It’s no secret that medical marijuana has been the drug du jour in America. Even celebrities are getting in ongoing public with their use of cannabis. No longer is it a taboo topic or one joked about on social media sites. Thanks to recent developments in legislation, medical cannabis is one of the fastest-growing segments of the economy. It means that now more than ever, patients have a plethora of options for treatment. Whether you’re thinking of signing up for cannabis after hearing your friend’s success story or giving it a try and want to get more out of your experience, you’re likely to find that some changes in your lifestyle will be necessary. But how exactly do you make such changes?
It is difficult to find a physician willing to prescribe medical marijuana because only a few physicians have taken the time to learn about medical cannabis. Most doctors know nothing about the subject. They may be unwilling to discuss this with you for fear of losing their license or because they don’t know enough about the subject. It is hard to find a doctor that will write you a prescription. It means you might need to do some work before seeing your physician. The best thing you can do is search the internet for doctors specializing in prescribing medical marijuana, such as DigiDrs in New York, and then make an appointment with one of them.
While you may not be used to talking with your doctors about cannabis, it is essential to have an open and honest conversation about how cannabis could potentially help you. When talking with your doctor, stay focused on the medical benefits of cannabis. It is also helpful to record your symptoms and what treatments have worked for you in the past. This way, you can give your doctor a clear picture of how your symptoms affect you.
Here are some tips on how to talk to your physician about medical cannabis:
- Do Your Homework
Be prepared to discuss your condition, symptoms, and current medications with your physician. Before the appointment, you should prepare for the meeting by writing down your symptoms and concerns. If you are currently taking prescription medications, be sure to list the names of each drug and note any side effects you experience while taking them. This information will help your doctor make an informed recommendation about medical cannabis. In some states, you must submit a form from your physician that certifies that you are suffering from a qualifying condition to register as a medical cannabis patient. Also, write down any questions about medical cannabis as a potential treatment for your specific condition or symptoms. It will help keep the conversation on track during your visit.
- Know Your Options
When meeting with your physician to discuss medical cannabis as a potential treatment option, they must understand how patients can consume cannabis. You should explain how you plan to administer medical cannabis (e.g., sublingual drops, oral spray, vaporizing, or smoking) and note whether or not you would like to try a product.
Your physician will likely ask about: your symptoms, how long you have been experiencing them, how you treat your symptoms now, and if any medications have helped or exacerbated your condition. If this is not the first time you are trying to find relief for your symptoms, then be sure to share with your physician what has worked in the past and what hasn’t. If it is your first time talking with a physician about medical cannabis, they may ask if you have used cannabis previously or what strains of cannabis you prefer.
- Talk about specific benefits.
For example, if you suffer from chronic pain, have had trouble sleeping, or have difficulty eating due to nausea, let your doctor know that you are looking for relief from those specific symptoms. Talk about the side effects of other medications. Let your doctor know if you’ve tried other medications and did not like the side effects or if they didn’t work. Bring up specific strains that might help with your symptoms. You might want to start a discussion by saying, “I know that there are some strains that can help people with [symptom].” Remember: you can always ask questions during your visit!
- Talk about the side effects
Medical cannabis works on the endocannabinoid system in our bodies which regulates homeostasis. Medical cannabis can affect our sleep, appetite, mood, memory, etc. It is essential to share with your doctor if you have any concerns about these side effects because they can be addressed by adjusting dosages or strains of medical cannabis.
The recent legalization of medical marijuana has been great for many patients, but not every doctor is ready to jump on board. You may have found a doctor who will certify you for medical marijuana, but they may not be willing to discuss dosage and other important information with you. This information will help you understand the importance of discussing dosing with your doctor and how to talk about it.
