Currently, medical marijuana (MMJ) as a medication option is gaining traction, but the fact remains that certain limiting factors still hinder its full acceptance into the medical community. These factors range from traditional beliefs to technical reasons, such as federal law prohibition. Among these factors, medical marijuana safety is a concern for physicians and patients alike.
MMJ can offer relief for various conditions, but like every other treatment requires caution to ensure safety and reduce the risk of side effects. General tips for responsible marijuana use are: Apply the golden rule (start low, go slow), consult your cannabis doctor, know the products and check for their certificate of analysis (COA), use in a safe environment, avoid dependency, track effects and potential interactions with other medications, eat adequately, and store your cannabis safely.
What Should You Know Before Visiting A Medical Marijuana Doctor?
Visiting an MMJ doctor for the first time can be overwhelming, but being prepared ensures a smooth and productive experience. Here is a list of things to know before your appointment:
Know the State’s Laws and Processes
Familiarize yourself with your state’s laws on medical marijuana, including qualifying conditions, as these vary by state. Check the cost (consultation fees, state fees, and certification fees), telemedicine (online, in-person, or both), and document (identity proof) requirements.
Know your Medical Records and the medical marijuana doctor’s credentials
Ensure you have documentation of your condition. This includes diagnosis, medical history, current and past medications, test results, or any other document that helps the doctor understand and assess your condition. Also, ensure you verify the doctor’s credentials through the proper channels.
Know the questions to ask.
It is advisable to actively engage the doctor in a series of questions concerning your condition, as well as be able to explain your symptoms effectively. Try not to exaggerate and do not be afraid to ask as many questions as you need clarification for because the doctor is available to sort through the myths, provide you with the proper guidance, and offer legitimate information you will likely require to obtain the maximum healthcare benefits.
Know what to expect, but keep your mind open.
The medical cannabis doctor will review your medical history and records, assess your condition, and discuss medical cannabis as an option. It is vital to listen attentively to avoid mistakes that may cause harm. Additionally, medical marijuana doctors do not make prescriptions, nor do they offer cannabis as a cure for any ailment; they can only recommend cannabis as a treatment option.
How Can a Medical Marijuana Doctor Online Help You Get Certified?
A medical marijuana doctor online can help you be certified through a series of steps, thereby ensuring the certification process is smooth and convenient. These steps include:
State Laws and Credible Online Platforms
The first step towards being certified is to have a basic knowledge of your state’s medical cannabis laws. Find out whether your state allows telemedicine certifications and verify the credibility of the platforms that offer online consultations, or use the official online portal provided by your state’s health department.
Consultation and Evaluation
Next is to schedule an appointment with a licensed medical marijuana doctor in your state. During the consultation, the doctor discusses your medical history, assesses your medical records, understands your symptoms, and determines whether you have a state-approved qualifying medical condition.
Recommendation
Post-evaluation, the medical marijuana doctor provides a certification or recommendation, and submits or registers it with the state’s medical cannabis program.
Post-Approval
If approved by the state, you receive a medical marijuana card with which you can access medical marijuana in licensed dispensaries. Some doctors provide ongoing support by offering follow-ups and guidance on safe use of medical marijuana.
Is It Safe And Legal To Apply For A Medical Marijuana Card Online In The USA?
The federal government considers medical marijuana illegal, although certain states have legalized cannabis-based treatment plans. Most states in the USA allow residents to acquire a medical marijuana card online.
The safety and legality of telemedicine (online) medical marijuana in the USA largely depend on the individual and the state. For the individual, it depends on using a credible online platform, while the state’s specific laws regarding online applications and medical cannabis determine the legalities.
What’s The Difference Between A Medical Marijuana Card And A Medical Cannabis Card?
There is no key difference between a medical marijuana card and a medical cannabis card. People use the terms interchangeably, and it serves the same purpose of being a state-issued card that allows patients to purchase and use marijuana legally for a qualifying medical condition.
Although the card serves the same purpose, the term “marijuana” has a foundation and history of racism, while “cannabis” seems more neutral and less controversial.
How Do You Choose The Right Medical Cannabis Doctor For Your Needs?
With many healthcare providers offering varying levels of expertise in cannabis medicine, knowing what to look for ensures you receive personalized and professional care. Look out for the following:
Credentials and Qualifications: Ensure that the doctor has an active medical license and research on cannabis-medicine certifications they may possess.
State Authorization: Verify their medical license with the state’s medical board and the state’s medical marijuana program. This is possible through different ways, such as the medical license lookup tool, the registry, or a search tool available on their website.
Consultation Process: Every doctor has a process for every consultation, just as every state has rules for every process, so research extensively on costs, availability, reviews, and testimonials. Do not limit yourself to the amount of research you can do. It is your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can beginners start using medical marijuana safely?
For beginners, it is advisable to talk to a licensed medical marijuana doctor who will offer guidance on the best course of action to follow. Safe use of medical marijuana encompasses choosing the right product, right ratio, right consumption methods, and right support system.
What is the safest way to find your ideal medical marijuana dosage?
The advisable way to find your ideal medical marijuana dosage is through a combination of personal and professional methods.
Professionally, a patient should consult with a medical marijuana doctor who can consider their condition, weight, tolerance, consumption method, potential interactions with other medications, and advise you on how to use medical marijuana safely.
Personally, it is advisable to track your experience with dosage (CBD to THC ratio), side effects (dizziness, anxiety, etc.), and review progress with your doctor regularly.
READ: Medical Marijuana Dosage Calculator: How Much Should You Take?
Is it safe to use medical marijuana before work or daily activities?
Medical cannabis safety before work or daily activities depends on several factors, such as the type of cannabis and dosage, tolerance and sensitivity level, and side effects. It is expedient to talk to your doctor about timing and dosage; avoid high-THC strains/ratios; plan and schedule activities around peak hours, etc.
Can I safely combine medical marijuana with my prescription treatment?
Yes, but it is crucial to approach this carefully because interactions of medical marijuana with other prescription medications can be harmful without proper medical consultation. You can also personally verify cannabis’s interaction with other medications through the Drug Interaction Checker, but this should not circumvent a medical marijuana doctor’s advice.
How can I ensure I am buying high quality and lab tested medical marijuana products?
There are several ways to ensure you are buying high-quality and lab-tested medical marijuana products. They include buying from licensed dispensaries and avoiding street vendors or unregulated online sellers; verifying that an independent, accredited lab tests the product; reading the label; requesting a COA; and researching the dispensary through the state’s cannabis regulatory website for licensed sellers.
What are the safest methods to consume medical marijuana for health benefits?
When it comes to medical marijuana use for health benefits, safety depends on condition, tolerance, preferences, and the doctor’s recommendation. However, oral methods (capsules, edibles, tinctures, tablets), vaporizing (low-temperature vapes), and topical applications (creams, balms, patches) have a lower risk compared to smoking or dabbing.
Can seniors or patients with chronic conditions use medical marijuana safely?
Yes, seniors and patients with chronic conditions can use medical marijuana safely, but with extra caution and under the supervision of a cannabis doctor who will review medications and adjust dosages as needed.
How often should I use medical marijuana for the best therapeutic effect?
The frequency of using medical marijuana varies with conditions, type of cannabis, tolerance level, and administration methods. There is no universally accepted guide to using medical marijuana, as effects differ for every individual, so consult your doctor for the best results.
What safety measures should I follow when storing medical marijuana?
Safety measures for storing medical marijuana safely include: locking cannabis in a safe area out of reach of children; labeling contents clearly and keeping track of inventory; keeping in a cool, dry place and using humidity packs to avoid mold; storing edibles separately in airtight containers; and avoiding repackaging (if possible).
How can medical marijuana be used to improve wellness and relaxation safely?
Using medical marijuana for wellness and relaxation safely connotes ensuring you consult your cannabis doctor to determine the best strains/products and dosage, avoid mixing with alcohol or sedatives, and lastly, starting small and keeping track of effects.
Written by Chiagozie Ekemezie