How Can I Talk to My Doctor About Using Medical Marijuana?

Asking the doctor about medical marijuana is not as easy as inquiring about the benefits of regular medications produced by pharmaceutical manufacturers. It is a subject that makes you feel uncomfortable initially. Suppose your doctor is judgmental or dismissive of your questions about medical marijuana. In that case, you must consider getting a second opinion from a general physician who will respect your concerns and give you practical solutions.

Discussing Medical Marijuana with the Doctor

It is not illegal to ask your doctor about the health benefits of medical marijuana. It is appropriate to ask if cannabis could help your medical illness. Doctors spend countless hours training in different areas to find information that supports the recommendation for the use of medical marijuana and their symptoms.

Doctors are known to patients, bringing new ideas to them about their treatment options, preferences, and medical cannabis therapy as an alternative treatment option. Doctors are there to offer the best decisions regarding your health. If you are prepared to explain how medical cannabis can benefit you as a treatment option, it will increase your chances of receiving their support.

However, you must know that consuming medical cannabis as a medicine might not be appropriate for everyone. If your doctor is reluctant to recommend medical cannabis for you, make sure to contact a medical cannabis specialist.

Essential Tips for Talking to Your Doctor

1. Be prepared to tell your doctor what symptoms you want to manage and if you have any medical records related to that condition.
2. If you already consume medical cannabis, let your doctor know when you began the treatment with cannabis and how much you consume every day.
3. Do your proper research and speak to others who consume medical cannabis to manage their symptoms.
4. Get an appointment with recognized medical health professionals who have experience in providing medical treatment inclusive of medical marijuana.
5. List out the medications and therapies you have tried before to identify which has worked the best for you.
6. Be prepared to introduce yourself to alternative inhalation methods, such as oral tablets or vaporization.

You might not receive a medical prescription that permits you to consume medical cannabis after one appointment. Your doctor needs to conduct a health assessment to evaluate the potential risks and benefits before they decide whether you are the perfect candidate to receive medical cannabis.

Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor

While doctors evaluate medical history and current conditions, you must be informed about your health. It would help if you considered asking specific questions about using medical marijuana for your medical treatment.

• Can you show any medical studies that say medical cannabis is effective in treating my condition?
• How much will it cost for me to buy medical marijuana?
• Are there any medical complications or adverse health effects that I should be aware of?
• Is smoking medical marijuana a problem if I have children and pets around me?
• Where can I get good information about medical marijuana?
• Are there any particular activities that I must avoid while using medical marijuana?
• Will medical marijuana make my current medications less effective?

The patient must not feel shy about speaking up. You deserve neutral and professional medical advice regarding taking care of your health. While you consider asking these critical questions, ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist who focuses on treating patients with medical marijuana. Ensure to know about any specific benefits associated with consuming medical marijuana for effective medical treatment.