Getting a doctor's recommendation to use medical marijuana can feel like a daunting task, but it is a lot easier than most people think. Depending on where you live, you might be able to do it from the comfort of your own home! Here is a short step-by-step guide on how to talk to a doctor about getting a cannabis recommendation.
Step 1) Check the Laws
The first step is to check the laws in your state to see whether medical cannabis is even an option. If you aren’t sure about the laws in your state norml.org gives detailed information about the laws in each state, so check and see whether medical cannabis recommendations for your condition are available where you live.
If your state doesn’t offer any cannabis options, don’t despair! Many states (California for one) offer recommendations to those who live out-of-state, so if you are able to travel, you may still be able to get a recommendation.
Step 2) Get a Recommendation from a Cannabis Doctor
If you want to maximize your chances of getting a recommendation, looking for a doctor who specializes in cannabinoid medicine is crucial. Education about cannabis is sorely lacking in medical schools and few doctors have enough knowledge about cannabis to feel comfortable recommending cannabis themselves.
When I first started exploring cannabis as an option, I talked to my general practitioner about it. Even though I was in California, where medical use of cannabis has been legal for decades, my doctor seemed scandalized that I would even mention it. He told me “We don’t do that here” and brusquely ignored my questions about whether it might help. I was so taken aback by the experience that it took me a little while to work up the courage to ask another doctor. Other doctors were more compassionate with me, understanding that I might benefit from it’s use, but explaining that they couldn’t personally recommend it.
As it turns out, federal law prohibits doctors from prescribing medical cannabis because of it’s status as a schedule 1 drug. Doctors can recommend cannabis to their patients, but those interested as prescribing it can face harsh penalties from losing their license to practice, to jail time. Because of this few doctors are willing to recommend cannabis for their patients, even in states where it is legal, and in cases where it might help.
Luckily, there are doctors who have decided to dedicate their lives to treating patients with cannabis, and they are usually the most qualified people to talk to. You can find them on websites like weedmaps.com or leafly.com These sites list doctors in areas where cannabis is legal, so you can just type in your zip code and find the doctor closest to you. You can call to make an appointment but most offices also allow walk ins. If you live in California, you can get your recommendation online at hellomd.com and never have to leave your house!
Have your medical records and forms of ID with you for the appointment and be sure to let your recommending physician know about any other medications you are taking, as cannabis can interact with some medications. This is also the best time to ask any questions you might have about how cannabis may help or interact with any of your pre-existing medical conditions.
Step 3) Talk to your General Practitioner
Once you have your recommendation in hand, you are legally covered for your cannabis use. Still, it is important that your general practitioner knows you are using cannabis since it can interact with medications and treatments your doctor may prescribe. For this reason, it is important to find one who respects your choice to take cannabis and is willing to work with you on your wellness goals. Sometimes it takes actually going to the doctor and talking to him about your situation before you know what kind of doctor he or she is going to be. It is easier to have this conversation when you have already had cannabis recommended by another doctor. Still, it is worth it to do some digging and find a doctor who respects your choices. Small practices that embrace alternative or complementary medicine are often good places to look. Large healthcare organizations that exist in multiple states are usually more likely to have company wide policies against the use of cannabis. Still there are good MD’s in all types of medical contexts who are willing to look at the research and respect their patients decisions. You just have find them.
To quote @agroed:
"I'm personally motivated to do this because the immoral banksters own the pharma companies and the research dollars involved in cancer research. Cures are known. Causes are known. We can end the cancer epidemic tomorrow if leaders stopped promoting cancer studies akin to tobacco science and talk extensively about the Race to the Cause instead of the Race to the Cure. It would be great if they start promoting actual cures instead of high priced medicines that cause further harm.
I'm a PhD scientist, I've done extensive research. I know about the mainstream studies. I've read them. I don't believe them anymore. They're lying and the research is fraudulent, and now I have a dead mother, two dead uncles, and a variety of family members missing their organs and a fat chunk of change because of it. Eventually, I'll probably die from cancer too. I have limited time to fix this place so my kids might have it better. I want this whole system to change, and I think Steemit could do it.
That's where I'm coming from."
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Over 100 studies now confirm orally administered THC kills cancer cells.
Why is this not discussed in medical schools?
THE REAL QUESTION, is what and whom perpetuates the ignorance taught in medical schools regarding cannabis and why is this plant so verboten amongst the medical establishment?
It's one thing that it's illegal, it's another they are so grossly ignorant on the subject.
Make no mistake, most GPs are taught in schools that only know how to TEACH PRESCRIPTION OF BIG PHARMA PRODUCTS. And that's about the gist of it right there.
Great Article Emily! Looking forward to your next @kushsmokers one as well! :D We're ready whenever you are!
Thanks @kushsmokers ! Expect another article from me today - writing it is next on my to do list :)
Nice write up! I couldn't believe how easy it was to get a recommendation in California. One google search, $39 and a phone call later and I'm a legal medical cannabis patient. 2 hours after the initial search a car pulled up with my first delivery. What a wonderful place to live!
Isn't it wonderful? Washington used to be that way... I miss it :[
It is really convenient here for sure! I came to california for the education but I stay for the access to my medicine. Doctors appointment and delivery without stepping out the door. Someday I hope it is that easy for patients everywhere.
This has got some great advice. Glad we have articulate steemers representing marijuna
Thanks @arqetype !
My primary wasnt to happy either. And I am up in oregon, we have the same process. :)
Yeah - it is amazing how much prejudice and lack of education there is against cannabis in the medical field. I think for a lot of these doctors it is fear of repercussions for themselves, but it is sad when that leads them to give patients bad advice.
Exactly, they are scared of the federal government on MJ. Also feel tied up with narcotics for cancer patients all because of people. I wonder whats next.
It was harder to find dispensaries when I lived in SoCal, but it was easy to get a medical card for it.
Cannabis has numerous benefits, and has done wonders for my PTSD and that of others I know.
Great write-up!
Thanks @alexiapbullard - glad to hear cannabis has been so helpful for you as well!
Definitely one of the reasons I started doing content marketing for dispensaries!
This post received a 42% upvote from @randowhale thanks to @decentralizd! For more information, click here!
Great article. The only thing I would add is that if someone receives treatment at the VA, they shouldn't tell their provider if they are also using cannabis. They can (and often will) refuse you various treatments and referrals if you are honest about using cannabis for any reason.
Great point @mtgmisfit ! I just spoke with someone at the VA about this for a different article. While the VA does now allow veterans to utilize medical cannabis in states where it is legal, they can still refuse other medical treatments in conjunction with cannabis. I've heard to veterans being taken off of their pain pills (like opiates) suddenly, when their doctors find out they are also using cannabis. This can be a dangerous and painful situation. Still, keep in mind that if you have no medical provider who knows about all your medical treatments, you may put yourself at risk for combining medications that DO interact poorly with cannabis . For example, many heart medications are risky to use with cannabis. If you need to avoid talking to your primary care physician, be sure your cannabis recommending doctor knows about all medications and treatments you are on.
It's a bigger concern for mental health patients, as many veterans are choosing cannabis over benzodiazepines for managing their anxiety. Unfortunately, the same veterans also suffer from endogenous chemical imbalances caused by exposures and traumatic brain injury, and being forthcoming about your cannabis regimen can result in not being treated or evaluated conditions.
I have ADHD that was diagnosed decades before my cannabis use, but suddenly one doctor at the VA has decided that my ADHD symptoms are due to cannabis side effects, not the same neurochemical deficiency that has been easily treatable with medication for years. Can cannabis cause these cognitive issues? Sure, as cannabinoids fill the same receptors as our endogenous anandamide. But that assumes that my baseline anandamide and dopamine levels are normal, which peer review literature suggests are not
At the end of the day, the VA refusing cannabis patients diagnostic and pharmaceutical treatment is political, orchestrated by the DEA because of irresponsible pharmaceutical company marketing of opiates, and not in the best interest of patients.
I totally agree! It is such a frustrating situation and so politically misguided. Thanks for sharing about your experience @mtgmisfit - Sorry you had to deal with this miseducated doctor. I had a similar experience once when being treated by doctors who worked for the university I was attending. I was getting sicker and sicker from being on benzos and antidepressants for years, but my doctors were convinced it was the cannabis that I had started using to deal with the effects of my medications! When I got off the benzos, things got waay better - but I had to go find a better primary care doctor (one I ended up paying for out of pocket) who understood it wasn't the cannabis. He helped me with the withdrawal process safely instead of trying to stop any of my medications all at once.
Grateful that you're a cannabis journalist so that you can help bring awareness to these issues. at some level, it becomes a basic human rights issue. Alcohol is bad for diabetics, but you wouldn't take aware their blood glucose monitor and insulin if they were an alcoholic.
What a good introduction to this always awkward feeling talk! I've done it a few times being a medical patient for the past 7 years but it's always nice to have something for those who haven't! Good write up Emily! Glad you are loving Steem! #KushSmokers!!!
Oh and just so you know hashtags like #pot and so on arent as effective on Steemit as they are else where; better just sticking to the best 5 options such as marijuana cannabis kushsmokers and so on, whatever fits the post best AND appears on the top 100 sidebar on Steemit.com or something like that
Thanks for the advice @decentralizd ! It's always so interesting to learn what works on different platforms. Any words of wisdom from more experienced Steemit contributors are very welcome.
Im a stoner too. follow for a follow back?
Brilliant post. We live in Australia where it's still virtually impossible to get treated with CBD. Big fan of your posts keep up the great work.
@ch00fy
Thanks @ch00fy 😊🙏
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