Should You Still Consult Your Doctor After Getting a Medical Marijuana Card?

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.

Even if recreational cannabis is legal in your state, there are certain benefits of obtaining a medical marijuana card for those who use it to treat a specific condition or condition.

Depending on the state, the benefits of an MMJ card vary, but they can include cheaper prices, the ability to buy more cannabis at once, the legal ability to buy higher potency cannabis products, legally growing your own cannabis, and more. Additionally, the rules for obtaining your own medical marijuana card also vary by state law, so it’s important to learn about the procedures involved in obtaining a card.

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Essentially, medical marijuana cards are government-issued ID cards that allow patients to purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries specifically to treat specific illnesses or health conditions. Patients require a recommendation from board-certified physicians that they have been diagnosed with a condition that the state qualifies for patients to have access to MMJ.

However, many patients wonder if they still need to see their doctor regularly after receiving an MMJ card, especially if you have a minor medical condition. For example, you applied for an MMJ card based on your doctor’s recommendation that you have glaucoma; The cannabis is working well for you and you don’t feel like you need to go back for check-ups. Similarly, you may also use cannabis to treat your anxiety, but if it works, you may feel that you don’t need to share this information with your doctor the next time you see a doctor for a different reason, or yours Doctor follow up doctor about how you are doing.

However, it is important that patients continue to see their doctor regularly even after receiving their MMJ card. Here are some reasons why:

medical marijuanaPhoto by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

transparency: In certain states, physicians cannot legally prescribe the use of cannabis. Whether or not this applies to where you live, your doctor needs to be told that you are using cannabis to treat your condition. Medical providers should always be informed and comfortable so they can ensure that there are no critical drug interactions that you may need now or later.

The same is true for recreational users, which is why full disclosure of cannabis use is always important for physicians.

Some cannabis products may not be right for you: So you’ve already gotten a medical marijuana badge for anxiety, now it’s time to find a drug that works for you. It is known through anecdotal evidence as well as studies that cannabis products high in THC may not be suitable for those suffering from panic attacks and anxiety, which is why CBD products are better instead. You can get this information from a knowledgeable budtender at your local licensed pharmacy, but if you suffer from severe anxiety and panic attacks, you should monitor this condition regularly with the help of a doctor.

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Budtenders are skilled, but they aren’t doctors, far from it. In many cases, you may want to monitor your progress under medical supervision.

Combining medical marijuana with conventional therapy: There are many instances where ailments can be treated more effectively when traditional therapies and medical marijuana are used together. Those who know best will always be the medical professionals; this is crucial in the case of potentially serious or incurable diseases such as cancer, where many patients have been successfully treated with chemotherapy combined with medicinal cannabis, but under medical supervision.

Dealing with the many types of cannabis products and the right dosage: There are so many different types of cannabis products in different forms and dosages. One may certainly work better for you than others, and your doctor can help you determine when it’s time to switch your treatment plan to a different one.

For example, if you suffer from chronic body pain and have vaped cannabis for this, you may find that the effects do not last very long. If you consult your doctor, they may be able to recommend cannabis edibles instead, or a stronger concentrate to take before bed to help you close your eyes.

What if you get objections from your doctor?

If you wait until after you have received your MMJ card to consult a doctor or otherwise need to change doctors, you must expect objections from doctors.

Not all doctors out there support cannabis use, nor do they know about it. Some may initially support you but do not know enough about it to discuss further and they may recommend you to another of their peers who does. While it is wise not to assume that your doctor is knowledgeable about cannabis as a medicine, you can find out by asking if they have recently attended any cannabis-focused educational programs. If they answer no, you can go to another doctor.

Keep in mind that today’s doctors have not been taught how cannabis works in the human body. Even if they have attended programs or workshops, it will take time for them to catch up on the dosage, strains, and products their patients need. It is therefore also important that you, the patient, do your own research.

Conclusion

Regular consultations with your doctor, even if you have your MMJ card, are essential for monitoring and monitoring. When it comes to minor ailments that you can easily treat with cannabis, it’s okay to consult a budtender. If you are unsure or the condition could be getting worse, consult your doctor regularly.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.

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