Talking to your doctor about anything can be tough, especially when it comes to pain management. It is best to be transparent, and candid. Discussing medical cannabis treatments with your doctor is not illegal or wrong. Remember, there have been federal rulings that the First Amendment protects doctors in discussing cannabinoid therapies, and recommending them to their patients. Your doctor(s) are used to patients coming to them with treatment options and ideas, and cannabis treatments would be the same
Don’t let your doctor’s unfamiliarity with medical cannabis deter you, they may delay recommending it. With that in mind it is important to bring documentation to explain in their terms why the recommendation is key.
Good news! There is a series of ASA created educational booklets available. These booklets are based on Conditions, and other research. These reading items can be found in the ASA website under publications.
When approaching your medical provider, be cognizant that they may not be familiar or have a thorough understanding of the local laws. Be sure to bring any relevant forms and website links regarding the local legislation.
The first step in seeking consultation on medical cannabis is to sit with your primary care physician, as they are the most familiar with you and your condition. However, often times patients feel the most comfortable with many doctors including those with a specialty practice in medical cannabis.
Here are some tips and pointers for your discussion:
- Know Tennessee’s requirements, bringing copies of all necessary paperwork for the sate.
- Be comfortable and ready to discuss with your doctor the condition or symptom you are treating with cannabis. It’s important to have your medical records as they relate to the condition. Be transparent and candid with how long you’ve experienced the symptoms, have treated them with cannabis, how much you use, with what frequency you use cannabis, and the delivery method
Should your doctor not be comfortable with cannabis therapy recommendation, be comfortable seeking a second opinion. There are many specialists who work with medical cannabis within states that acknowledge cannabis as a legal therapy.