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Back Cover Story: Questions for MMJ Doctors

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of all physicians? No judgment, in this industry (as in most) a variety of motivations in your mmj practice (and, potentially, your operating account) while you work your
will lead professionals to their destinations. However, the “why” of what you are way through the legal system than I would have the feds seize your whole medical
doing is critical to consider when answering the other questions. If you only care practice, with its equipment, records, etc. I’d rather have the proceeds sitting in your
about providing pain relief to terminal patients, the when, where and how of your mmj account frozen than the money in your general practice account. These are not
mmj practice will be very different than if you want to charge maximum amounts to likelihoods, but risks sufficient to deserve consideration and planning. Separate enti-
the largest number of patients. ties reduces risk.
If the numbers make sense, I recommend separate locations. If the numbers don’t
HOW? Do you utilize the same company and company structure as your primary justify separate offices and the increased overhead, then I suggest maintaining sepa-
practice, or do you organize a stand-alone entity to run your mmj practice? rate hours of practice. There is stigma abound for both patient and practitioner. An
Some basic pointers after consulting and networking with physicians in the biz and older patient with cancer may not feel comfortable in the waiting room of their oncol-
those asking about the biz: ogist with a long-bearded millennial sitting next to them, awaiting a cannabis consult.
Separate entities are important and recommended in most instances. There are Psychiatrists who maintain mmj practices have very different primary patients than
many reasons for this, but I typically advise owners of more than one business to oncologists and internists.
maintain separate entities, despite the additional costs (separate tax returns, etc.). The questions and answers on these topics are without end. There are few absolute
Liabilities remain separate as do assets. I am concerned that, until cannabis is resched- rights and wrongs. Just ask yourself the who, what, where, when, why and how of
uled, occasional examples will continue to be made, to force the entire industry to what you’re looking to do, consider the questions, and the answers will readily follow.
remember that the DEA and FDA remain in charge. Especially in the western states,
the federal government does still occasionally arrest industry participants on each Michael Liss, Esq. can be reached at ml@integritycounselpa.com
level. If you’re a physician I’d rather have the feds attempt to seize the chair and couch or (561) 981-2507, located in Boca Raton.

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