Aaron Bloom, CEO of DocMJ and Founder of Floridians for Safe Medical Cannabis Care – Interview Series

The next entry in our interview series is a chat with Aaron Bloom, the CEO of the telehealth and medical marijuana card company DocMJ and founder of the activism group Floridians for Safe Medical Cannabis Care (FSMCC). I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Aaron on multiple occasions, and his story and the visions he spoke on for both DocMJ and FSMCC are a look at what the cannabis industry was built on – helping people, building each other up, and providing safe access to those who rely on or enjoy cannabis.

“Aaron Bloom serves as the CEO, overseeing the mission and growth of DocMJ. Aaron’s passion for improving patient’s lives comes from his background in health care. For more than 20 years Aaron owned, operated, and represented traditional health care organizations.  

This experience created a passion for finding improved ways to relieve suffering. His goal as CEO is to work hard every day to bring relief to all patients who seek better health and wellness through the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis and evidence-based alternative medicines.” 

Let’s start at the beginning – how did you find yourself in the cannabis industry?

Most of us have a pretty specific why, how, or both, especially those of us who were in the workforce prior to our involvement in the cannabis industry. How did you go from law firms to healthcare to finding yourself with DocMJ?

My journey to DocMJ and cannabis is rooted in my background as a healthcare attorney. After many years working in traditional healthcare, I was approached by several doctors who were concerned about the regulatory and legal risks associated with cannabis medicine. They needed guidance navigating the complex and often murky legal landscape.

This provided an opportunity to learn how effective cannabis is in relieving patients’ struggles, providing significant relief where traditional treatments fail. I saw patients who had exhausted all other options find hope and improved quality of life through medical cannabis. The benefits were undeniable, and the potential for positive impact without the heavy side effects typically associated with conventional pharmaceuticals was thrilling.

The more I learned and saw, the more I was hooked. I began seeking out every opportunity to get more involved in the cannabis industry, driven by a desire to help patients in a more holistic and effective way. This path eventually led me to DocMJ, where I could fully commit to this mission. At DocMJ, we strive to offer patients an alternative approach to health and wellness through medical cannabis, and I am proud to be a part of a team that is making such a profound difference in people’s lives.

What do you think has been the biggest benefit of your background in law and healthcare since joining the cannabis industry?

No doubt your experience has helped you navigate the complexities of operating a national brand that works with a nationally controlled substance, where the laws can vary drastically from one state and territory to another. Do you think your past experience has been a benefit to running such a successful brand in such a regulated space?

My background in operating highly regulated healthcare companies has been invaluable since joining the cannabis industry. This experience has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the ever-changing laws and regulations in the cannabis space. We operate in an area that remains illegal under federal law, and each state has its own distinct set of rules and regulations. This complexity requires a deep understanding of both legal and healthcare frameworks to ensure compliance and provide the best possible care for our patients. My expertise in these areas has been crucial in helping DocMJ thrive and adapt in this dynamic and challenging environment.

Some people are concerned that medical cannabis programs lose their steam or become seen as “optional” or “unnecessary” after adult use and sales are legalized – others firmly believe medical cannabis programs and specific laws are still essential…. Would you care to share your thoughts on this debate?

Personally, I think medical cannabis laws are necessary to facilitate those who either aren’t of age to access legal cannabis otherwise, so those unfamiliar with cannabis have safe and reliable medical guidance, and to ensure a wide variety of less popular options like tinctures, oils, and topicals that aren’t common among recreational consumers. I love getting people’s insights on this topic, especially those working directly in the medical industry!

Medical cannabis definitely has a crucial role, particularly for individuals under age and those with significant and complicated medical conditions or comorbidities. It’s essential for people who are new to the medication or those without experience with the modern forms of cannabis currently offered by dispensaries to have access to reliable medical guidance. Having physician involvement is vital as the science evolves and we learn more about the potential benefits and risks of this plant. For public safety, it’s important to have doctors advising patients on the appropriate use of medical cannabis and observe patients for potential negative side effects. Moreover, medical cannabis laws ensure a wider variety of less popular options, such as tinctures, oils, and topicals, which are often not as common among recreational consumers. These options can be particularly beneficial for patients with specific needs that might not be met by traditionally recreational products.

It also shows mental health counseling on the DocMJ site – how does this work, and are there plans to expand this feature for patients?

This feature is pretty awesome and unique to DocMJ – I think many of us who are medical marijuana patients could absolutely use therapy but it’s out of reach for many or they just don’t know how to get started. Giving them an option built-in with their medical card registration makes absolute sense! *A personal note: perhaps offering a sliding scale on sessions as $85 may be out of reach for many patients – similar to the payment plan option to allow more people access.

We began offering online mental health counseling services through DocMJCares because we saw a clear need. Physicians came to me expressing concern for their patients, many of whom were suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues as a result of serious trauma. They wanted a resource that would not only provide symptom relief through cannabis but also address the underlying causes through talk therapy.

This integrated approach allows us to offer comprehensive care by combining the benefits of medical cannabis with mental health support. Our counseling services are designed to be accessible and convenient, helping patients who might otherwise find it challenging to seek therapy.

We understand that affordability can be a barrier, and we are exploring options such as a sliding scale for sessions to ensure more patients can access the care they need. Just as we offer payment plans for medical card registration, we are committed to finding ways to make mental health support more accessible. We believe that by offering these services, we can significantly improve the overall well-being of our patients.

You’re not just the CEO of DocMJ, you’re the founder of Floridians for Safe Medical Cannabis Care – tell our readers about the advocacy group, their mission and goals, we love that stuff!

On LinkedIn, it says this is a group of leading medical cannabis providers in Florida who educate lawmakers and patience on the uses and benefits of medical cannabis. What has the group been up to lately, as FL is looking so close to legalizing recreational cannabis? Where does the group stand on Amendment 3?

I founded Floridians for Safe Medical Cannabis Care to fill a gap in advocacy for patients. Although many great advocacy groups are involved in the cannabis movement, I felt the voices of physicians were not being adequately heard. As the Chairman of this organization, I have dedicated considerable time meeting with Florida’s legislators to educate them about the realities and benefits of the medical cannabis program.

Our mission is to ensure that lawmakers understand the critical importance of medical cannabis and to protect patient access to this vital treatment option. We’ve made significant progress, with legislators becoming much more open and receptive to the benefits of the medical program.

Recently, as Florida moves closer to potentially legalizing recreational cannabis, our group has been focused on ensuring that the medical program remains robust and accessible. While recreational legalization is a significant development, it is essential to maintain a strong medical cannabis framework for patients who rely on it for serious health conditions.

Regarding Amendment 3, my primary concern is to ensure that any changes in the law do not undermine the medical program or limit patient access to necessary treatments. I continue to advocate for policies that support medical use in a way that prioritizes patient care and safety.