symptoms do not guarantee eligibility.
How much does a medical marijuana evaluation cost at Ample?
Call (860) 838-8799 for Ample's current visit fee and to ask about coverage before scheduling. Connecticut's patient registration fee is $0. Cannabis products are purchased separately from a licensed dispensary or hybrid retailer.
Are appointments in person or online?
Ample offers this service in person at 10 Princeton St, West Hartford, CT 06110, for adults ages 18 and older. Request an appointment or call the office to arrange your evaluation.
Can an APRN certify patients for medical marijuana in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut allows physicians, physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses who meet the state's prescriber requirements to certify qualifying patients. Dr. Heidari's credentials are DNP, FNP-C.
How long does a Connecticut medical marijuana certification last?
Since January 2026, the available certification periods are six months, one year, 18 months or two years. Your clinician determines the appropriate period. Check your actual expiration date and arrange recertification before it expires.
Does an evaluation guarantee approval or a same-day card?
No. Certification depends on clinical eligibility and an individual assessment. State registration is a separate decision made by DCP. An appointment request, an evaluation and a clinician's certification are different steps; none guarantees a particular approval or processing date.
Do I need to be a Connecticut resident?
Yes, Connecticut residency is required for registration in the Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program. You will need acceptable proof of identity and residency for the state application.
Can I buy cannabis at Ample?
No. Ample provides medical evaluation and certification services. Cannabis products are obtained separately from a licensed dispensary facility or hybrid retailer after the required registration steps.
What if my certification has already expired?
Connecticut's 2026 rules allow licensed dispensary pharmacists to issue certain 90-day extensions or temporary certifications after the required assessment. Ask a licensed dispensary pharmacist about eligibility and fees; this is a separate service from your evaluation at Ample.
Schedule a visit
Ample Urgent & Primary Care10 Princeton StArrange your evaluation in West Hartford.
Call our office or request an appointment. Dr. Heidari will review your medical history and determine whether you qualify.
In-person visits for adults 18+. Call for the current fee and appointment availability. Our staff will contact you to confirm your appointment request.
West Hartford, CT 06110
- Monday to Friday
- 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
Office hours shown. Certification visits require an appointment; call to confirm availability and holiday hours.
Program information checked: . Sources are linked beside the relevant information. Connecticut rules can change; check DCP's Medical Marijuana Program for current requirements.
This page provides general education, not an individual treatment recommendation. Your evaluation determines clinical suitability. For ongoing care, explore primary & family care or speak with your treating provider.