# Your First Visit > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/getting-started/your-first-visit/ > **Published:** 2023-04-24T22:47:48-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:43:47-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Getting Started Your First Visit to CED Clinic Expert, evidence-based cannabis care in a welcoming environment. Our process is simple and designed for both adults and pediatric patients, here’s exactly what to expect, from booking your appointment through receiving your medical cannabis card. Why Patients Trust UsWhat to ExpectQualifying ConditionsWhat to BringFAQ Why Patients Trust […] --- Getting Started ## Your First Visit to CED Clinic Expert, [evidence-based cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-medicine-group-policy/) care in a welcoming environment. Our process is simple and designed for both adults and pediatric patients, here’s exactly what to expect, from booking your appointment through receiving your [medical cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/shifting-public-attitudes-toward-cannabis/) card. [Why Patients Trust Us](#why-trust)[What to Expect](#expect)[Qualifying Conditions](#conditions)[What to Bring](#bring)[FAQ](#faq) ## Why Patients Trust CED Clinic ### Expert Cannabis Care Led by [Dr. Caplan](/about-us/meet-the-doctors/meet-dr-caplan/), a globally recognized leader in [cannabis medicine](https://cedclinic.com/clinical-experience-medical-cannabis-student-support/). ### Personalized Treatment Every patient gets individualized care, not a one-size-fits-all approach. ### Streamlined Process Fast, hassle-free certification with guidance at every step. ### Trusted by Physicians Many doctors refer their patients to us for expert cannabis care. ## What to Expect on Your First Visit 1 Schedule an appointment online or by phone. 2 Complete your intake form before your visit. 3 Meet with the clinician for medical history review, [cannabis education](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-for-ailments-of-aging-natural-relief-vitality/), and Q&A. 4 Receive your temporary card and start shopping immediately. 5 Ongoing support and check-ins available as needed. ### Evaluation With a CED Clinician Review of your medical history to support entry into the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Program. Education on medical cannabis applications, perfect for beginners and experienced users alike. Personalized answers to any questions you have during the evaluation. Whether you’re just starting your cannabis journey or looking for deeper, ongoing care, your visit with Dr. Caplan is more than just a medical appointment, it’s a learning experience. You’ll have the chance to share your full medical story, ask questions big or small, and explore how cannabis could support your unique needs. Depending on the plan you’ve chosen, episodic care, ongoing support, or access to a medical card, you’ll receive guidance that matches your goals, preferences, and comfort level, including product suggestions, dosing frameworks, and resources for continued learning. ### Pediatric Patients By state law, pediatric patients must meet with two certifying physicians for enrollment. We will guide you through the entire process. ## Qualifying Conditions Massachusetts recognizes a small number of the following [qualifying conditions](https://cedclinic.com/mississippi-medical-cannabis-bills-head-to-governors-desk/). But we have seen reproducible benefit with many more, don’t see your condition below? Our providers can approve patients for other conditions if medical cannabis could benefit their well-being. ### Mental Health & Neurological Anxiety, PTSD, depression, OCD, ADHD, autism, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, seizures. [Read more →](/mental-health-neurological-disorders/) ### Chronic Pain & Inflammation Arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, migraines, joint and muscle pain. [Read more →](/chronic-pain-inflammation/) ### Gastrointestinal & Autoimmune Crohn’s, IBS, lupus, Ehlers-Danlos, mast cell activation. [Read more →](/gastrointestinal-autoimmune-conditions/) ### Women’s Health & Hormonal Menopause, endometriosis, PCOS. [Read more →](/womens-health-hormonal-conditions/) ### Cancer & Palliative Care Tumor-related pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, hospice care. [Read more →](/cancer-terminal-illness-support/) ### Substance Dependence & Withdrawal Alcohol, nicotine, opioid withdrawal. [Read more →](/substance-dependence-withdrawal-support/) ### Skin & Dermatological Eczema, psoriasis, acne. [Read more →](/dermatological-skin-conditions/) ### Sleep Disorders Insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome. [Read more →](/sleep-disorders-circadian-rhythm-issues/) ## What to Have Ready Valid Massachusetts ID (state ID, driver’s license, or U.S. passport). Pediatric patients must have a guardian present with ID. Proof of residency in the state, for Massachusetts patients. Payment is due at the time of visit, cash, Venmo, card, and check are accepted. ## After Your Visit: What’s Next? Immediate access to medical dispensaries, start shopping right away. A complete list of medical cannabis dispensaries, plus available discounts for new and renewing patients. Step-by-step instructions for obtaining your official state-issued medical cannabis card, valid for a full year. ## What Patients Say > “Dr. Caplan is extremely patient and compassionate. He answered all of my questions and gave me a great deal of useful information, while emphasizing that I didn’t have to absorb all of it right away.” > “Our son has severe autism, OCD, and behavioral issues that have ruled our lives for as long as I can remember… for the first time, it feels like there’s light at the end of the tunnel.” > > > Sarah W., “Cannabis Gave Us Our Family Back” [Read more testimonials →](/testimonials/)  ·  [Want to share your experience? →](/interact/share-your-story/) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long does the visit take? As long as you need. Typical visits range from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the questions, needs, and discussion. ### Do I need a referral from another doctor? No. You can book directly with us. ### What if I don’t qualify? We’ll provide alternative recommendations for symptom management. ### How much does it cost? Fees vary, see our [menu of choices](/book/). ## Ready to Get Started? For a comprehensive, evidence-based guide to using cannabis effectively, check out *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook*, or schedule personalized guidance with Dr. Caplan directly. [Book Your Consultation](/book/)[Read the Handbook](https://amzn.to/4a35lhE) Questions? See our [FAQ](/faq/) or [email CED Clinic](mailto:Questions@CEDclinic.com). Join our [newsletter](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/) for research and patient insights. ## Connect With Dr. Caplan --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).