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7 Tips to Help you Talk to Your Doctor About Marijuana
The popularity of cannabis is skyrocketing nowadays. And given all the benefits of the plant, it’s not really surprising. The plant is helping people to treat many of their physical and psychological conditions. And thanks to this, it has been legalized in many parts of the country. However, due to the prolonged stigma associated with the plant, a lot of people still fear to make it a part of a regular conversation, let alone use it. In fact, many are not even able to talk to their doctors effectively, fearing judgment. And this is becoming a grave matter of concern.
The popularity of the plant has surely paved the way for its medicinal use. However, given the fact that it is still a schedule, I drug at the federal level, you need to have a medical cannabis card in most states if you want to use it medicinally. And in order to get this card, you have to talk to a doctor.
But how to talk to a doctor? What do you need to ask? How to start a conversation? What if your doctor isn’t in favor of using cannabis?
There are many such questions that are stopping people to talk to a doctor about this subject. But hey, relax. It’s not really that hard. You should know that even if you are living in a non-legalized state, it’s not illegal to talk about cannabis. But if you still need some help, here are a few tips to make your cannabis conversation with your doctor as fruitful as possible.
Do Your Research
Before you book your appointment with a doctor, you should do some thorough research on what are the laws and qualifying conditions to get a cannabis card in your state. You should note that as cannabis is only legal at the state level, different states have different laws. Some allow only the medicinal use of the plant. While others recreational too. Also, there are different ways of getting a cannabis card as per the state. And thus, if you know how the process works in your place, it can make the whole process a lot easier for you.
Furthermore, you should have some basic knowledge of cannabinoids, strains, terpenes, and endocannabinoid systems. This can help you put forward a very strong case in favor of cannabis use in front of your doctor.
Have a Basic Understanding of Your Condition
Even some basic knowledge of your condition can boost up your confidence and make you feel motivated when you talk to your doctor. Furthermore, you should look out for some research or articles online on how cannabis may help you with your condition. Your doctor may be qualified enough, but as the drug is quite new, you should not expect them to be fully aware of the subject.
Even if the doctor knows about it, this knowledge of yours may help you understand their point of view. And you can even make counter-arguments if needed. However, you must always talk to your doctor politely.
Think of What Products would Suit You
There is a chance you may already be using cannabis before you’ve talked to your doctor regarding using it medicinally. In that case, you probably already know what strains, terpenes, or cannabinoids suit you the best. But if you haven’t tried marijuana already, it’s the perfect time for you to do it.
However, before you try cannabis for the first time, you should know some basic things about it. For instance, THC is the compound of the cannabis plant that is responsible for its psychoactive high. It may also help you uplift your mood and soothe your body.
Another cannabinoid of the plant, CBD, doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. However, it provides the consumer with a clear-headed effect that helps them boost their productivity and help them with anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
Be Honest
There are a lot of people who have tried cannabis in the past too. And if you are also one of those, try to be honest about it when you talk to your doctor.
Tell them about your past experiences, what products did you use, how you consumed, and what were the effects. A doctor is normally very skeptical of talking to a newbie when it comes to cannabis. However, if you tell them about your past use, they would know that you already have some experience with the drug. And thus, they may talk to you more openly.
The conversation can certainly be uncomfortable in some cases. However, in the end, it’s gonna help you only. So, be honest.
Ask Some Questions
It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced user or a new one when you’re going to a doctor to talk about cannabis, you will have a lot of questions. But remember, you should never hesitate to ask them. It’s about your health, after all.
Yes, the plant helps you with several different conditions. However, you shouldn’t forget that it’s still a drug in the end. And thus, you need to know as much about it as possible. So, before going to the doctor, we recommend you make a list of all the questions you have.
Here are a few things you may ask your doctor:
- What products would be most beneficial for me?
- Can cannabis interact with my other medications?
- What are the best methods of consuming cannabis for me?
- What are the side-effects of cannabis, if any?
- From where can I learn more about cannabis?
Be Serious
You should understand that if you are thinking of bringing up cannabis with your doctor, you need to be serious. There’s no point in taking the conversation casually or as a joke and wasting your doctor’s time as well as your own. Also, do not just try to bring it up at the end of a conversation. If you are serious about it, you need to give it adequate time.
There’s Nothing Wrong in Switching Doctors
Sometimes, you can try as much as you want, but if your doctor isn’t cannabis-friendly, it’s a lost cause. In that case, don’t be afraid of seeing another doctor. There are many health professionals out there who understand the potential of cannabis and are very respectful of it. And as a consumer, it’s your right to find a doctor who supports your lifestyle.
We also recommend you go and talk to a cannabis specialist. Your primary doctor may be well qualified. However, if you are looking for some decent advice on getting a cannabis card, you may find his skills somewhat lacking. And thus, it’s better to seek professional advice.
