Medical marijuana doctor expands to Falmouth
FALMOUTH - Dr. Dustin Sulak would like to have more competition, but for now it is one of the few physicians in Maine to certify patients easy to use medical marijuana.
His practice osteopathic in Hallowell is booming, therefore, drawing patients from Kittery to Fort Kent, Sulak then opened an office here last month at 170 U.S. Route 1.
Patients seeking certification of medical marijuana must be diagnosed with a condition of qualification in Maine law, such as cancer, glaucoma or chronic pain.With Sulak, they must also be assessed for 45 minutes of their overall health and expect to recommend treatment beyond cannabis, such as vitamin D, turmeric and milk thistle supplements.
"They usually leave with more than one recommendation," said Sulak. "I have dedicated my life to helping people and healing people. Medical Marijuana is just the highest demand right now."
The expansion comes as the Sulak Paul LePage governor signed a bill Friday designed to protect the privacy of medical marijuana patients.
The bill, introduced by State Rep.Deb Sanderson, R-Chelsea, eliminates mandatory registration and disclosure of a patient's particular medical condition with the Ministry of Health and Human Services Maine.
It also creates a more viable for adding qualification requirements and prohibits the arrest of certified patients, caregivers and dispensary employees acting under the law.
The changes take effect 90 days after adjournment of the legislature, is expected next week.
The practice of Sulak Hallowell has more than 1,000 patients are served by him and two nurse practitioners.
"The practice is full," said Sulak."We accept from 30 to 40 new patients each month, but we are away hundreds each month."
Sulak hopes to attract a similar number of patients to the practice of Falmouth, which includes Cynthia Vail, a physician assistant with 30 years experience in primary care. The practice does not provide the marijuana, patients should get care from a certified or a clinic.
Two Republicans -- Maine Sens. Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins -- joined a united Democratic caucus in supporting the measure.
Maine lobster dinner, 20-piece band, raffles and cash bar. Funds used to support various non-profit organizations in Ada County.