How to Speak with Your Doctor About Medical Cannabis?

Medical cannabis is becoming more popular as a treatment option for various conditions. However, many people are unsure how to discuss the topic with their doctor. In this article, the online medical marijuana doctor at DigiDrs will provide tips on how to speak with your doctor about medical cannabis.

For people suffering from chronic or debilitating conditions, knowing there is an alternative treatment can be exciting information. Cannabis has been shown to be effective in treating various diseases, including pain, inflammation, anxiety, and insomnia. However, the misconception that cannabis is only a recreational drug has made many people hesitant to discuss it with their doctor. So, here are steps to help you broach the topic of medical cannabis with your doctor.

A Foundational Understanding Of Medical Cannabis

Your first step should be to educate yourself about medical cannabis. Start by reading articles, watching videos, or speaking with people who have experience using medical cannabis. This education will guide you on the following:

-The conditions medical cannabis can treat

-How medical cannabis works

-The different ways to use medical cannabis (smoking, vaporizing, edibles, tinctures, etc.)

-The potential side effects of medical cannabis

-Your state’s laws on medical cannabis

Now that you have a general understanding of medical cannabis, you can have a more informed conversation with your doctor.

Describe Your Medical History

It’s important to articulate how your condition has impacted your quality of life. Be sure to include any treatments you’ve tried in the past and how they have not worked for you. The best way of doing this is by outlining specific conditions you suffer from and the treatment you use. If you have chronic pain, for example, you might say, “I’ve tried Tramadol, but it didn’t help with the pain in my lower back.”

Cannabis Education For Doctors

Unfortunately, many doctors have not been adequately educated on medical cannabis. So, if your doctor confesses they do not know much about it, be prepared to direct the conversation. You can do this by providing reliable sources that they can reference later. Althea is an example of a free online resource that provides easy-to-understand information and free RACGP-accredited courses.

Entoura is another practitioner’s resource that covers a broad range of topics, including pain management, mental health, and cancer care.

What If Your Doctor Has Objections

As much as you want your doctor to be on board with medical cannabis, they might still have reservations. If this is the case, here are a few ways to initiate a productive conversation:

Describe an article or trending news you’ve read recently. They can then give you their opinions.

For instance, you might say, “I recently read an article about medical cannabis’ benefits for chronic pain sufferers.”. What are your thoughts on it?” Their response will help you gauge their level of understanding and where they stand on the topic.

Please acknowledge that you understand their reservations but describe some of the research you’ve done that has changed your mind. For example, you might ask: “Did you know that you can use medical cannabis to treat a wide range of conditions, not just chronic pain? I’ve been researching, and many medical practitioners are seeing encouraging results.”

Make A List Of Questions

To keep your conversation on track, make a list of questions you want to ask. This will help ensure that you get the information you need from your doctor. Examples of possible questions are as follows:

-What conditions can medical cannabis treat?

-What type of product should I use?

-How do I know if a product is of high quality?

Is medical cannabis associated with any side effects?

-How do I know if medical cannabis is right for me?

-What are the risks of using medical cannabis?

After Your Appointment

Once you’ve had your initial conversation, review the information you’ve gathered to make an informed decision. Remember, you always have the option of seeking a second opinion if you’re not comfortable with your doctor’s recommendations.

Get The Experience Of Other Patients

Other patients may have had a better patient-doctor experience when it comes to medical cannabis. Their insights will help you to know what to expect from a supportive physician.

Medical cannabis is a safe and effective treatment for many conditions. If you think it might be right for you, speak to your doctor about it. Be sure to do your research beforehand and come prepared with questions. With the correct information, you can decide whether medical cannabis is right for you.

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