By now, you’ve probably heard about at least a few of the medical benefits of cannabis. Proponents claim that medical cannabis can help with a whole host of issues, from anxiety and nausea to providing relief from nerve pain and epileptic seizures. If you have a medical condition that qualifies for medical cannabis use in your state, you may be interested in trying this relatively new form of treatment. However, starting that conversation with your doctor can feel difficult for some of us. If you’re struggling, remember that it helps to be informed. Here are a few tips you can use to help you begin discussing your options.

More Than One Way

Some of the stigma against marijuana may have you feeling worried about being judged for even asking about medical cannabis. However, your doctor is there to provide you with the best care, not make judgements. Remember this when you broach the subject. One tactic you can use is to talk about a “friend” you know who is using medical cannabis and ask if it could work for you too. You could also mention a book, documentary, or news article you recently saw that discussed the benefits. These are all great ways to start a conversation with your doctor.

Not All Doctors Are Experts

With some states only recently passing laws to allow for medical cannabis, many physicians don’t have training on the products, proper doses or treatments. You can ask your doctor if they have attended any education programs or workshops related to cannabis to find out their level of knowledge. Make sure you understand the options available to you and work with a professional who is up to date on their cannabis knowledge.

You Have Options

Say you have a condition that qualifies you for medical cannabis use in your state. You’re interested in treatment options, and you talk to your doctor about the possibilities. Your primary care physician may not be comfortable making a cannabis recommendation. Perhaps they don’t know enough about the product to feel confident in writing one. Don’t worry, you still have options. You can ask your doctor for a referral to another clinician, or you can find medical cannabis practitioners online through resources such as the Medicinal Marijuana Association.

As with any treatment, consult with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of any of your options. Determine what makes sense for your own personal health through informed decisions. For more information contact our office and schedule an appointment with us today.