Hemp Shops Are Not the Answer

January 1, 2025

Hemp Shops are Not the Answer for Treating Medical Issues with Cannabis


“Patients often ask me why they should get medical cannabis when it is now legal to go to a hemp shop,” says Dr. Jacob Mirman. “The difference between the two products and indeed the end results from using them is like night and day. I have treated thousands of patients with actual medical cannabis, and the results of using it can be extraordinary. Due in part to the fact that each prescription is tailored to the patient’s needs.”


“When you get medical-grade cannabis from a pharmacist, the dosages and strengths are measured and exact. Products from a hemp shop are inconsistent, and there is virtually no way of knowing what you are getting. So, achieving a great result for actual medical issues using these products is most likely not going to happen."

FOX9 Article about Cannabis Sold in Hemp Shops

In a Nutshell, Here are Three Things You Need to Know About Products Currently Sold in Hemp Shops:


  • Recent testing has confirmed very inconsistent THC levels in products sold at Minnesota hemp shops. This means that you don’t know what you are getting. Some products are much stronger than the legal limit, some products are much weaker than advertised.


  • Some flower, vapes, and pre-rolls are potent and illegal, while some of it is not potent, but still illegal. And some of it is legal, and also not potent. The inconsistency in strength goes across all types of products.


  • Consistency may only come when the Office of Cannabis Management builds its full regulatory structure and issues licenses. However it is a logistical nightmare to constantly test every product sold in hemp shops, so it is not realistic to assume that the consistency and legality of the strength of these product will EVER be correct.


Yes, There is Help for People with Norovirus!


“According to the medical press, there are many outbreaks of a nasty norovirus going on,” says Dr. Jacob Mirman.


“A patient who is also a physician recently asked me for a prescription for vomiting causing dehydration, requiring a trip to ER for IV fluids.”


“Norovirus comes from eating contaminated food and not washing hands, and causes nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and sometimes dehydration. It usually lasts about 3 days.”


“Some homeopathic remedies can help alleviate the symptoms and support faster recovery.”


Here are a few commonly recommended homeopathic options:


  1. Arsenic Album: Often used for symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
  2. Nux Vomica: Can be helpful for nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
  3. Ipecacuanha: A remedy often used for persistent vomiting.
  4. China Officinalis: Used for weakness and dehydration resulting from vomiting and diarrhea.


“I usually recommend 30c potency every couple of hours, expecting improvement within a few hours,” says Dr. Mirman.


It is recommended that patients consult with a healthcare professional before starting any homeopathic treatment, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent. Homeopathic prescriptions by a proper homeopathic practitioner are usually more correct and therefore effective than self-made by patients. Dr. Mirman can prescribe, and the visit would be covered by insurance.


At Life Medical, we can usually provide this type of advice by phone and often provide remedies free of charge. They are also widely available at low cost elsewhere.


To schedule an appointment, call us at   (952) 933-8900.

December 21, 2025
Learn how USCIS Form N-648 helps individuals with medical disabilities qualify for U.S. citizenship. Life Medical provides expert N-648 evaluations in St. Louis Park, MN.
December 19, 2025
IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION ABOUT FORM N-648 Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions) allows certain applicants to request an exemption from the English and/or civics requirements for U.S. naturalization due to a qualifying medical condition. A key point to understand: Any licensed medical doctor (MD or DO) or clinical psychologist may complete Form N-648. The provider does NOT need to be a USCIS-designated civil surgeon to complete Form N-648. Civil surgeon certification is only required for Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) and does not apply to N-648 disability waivers. What matters most is that the evaluating provider: Is properly licensed Has sufficient medical expertise Clearly explains how the patient’s condition prevents them from meeting naturalization exam requirements Completes the form accurately and in accordance with USCIS standards WHAT IS FORM N-648 AND WHY DOES IT MATTER? Becoming a U.S. citizen requires passing a naturalization exam that includes English proficiency and U.S. civics knowledge. For some individuals, physical, developmental, or mental impairments make it impossible to meet these requirements. Form N-648 provides a lawful medical exemption for applicants whose condition prevents them from learning or demonstrating the required knowledge. Approval depends on clear, thorough medical documentation , not on the provider being a civil surgeon. WHO MAY QUALIFY FOR AN N-648 MEDICAL WAIVER? USCIS requires evidence of a legitimate medical condition that directly interferes with the ability to meet exam requirements. Common qualifying conditions include: Dementia or age-related cognitive decline Traumatic brain injury Stroke or cerebrovascular disease Intellectual or developmental disabilities PTSD, schizophrenia, or severe depression Neurological conditions affecting memory or language Medication side effects that impair cognitive function Each case is evaluated individually. The critical factor is demonstrating the functional impact of the condition on learning, memory, or communication. WHY THE QUALITY OF THE MEDICAL EVALUATION MATTERS USCIS officers review N-648 forms carefully and often critically. Applications may be denied if: The explanation is vague or overly technical The connection between the diagnosis and exam limitations is unclear Documentation does not adequately support the condition The form fails to anticipate common USCIS concerns A well-prepared evaluation explains complex medical issues in plain language and directly addresses how the condition prevents exam completion.  HOW LIFE MEDICAL HANDLES N-648 EVALUATIONS Life Medical provides in-person N-648 evaluations exclusively at our St. Louis Park, Minnesota location . Our approach combines medical expertise with a strong understanding of USCIS expectations. Comprehensive Medical Assessment Our evaluations include: Review of medical history and diagnoses Medication review and cognitive side effects Relevant medical records and testing Assessment of learning, memory, and functional limitations Clear, USCIS-Focused Documentation USCIS officers are not clinicians. We complete Form N-648 using clear, accessible language while meeting all medical and legal requirements. PRICING FOR N-648 DISABILITY WAIVERS Life Medical offers transparent, flat-rate pricing for N-648 evaluations: $1,500 for an individual evaluation $2,500 for couples evaluated together This pricing includes: Comprehensive medical evaluation Completion of Form N-648 Follow-up support if USCIS requests additional information LOCATION FOR N-648 SERVICES All N-648 evaluations are conducted at: Life Medical – St. Louis Park 4201 Excelsior Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Phone: (952) 933-8900 Spanish and Russian-speaking staff are available at this location.
writing
December 3, 2025
Learn how USCIS Form N-648 helps applicants with medical disabilities qualify for naturalization without the English or civics exam. See how Life Medical prepares clear, accurate N-648 forms and supports patients in Minnesota and across the U.S.