Opening the Conversation: Navigating Cannabis Usage With Your Healthcare Team
Together we will explore the significance of discussing cannabis usage with your healthcare professionals. This blog will equip you with the confidence needed to engage in informed discussions with your doctor. Let us embark on a fruitful dialogue that empowers you to make informed choices about cannabis usage, prioritizing your well-being above all else.
CANNABIS HEALTH
10/31/20234 min read
Make sure to keep your healthcare team, including primary care physicians, mental health professionals, and pharmacists in the loop about your cannabis use.
It is critical to have an open and honest dialogue with your healthcare team before incorporating cannabis into your wellness routine, as having that conversation is an important aspect of responsible and informed decision-making. Unfortunately, much of the medical profession is wholly unqualified to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of cannabis usage, as it is not a core component of their education, nor is it a requirement of their practice. Many medical experts remain firmly against its use, even where it is legal, and there is still a societal stigma around cannabis use, which makes it intimidating to bring up the subject of using cannabis. However, because there are some potentially significant risks and contraindications, as well as possible interactions with other medications, it is important that everyone involved in your health is aware of your decision to use it.
First and foremost, it is important to approach the topic with confidence and openness. Start by doing your own research on the benefits and risks of cannabis use for your specific condition or symptoms and/or consult with a certified cannabis coach (being told cannabis is awesome in your Facebook group chat doesn't count as research!). This will help you feel more informed and prepared for the conversation . When speaking with your doctor, be honest about your interest in cannabis and why you believe it may be beneficial for you. Share any previous experiences or knowledge you have regarding its use. It is essential to have an open and respectful dialogue, allowing your doctor to ask questions and provide their professional opinion. Remember, your doctor's expertise is invaluable, and their guidance can help ensure your safety and well-being.
A doctor can help monitor the effects of cannabis use, address concerns, and help manage any potential adverse reactions. Ultimately, consulting with a doctor ensures that the use of cannabis is done safely and effectively, maximizing the potential benefits while minimizing any potential harm. Doctors and pharmacists can help explore any potential interactions with existing medications or other treatments, and can also explore alternative treatment options. By fostering open and honest conversations with your doctor, you can navigate the complex landscape of cannabis usage, ensuring that your choices align with your overall health goals.
Important note: You should proceed with extreme caution if you do not yet have a diagnosis of your condition. It is important to have a diagnosis first because masking symptoms with cannabis before figuring out what is wrong may delay a proper diagnosis which could be very dangerous and cause further injury or death.
Decide whether you want to purchase your cannabis through a legal local dispensary or through an approved medical dispensary.
Another benefit of discussing cannabis with your doctor is that if they agree with your use, they can submit a medical authorization form (a "prescription" of sorts) to a legal medical dispensary. A "prescription" for cannabis is a little different than a typical medication prescription, and is not technically a prescription. Unlike with traditional pharmaceuticals, doctors cannot legally prescribe how much to take or what to take. They can set a limit of how much you are allowed but cannot tell you take X grams of 'strain' Y, X times per day. Normally what a cannabis prescription will include is simply confirmation that you meet the medical requirements to use cannabis for medical purposes, along with a maximum you are allowed to purchase from a medical dispensary (ex. 1 gram per day/30 grams per month).
Another way that cannabis prescriptions differ from traditional prescriptions is that a pharmaceutical prescription is a generic prescription that you can take to whatever pharmacy you choose. With cannabis prescriptions, at least in Canada, there is no "Cannabis Card" that you can just show to whatever medical dispensary you want to purchase from. Instead, each medical pharmacy has an application form that you are required to have your doctor fill out and submit on your behalf. This means that if you want to purchase from more than one medical dispensary, you will have to have your doctor submit multiple forms, so there may be a fee charged. An example of an approved medial dispensary is Aurora (https://www.auroramedical.com).
If you are lucky enough to live in Canada where legal cannabis dispensaries are popping up on every street corner, making obtaining it much easier than in the past. However, there are still a few benefits to getting your doctor to sign off on you using cannabis:
In Canada, cannabis purchased from a medical dispensary may be able to be claimed as a tax deduction and/or be covered under your health benefits plan (consult with your plan administrator and/or tax accountant to see if your cannabis expenses quality; other countries may vary).
Medical dispensaries often have compassionate care pricing for veterans, seniors, and low income individuals.
Medical dispensaries are held to high quality standards so you are sure you are getting a consistent product. While legally-operated dispensaries in Canada are heavily regulated by the government and also offer quality products, there are many illegal online cannabis stores that sell products that are at best poor quality and at worst, potentially dangerous.
There is more to cannabis than CBD and THC. Emerging research shows the benefits of other cannabinoids including CBN, CBG, and CBC. While these are difficult to come by in general, you may be more likely to find them at a medical dispensary.
If you work in a job that conducts drug tests, having a medical document supporting your cannabis use may offer you some protection from disciplinary action (be sure to verify this prior to using cannabis, as once cannabis is in your system, it can be detected for up to a month afterwards).
Speak to others in your healthcare circle.
Cannabis is generally safe when combined with other practices that create an altered state of consciousness such as hypnosis or meditation, and combining these may enable you to benefit even more. Many therapies have the ability to heighten awareness, aid in introspection, boost creativity, calm a racing mind, or induce sedation. Using these in conjunction with cannabis will provide a unique and enhanced experience and deepen your level of mind-body connection. Cannabis is also safe to use with Reiki, reflexology, massage, acupuncture, yoga, and many other mind-body modalities and activities.
Caution may be necessary with aromatherapy, as certain terpenes found in aromatherapy oils can potentiate the effects of cannabis. Make sure if you are seeing a naturopath or homeopathic professional that you mention your cannabis use to them to ensure nothing they give you could potentially interact.
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Disclaimer: The thoughts, ideas, and opinions expressed in this blog site are solely those of the author. They are not meant to be a substitute for professional medical and mental health guidance. Before following the advice given, it is always advisable to consult with your healthcare team to ensure no possible adverse affects or interactions with other treatments you may be using. Should you make the choice to use cannabis products, you do so at your own risk and assume all responsibility of a health or legal nature. The author does not encourage use of cannabis is those under 25 years of age, individuals in area where they do not have access to legal cannabis, or in individuals with pre-existing conditions that could be negatively impacted as the result of cannabis use.