7 Questions to Ask Your Medical Marijuana Doctor
Medical marijuana used to be something that was frowned upon or seen as simply a legal way for people to get high. However, these days, medical marijuana is extremely popular. And for good reason.
Medical marijuana has the ability to treat a variety of illnesses and mental and physical conditions. As the stigma against medical marijuana starts to deteriorate, more and more people are able to reap the benefits that come from this powerful and helpful substance. In fact, it is estimated that there are more than four million medical marijuana patients throughout the country.
You might not be sure if marijuana is an appropriate treatment for you. This is why it is so important to speak with a medical marijuana doctor.
While it might be intimidating at first, you can learn a lot by asking a doctor the right questions. But what are those questions?
Keep on reading and we’ll take you through everything you’ll want to know.
1. I’m Thinking of Trying Medical Marijuana. What Do You Think?
There are a few reasons why you should ask this question early on in the conversation. First, you’ll be creating an environment of collaboration. It’s best to not start out of the gate demanding a prescription for medical marijuana – or demanding any kind of prescription, for that matter.
Instead, you want to show that you are there to listen to your doctor and hear their advice. Remember, your doctor is a medical expert and they might have some ideas that you haven’t thought about yet.
Another reason why you want to ask this question is a litmus test. You want to make sure that your doctor is going to consider your wellbeing before making a decision. A doctor who simply writes you a prescription at the drop of a hat or one who is opposed to medical cannabis no matter what is probably not going to be very helpful.
2. How Can Marijuana Products Help to Manage/Treat My Health Issue?
It’s definitely a good idea to do your own research before your doctor’s appointment. Of course, you also want to hear what your doctor’s thoughts on the matter are.
If you’re worried about potential side effects, or the efficacy of marijuana for your condition, then you should make sure to ask this question to your doctor.
3. Which Medical Marijuana Product Is Right for Me?
There are many different types of medical marijuana items available to patients. Your doctor might suggest that you take an Indica or a Sativa, an edible or tincture instead of a smoking apparatus, or a product with a high concentration of CBD.
Because of how varied medical marijuana products can be, you want to hear your medical marijuana doctor’s suggestions about which product is going to be best for you.
4. What Are the Side Effects and Risks of Medical Marijuana?
While medical marijuana tends to have less intense side effects and risks than other prescription medications, it is not without its drawbacks. There might be certain issues around using medical marijuana for your particular health issue that you need to be aware of.
Depending on the strain you get, you also might end up feeling sleepy, energetic, hungry, nauseous, or paranoid.
5. Will Marijuana Interfere With Other Medications That I’m Taking?
Your medical marijuana doctor is going to go through your medical history and other medications that you’re taking. This will allow them to advise you about possible interactions that they might have with marijuana.
Even the caffeine that you get from your morning cup of coffee could interact with several kinds of prescription medications. So it is worth checking with your doctor that marijuana is safe to use with whatever else you are taking.
Maybe you want to substitute your current prescription medication with medical marijuana. If that’s the case, then make sure to speak to your doctor about it.
6. How Will Marijuana Affect My Ability to Perform Everyday Tasks?
While the cannabinoid CBD is non-intoxicating, THC can definitely intoxicate a patient. If you’re taking care of children, working, or driving, then you need to check with your doctor about what kinds of dosages and products are going to affect your ability to perform everyday tasks.
You also need to ask your doctor if the products they prescribe are going to get you high. Being high isn’t a bad thing, and many people take medical marijuana for that purpose. But if you want to reap the benefits of marijuana without getting high, then you’ll need to let your medical marijuana doctor know.
If you do get high, then you will likely have impaired motor skills and your ability to think critically will be affected.
7. What Are the Legalities Surrounding Medical Marijuana?
While your medical marijuana doctor is not a lawyer, they should be able to give you a general understanding of the legalities and rules surrounding the possession and use of medical marijuana. Make sure to do plenty of research on your own too if this is something that you’re concerned about.
The Importance of Asking Your Medical Marijuana Doctor These Questions
Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now have a better idea of what questions you should be asking your medical marijuana doctor. As we can see, your doctor will have the knowledge and expertise to answer your health-related questions and will be able to advise you on products and doses.
Are you looking for a reputable and reliable medical marijuana doctor in the South Tampa area? If so, then contact us today and see what we can do for you!