Medical marijuana is basically the cannabis product that is prescribed to patients by medical cannabis physicians. These doctors can suggest medical marijuana to patients dealing with health issues such as chronic pain, anxiety, or insomnia. Your first visit with a medical cannabis physician can be an important step toward exploring whether cannabis can help manage your health conditions. However, understanding what to expect during your initial consultation can ease anxiety and help you make informed decisions about your health. A medical marijuana physician specializes in evaluating whether cannabis is a suitable treatment for your condition.
Here is a guide for you to know what you can expect during your first visit with a medical marijuana physician.
Preparing for Your Appointment with a Medical Marijuana Physician
When you have booked an appointment with a reputable medical marijuana physician, the first thing you should do is prepare for your visit. You must have all the medical records and documents showing the history of diseases and treatments you had. You can prepare a file consisting of all these documents. This will help the physician to review your overall health and make well-informed recommendations. Besides this, you can also make a list of questions about benefits, risks, or dosage to ensure all your doubts are clear.
Initial Consultation and Symptom Discussion
The first appointment usually revolves around talking about the medical history and symptoms. In this consultation, a medical marijuana physician mostly asks you about the medical conditions you have and how this is affecting your overall life. You should not hesitate to explain how your condition affects daily life and the previous treatments you’ve tried. Your physician may also ask about your lifestyle, such as diet, exercise, and any other treatments you’ve tried. When you completely open up in front of the doctor, they can identify how cannabis might fit into your overall care plan.
Determining Eligibility
Medical marijuana is not something that suits all. Not everyone qualifies for it. The physician performs all the necessary tests and examinations to determine if cannabis can help your specific medical conditions. These marijuana physicians usually evaluate your symptoms against state-approved conditions and review potential risks, such as interactions with other medications or mental health concerns. If they find you eligible, they will guide you through certification, such as registering for a medical marijuana card, and explain legal requirements for purchasing the product. It’s because the medical cannabis system is different from the conventional pharmacy system, and if you don’t fulfill legal requirements, you may end up having complications.
Developing a Personalized Treatment Plan
Once your treatment with medical marijuana is approved, the medical marijuana physician can develop a personalized plan for your treatment based on your needs. They will outline the specific type of medical marijuana products that are suitable for you. While creating the plan, they also recommend consumption methods (e.g., oils, edibles, vaping), THC/CBD ratios, and starting dosages. They’ll also educate you on potential side effects, like dizziness or dependency, which gives you an idea of what you can expect from this type of medicine. They can also schedule follow-ups to adjust the plan as needed.
