In 1996, California made history by becoming the first US state to legalize cannabis for medical use.
Today, almost 30 years later, medical marijuana is legal in 40 states and the District of Columbia. Widespread legalization has positioned cannabis as an alternative treatment option for thousands of individuals across the country. If you’re interested in supporting health and well-being with medical marijuana, knowing how to talk to your doctor about using cannabis is key.
In this article, you’ll learn why it’s important to talk to your doctor about medical cannabis use and offer tips on how to do it.
From preparing yourself for the conversation to bringing the subject up to your doctor, and asking the right questions, we’ll help you confidently navigate this important conversation.
Why It’s Important to Talk to Your Doctor About Using Cannabis
Your doctor is there to support your health, meaning open communication with your doc about any health issues is essential for getting the best care. Whether you’re curious about using cannabis therapeutically or you’re already self-medicating, talking to your healthcare provider is important for both legal and medical reasons.
Medical cannabis is regulated in most states, and having a doctor’s approval ensures you’re using it legally. Beyond state regulations, your doctor can help you determine if cannabis is a good fit for your unique health needs.
One of the biggest concerns with cannabis use is the potential it has to interact with other medications. There’s research to support that major cannabinoids, including THC and its metabolites, can slow down certain important liver enzymes (specifically CYP2B6, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6) that help break down medicines. This means that cannabis consumption could affect the way some medications work, ultimately reducing their effectiveness or causing unintended side effects.
For example, bupropion (Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant commonly prescribed as an aid to help people quit smoking that is almost exclusively metabolized by the CYP2B6 enzyme. In a 2001 study, bupropion caused increased adverse effects, including irritability, restlessness, insomnia, when study participants actively smoked cannabis. It’s suggested these side effects could be caused by the influence of cannabinoids on CYP2B6.
Your doctor knows your medical history, current health status, and any medications you’re taking, meaning they may be able to give you personalized advice on how cannabis could influence your overall health.
That being said, a 2021 review highlighted that while up to 95% of patients inquired about using medical cannabis, “physicians generally experienced a lack of knowledge of clinical effects, including both beneficial and adverse effects.” Researchers also noted that healthcare providers that had experience prescribing medical marijuana were more convinced of its benefits and less worried about adverse effects than those without experience prescribing cannabis.
Unfortunately, many physicians have limited knowledge of cannabis’ beneficial effects, adverse effects, and how to advise patients, which could create a barrier in recommending cannabis for therapeutic support. With a bit of preparation, however, you can have an educated conversation with your doctor about using cannabis to support your medical needs.
Preparing for the Conversation
Before talking to your doctor about using cannabis, preparation is key. Start by doing some basic research to understand how cannabis could support your health. You’ll want to be able to clearly articulate your personal goals for using cannabis for medical reasons. Do you want relief from chronic pain, anxiety, or sleep issues? Or are you interested in using cannabis to support a more serious health condition, such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, or cancer? Knowing what you want to address will help guide the conversation in the best direction.
If you’re speaking with a new healthcare provider, be prepared to discuss your full medical history. This includes any pre-existing or previous conditions, medications you’re currently taking, and your overall lifestyle. This information is essential for your doctor to determine if cannabis is a safe option for you and help prevent any potential drug-drug interactions.
Before you talk to your doctor about using cannabis, consider finding reputable studies or research that support cannabis for your condition and bring them to your appointment with you. Your doctor may not be familiar with the large body of evidence that supports cannabis for medical use, but providing this evidence can support your case. It also shows your commitment to making an informed decision about your health and can encourage a more productive conversation.
Having the Conversation with Your Doctor About Cannabis Use
Bringing up the idea of using cannabis with your doctor might feel intimidating, but it’s important to confidently approach the conversation and calmly introduce the topic. Consider saying something like, “I’ve been researching alternative treatments for my condition, and I’d like to discuss the potential benefits of medical cannabis,” which offers the lead-in to have a professional, educated conversation.
If you’ve used cannabis in the past or are currently using it, let your doctor know. When you’re transparent it helps them understand your past experience and make better recommendations to support your needs. Being open also builds trust and ensures that your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs.
Ask questions! Some of the best questions to ask your doctor about using medical cannabis include:
- Is cannabis safe and effective for my needs?
- What are the best consumption methods?
- What products do you recommend?
- What dosage should I take?
- How will cannabis interact with the medications I’m currently taking?
- Are there any side effects I should be aware of?
It’s normal to be worried about being judged or the stigma of cannabis use. But remember that your doctor’s role is to support your health, not to pass judgment. Focus on your wellness goals and the potential benefits you believe cannabis could offer. You might say, “I’m exploring cannabis as a way to manage my chronic pain, and I’d appreciate your input on whether it’s a good option for me.” This would be a great time to show them any studies you found that highlight the use of medical cannabis for pain management, keeping the conversation centered on your well-being with an educated approach.
Keep in mind that you have rights as a patient. Your doctor should provide professional guidance, not make you feel uncomfortable. If you find they're reluctant to discuss cannabis with you, don’t be discouraged. You can always get a second opinion. There are several doctors that support cannabis use, meaning it won’t be hard to find another professional who backs your decision. Many healthcare providers now focus on integrative or holistic approaches and believe cannabis is part of a comprehensive healthcare plan.
Scheduling a Follow-Up Appointment and Regular Check-Ins
After you start using medical cannabis, schedule a follow-up with your doctor a few weeks later, which is important to ensure your treatment is effective. Track your progress starting on day one, taking notes about how cannabis affects you, including any improvements or changes in your symptoms, as well as positive or adverse effects. Discussing this with your doctor at a follow-up appointment will help determine if cannabis is effective and any adjustments that need to be made.
Consider checking in regularly with your healthcare provider. Meeting up to review your progress offers room for conversations that will help adjust your dosage or explore different products. Your doctor may also be able to modify your current medical cannabis routine based on your personal experience and any emerging research. If you experience any negative effects, such as increased anxiety, dizziness, or changes in appetite, share it with your doctor. This will help them determine whether to make adjustments or if taking a different approach might be better.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using Medical Cannabis
Before you use cannabis for medical reasons, it’s imperative you’re aware of cannabis laws in your state, which can vary widely throughout the country. Researching local regulations can help you navigate the legal landscape and ensure you’re using cannabis safely. The National Congress of State Legislatures’ State Cannabis Legislation Database is an excellent resource for current cannabis policy across the US, and is updated bi-monthly to assure you receive the most accurate, up-to-date information on recreational and medical cannabis laws.
Despite growing acceptance, there’s still a social stigma surrounding cannabis use in some circles. If you’re uncomfortable talking about cannabis use with others, focus on the massive body of research that supports its potential health benefits. Confidently express the reasons you’re using medical cannabis and don’t be afraid to let anyone with a negative attitude know that there are over 3 million registered medical cannabis patients in the US.
Last Thoughts
Confidently approaching your doctor about cannabis use is vital to ensure you receive safe and effective treatment. Honest, educated communication allows your healthcare provider to better understand your needs and make specific recommendations based on your medical history. If you live in an area where cannabis is less-accepted, it’s important to advocate your healthcare rights and freedom to explore cannabis as a legitimate option for managing various conditions.
As attitudes toward cannabis continue to evolve, having informed discussions with your healthcare provider will lead to better outcomes. Knowing how to talk to your doctor is the first step toward integrating it into your personal wellness plan. When you’re confident and prepared, you can work with your doctor to enhance your experience and explore all available options that support your well-being.
If you have any questions about how to talk to your doctor about cannabis or any of our products, please contact us! Our mission is to serve the cannabis community the