By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
On April 20, 2017, the Orange County Medical Society (OCMS) Board of Directors was alerted to a scam involving medical marijuana. The scammers attempt to steal credit card information from patients. Patients are requested to provide their credit card numbers in exchange for a bogus offer of free or reduced-cost medical marijuana.
The DOH reports all incidents of potential fraud and scams to law enforcement, but wants to ensure residents and law makers are aware of what to avoid.
Avoid Medical Marijuana Scams.
Be aware that the perpetrators of the scam may mention the Department of Health’s “Office of Compassionate Use” in their phone call solicitations, to make their communication seem more legitimate. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has released tips on how patients can protect themselves from scams related to medical marijuana. Click here to read the Press Release from the DOH providing these tips.
The DOH regularly updates The Office of Compassionate Use webpage with accurate information abut medical marijuana. Patients and legal representatives are encouraged to visit this webpage often for news and updates.
If you receive a phone call that you suspect is a scam, report to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services call 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352).
To stay on top of medical marijuana issues and legislation, check our blog for regular updates here.
To learn about the status of medical marijuana in Florida, click here to watch our informational video blog.
Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys for Medical Marijuana Concerns.
The Health Law Firm attorneys can assist health care providers and facilities, such as doctors, pharmacists and pharmacies, wanting to participate in the medical marijuana industry. We can properly draft and complete the applications for registration, permitting and/or licensing, while complying with Florida law. We can also represent doctors, pharmacies and pharmacists facing proceedings brought by state regulators or agencies.
Sources:
Cobb, Frasier. “Patients and Physicians Alerted to Medical Marijuana Scam.” Orlando Medical News. (April 20, 2017). Web.
“On the Eve of 4/20, The Florida Department of Health Urges Caution to Avoid Medical Marijuana Scams.” Medical Marijuana Magazine. (April 20, 2017). Web.
About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law is an attorney with The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.
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