If you suffer from a condition that causes chronic pain and you live in a state where medical marijuana is legal, then it is worth having a conversation with your doctor about what cannabis can do for you. This can be an odd conversation to have, especially if you are not overly familiar with cannabis, but the tips below will help guide you.
1. Explain why you would like to be prescribed cannabis.
When you meet with your doctor to discuss the possibility of using medical marijuana, make sure you start by explaining why you want to try this treatment option. This way, your doctor will be able to tell if you have a realistic idea of what to expect from cannabis for pain relief, and they can correct any misconceptions you may have. And if your reasons for using cannabis don't line up with the reality of your condition, your doctor may instead be able to recommend a different treatment that's better suited to your needs.
2. Ask whether you should be looking for a CBD- or THC-rich strain.
Your doctor will write you a general prescription or recommendation for medical marijuana (assuming they feel you can benefit). It will then be your responsibility to visit a dispensary and pick out the exact products you want to choose. There are thousands to choose from, and you'll probably need to experiment a bit to find what's right for you. However, asking your doctor whether you should look for a THC-rich or CBD-rich strain is a good starting point. Some conditions respond better to one than the other.
CBD is a cannabinoid that has a lot of powerful inflammation-relieving properties. THC has more mental stress-reducing effects and is the substance that makes you feel high.
3. If your doctor is not cannabis-friendly, find a different doctor.
Although awareness and acceptance of medical marijuana are increasing, there are still some doctors who are not on board with prescribing it or simply do not know enough about it. If your doctor tells you they don't prescribe cannabis, then look for other doctors in your area who do. There's nothing wrong with seeing a different physician specifically for your medical marijuana needs.
With the tips above, you should have better luck getting a medical marijuana prescription and more details about that prescription. This substance has helped so many chronic pain patients, and you could be the next person it helps.