LARGO, Fla. (WFLA) — A billboard high above Ulmerton Road in Largo advertises medical marijuana exams.
The Largo Clinic and Med Spa is one of the first places in Florida to offer the service.
Doctor George Kamajian says he was always a skeptic about the benefits of marijuana.
“Very suspect, very dubious and not supportive at all and that’s been my background for years. I mean, I’m a child of the 60’s but I never smoked marijuana,” said Dr. Kamajian.
Then a patient with a chronic pain problem helped change his mind.
“This young lady was involved in a hyperbaric oxygen accident, basically had the bends. She was a military patient. On her own initiative she went to Colorado, came back and basically said, here and handed me back the medications and said I don’t need these anymore,” said Kamajian.
State law requires him to see a patient before he can recommend marijuana.
A patient can then go to a state approved dispensary and legally obtain marijuana.
Patients can not purchase marijuana at the Largo Clinic.
The clinic charges $300 for the first visit and $150 for follow up visits. Patients must see the doctor once a quarter to obtain recommendations for marijuana.
Dr. Kamajian now believes it’s a drug that can help many people.
“I think there’s multiple diseases or medical conditions that could respond well. Not just those that are listed in the new state laws,” said Kamajian.
