(Getty)
The recent passage of an amendment to the Missouri constitution will soon make it legal to purchase marijuana for recreational use. Previously, Missouri residents only were able to purchase marijuana for medicinal use.
Missouri’s medicinal marijuana program will still be in place once the new amendment becomes law. Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) of St. Louis warns those seeking to purchase a medical marijuana card to use caution when seeking out a physician for medical card approval.
Consumers from throughout Missouri have told BBB about businesses that take upfront payment for consultations and do not follow up on their promise to approve them for a card.
The latest business to fall under BBB’s scrutiny is HealthCity MD, LLC, which is located in Brentwood. Consumers told BBB they paid the business for consultations that never took place. Consumers said they did not receive refunds nor could they reach the business. HealthCity MD, LLC has an “F” rating, the lowest on BBB’s scale, due to recent unanswered complaints.
Consumers said they paid HealthCity MD, LLC to have virtual meetings with Dr. Zinia Thomas, who is listed as the registered agent for the company in the paperwork filed with the Missouri secretary of state. Several of the people who registered complaints at BBB said they previously worked with Dr. Thomas and had no issues.
An Ozark, Missouri, a woman told BBB she paid HealthCity MD, LLC $150 in September 2022 for a video consultation with Dr. Thomas. The woman told BBB she was the only person who showed up for the meeting. She said she could not contact the company and has yet to receive a refund. She said she had to pay another company to get approved for a card.
“It was a real kick in the gut,” the woman told BBB.
A woman from Fulton, Missouri, told BBB she previously used Dr. Thomas. She paid HealthCity MD LLC $150 in October 2022 for a consultation. The woman said she never received an invitation for the meeting. She has been unable to reach the company.
“I’d never had a bad experience with her until this,” the woman told BBB. “I want my money back.”
Dr. Thomas was charged on Sept. 2, in Butler County, Missouri, with two felony counts of delivery of a controlled substance. That case is pending.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website, the state is not currently accepting physician certifications from Dr. Thomas.
The websites for MedCityMD, LLC and its Facebook page no longer work. However, Dr. Thomas still maintains a web page for her practice and has a presence on social media.
“If you are in need of a medical marijuana certification, it is important that you find a physician you trust to help you through the process,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB St. Louis president, and CEO. “It’s unfortunate these consumers were inconvenienced after they believed the business was going to make the process easier for them.”
BBB's attempts to reach HealthCity MD, LLC for comment failed, and it did not respond to a BBB letter regarding how it plans to address its pattern of customer complaints.
Last year, BBB issued a consumer warning about MoGreenCard.com of O’Fallon, Missouri.
BBB tips on filing for a medical marijuana card:
- Research any business and its owners carefully before paying any money. Check the company’s BBB Business Profile at BBB.org or by calling 888-996-3887.
- Research the registration process. While there are companies that will charge customers a convenience fee for its services, consumers can file their paperwork directly with the state. You do not need to hire a company to do this work for you.
- Pay by credit card whenever possible if you need to challenge the payment.
- Learn more about your state’s medical marijuana regulations. In Missouri, contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services online or by calling 866-219-0165. In Illinois, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health online or by calling 855-636-3688.
