I called MCN in July to schedule a web appointment with a doctor. Two days later, I logged on to Skype from a laptop computer equipped with a web camera and waited for the doctor to “call” me.

Once we were connected, he asked me why I needed medical marijuana.

I told him the truth: I have back pain. It started 15 years ago after I fell onto a concrete floor, and it has gotten progressively worse.

Shortly after my fall, I saw an orthopedic doctor, who recommended stretches, and I occasionally go to a chiropractor.

The doctor I did the recent web interview with has been licensed to practice medicine in Montana since 2001 and was at one time a surgeon in Great Falls.

The doctor asked six questions: Is the pain localized to your back or does it radiate into your legs? Do you have any other medical conditions? Do you take any medications? Do you drink alcohol? Do you smoke tobacco? Have you ever smoked marijuana before?

He did not ask me for my medical records or proof that what I told him was true. He did not ask me what kind of pain it was or to rate it on a pain scale.

He did not ask me if I had any questions about marijuana as a medicine.