Discussing medical cannabis with your doctor can be intimidating. You might be afraid of what your doctor might think, especially if they are a family doctor that has been working with you and the rest of your family for years. But if medical cannabis could genuinely help you feel better, the discussion is well worth it.
We have a Pharmacy Medical Provider (PMP) on site whenever our doors are open. So we know a thing or two about having frank discussions with patients. Though we cannot guarantee a successful visit with your doctor, we can offer some helpful tips for facilitating a good conversation.
1. Review the Qualifying Conditions
The first tip is to review the qualifying conditions associated with medical cannabis. Lawmakers created the list with the understanding that cannabis is not a magic elixir capable of fixing every disease, injury, etc. It is only appropriate for a limited number of conditions.
The most common conditions for which medical cannabis is appropriate are:
- Persistent and acute pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic nausea
- Cancer pain and treatment symptoms
Review the qualifying conditions to be sure that you are eligible for a medical cannabis card. There is no point in scheduling a visit with your doctor if you are not.
2. Focus on Your Condition, Not Cannabis
Once you sit down with your doctor, keep the discussion focused on your medical condition. Don’t focus on cannabis. Why? Because your doctor isn’t evaluating cannabis or its efficacy. They are evaluating your medical condition and current health. Keep the focus of the discussion on what really matters: how you feel and whether your current treatments are helping.
3. Bring Research Materials With You
Your doctor may or may not know anything about medical cannabis as a treatment for your condition. If you are concerned about your doctor’s knowledge, bring research materials with you. Put together a selection of news articles, expert opinion pieces, and scientific studies published online. They could really help increase your doctor’s understanding.
4. Come Prepared to Answer ‘Why’ and ‘How’
Even if your doctor knows something about medical cannabis, they may not understand why you think trying it would be a good idea. So come prepared to answer why you want to try it and how you feel it could help you. The more informed you are about medical cannabis as a potential treatment, the better you can help your doctor understand your need.
In relation to how and why, also be prepared to talk about your symptoms. Medical cannabis is effective for some symptoms but not all. You should understand how medical cannabis could help you so that you can relate that to your doctor.
5. Come With the Right Attitude
Finally, come to the table with the right attitude. Your doctor’s job is not to make your life miserable. They are tasked with helping you maintain the best possible health. Even if you disagree with the outcome, your doctor has your best interests at heart.
Also make sure you are open, honest, and frank throughout the discussion. Answer questions your doctor asks honestly. Also be sure to be open about any other medications you are taking. For your health and safety, your doctor needs to know absolutely everything that is going on with you.
Speaking with your doctor about medical cannabis can be intimidating. But here in Utah, there are plenty of medical providers fully onboard with medical cannabis. You should be able to find a friendly face if your doctor is unavailable or unwilling.
