The use of recreational marijuana has gained tremendous popularity over the years, with the future of medical cannabis legalization still uncertain. Let us begin by exploring the meaning of medical marijuana and recreational marijuana. The difference lies in the terms ‘medical’ and ‘recreational’. Medical marijuana refers to the use of cannabis to manage medical conditions, while recreational marijuana refers to the use of cannabis for non-medical purposes, such as relaxation, enjoyment, or socialization.
A medical marijuana doctor is a licensed physician authorized to evaluate, certify, and recommend cannabis for patients with a qualifying medical condition and help patients navigate their state’s medical marijuana system. Cannabis doctors possess a deep understanding of cannabis, its medicinal benefits, and potential risks, which puts them in the best position to offer guidance on medical cannabis use.
Technically, a recreational marijuana doctor is a misnomer and somewhat nuanced because recreational marijuana is for personal use and does not require a doctor’s recommendation. The term “doctor” negates “recreational” as doctors provide guidance on “medical conditions”. However, a recreational marijuana doctor might (as the name implies) refer to a doctor who recommends cannabis use for recreational purposes.
What Is The Difference Between A Medical Marijuana Doctor And a Recreational Marijuana Doctor?
A comparison of medical marijuana doctors and recreational marijuana doctors reveals significant differences in their qualifications, roles, and approaches to cannabis care. Listed below are some of the key differences between medical and recreational marijuana doctors:
Evaluation Purpose: Cannabis doctors evaluate patients (regardless of age) for medical conditions, while recreational cannabis doctors can only attend to adults. They are able to thoroughly review medical history, assess current symptoms, offer physical assessments, and recommend a suitable cannabis-treatment option for their patients, while recreational marijuana evaluations are simply unheard of.
Expertise: Recreational cannabis doctors may not have the extensive knowledge of cannabis acquired through specialized training that most states often require medical cannabis doctors to undergo. Through this knowledge, medical marijuana doctors can conduct thorough medical evaluations.
Treatment Plans: Medical marijuana doctors create personalized and tailored treatment plans while also offering guidance on dosage and potential interactions with other medications. More so, cannabis doctors often provide follow-up care and adjust treatment plans as needed, whereas recreational medical doctors typically do not.
Regulatory Requirements: Medical marijuana doctors must comply with strict regulations and guidelines of the state in which they practice, including patient evaluations and documentation, whereas recreational marijuana doctors have fewer regulatory requirements.
Scope of Practice: Medical marijuana doctors have the qualifications to recommend cannabis for medical use, while recreational marijuana doctors are more concerned with the recreational aspect of cannabis.
Medical Marijuana Card: Medical marijuana doctors can recommend their patients for a medical marijuana card based on their analysis of the patient’s condition, whereas adults in legal states can purchase cannabis from dispensaries without the need for consultation.
Telemedicine: Most states offer the option of telemedicine/online evaluations with medical cannabis doctors for patients who require medical marijuana.
Can a Recreational Marijuana Doctor Prescribe or Recommend Medical Cannabis?
Doctors cannot legally prescribe medical cannabis in countries such as the U.S. because it is a Schedule 1 substance and therefore, a federal crime. However, there are some Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved cannabis medications doctors can prescribe, such as Cesamet, Epidiolex, and dronabinol.
Depending on state laws, a recreational marijuana doctor’s focus is on recommending cannabis for recreational adult use. However, in jurisdictions where recreational medical marijuana is legal, individuals do not actually need a doctor’s prescription or recommendation to purchase marijuana for recreational use.
Patients seeking medical cannabis should consult with a medical marijuana doctor to receive proper guidance, NOT a recreational cannabis doctor.
What Are The Qualifications Of a Licensed Medical Marijuana Doctor?
The practice of medical marijuana is subject to various laws, regulations, and standards. Licensed medical marijuana doctors must possess specialized knowledge and qualifications as well as adhere to these standards to ensure patient safety and effective treatment. These qualifications may vary with each state, but here are a few:
Medical Degree and License: A medical license is a basic requirement for any doctor to practice medicine, including recommending medical marijuana. The medical marijuana doctor needs to have completed medical education and possess an active license as a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine.
State Registration: While registration is an important step for marijuana doctors to be able to recommend marijuana, it is not necessarily a demonstration of expertise. It is a requirement that ensures doctors are in tune with current state laws and regulations.
Education and Training: Most states may require the completion of a continuing medical education course or specialized training on medical cannabis. Although a medical degree provides a broader foundation, specialized knowledge in medical marijuana is essential for doctors who recommend cannabis-based treatments.
Do I Need To See a Medical Marijuana Doctor To Get a Cannabis Card?
To obtain a medical marijuana card, most states require a recommendation from a qualified physician who evaluates and assesses the patient’s condition and deems it necessary for such a patient to receive a cannabis-based treatment with respect to the state’s laws on qualifying medical conditions.
A medical cannabis doctor will be able to provide a comprehensive evaluation by assessing the patient’s medical history to gain a good grasp of their previous experiences with cannabis or any other medication; discussing benefits and analyzing risks associated with cannabis-based treatment plans; offering a physical assessment to identify the specific symptoms; and ensuring the patient’s eligibility.
Which Option Is Better For Patients: Medical Or Recreational Marijuana Doctors?
A patient is an individual who receives or arranges to receive healthcare services, including diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care, from a licensed healthcare provider such as a doctor, nurse, or other licensed medical professional. A patient is one who requires “medical” attention and not just chasing a euphoric sensation (high).
Training and Expertise: Certified medical marijuana doctors have extensive medical training and expertise in cannabis medicine, allowing them to make informed decisions on treatment options, which is what a patient needs to identify the options most suitable for their medical needs.
Comprehensive Evaluation: A licensed medical marijuana doctor is more likely to assess medical records, understand complex conditions, and physically examine patients to offer guidance on vital variables such as risk-benefit analysis, potential interactions with other medications, products/strains, dosage, and administration methods.
Knowledge of State Laws and Regulations: Medical marijuana doctors are bound to the rules of the states in which they practice. This means that the law mandates every licensed doctor to offer only credible information, as failure to comply might lead to dire consequences. A patient can then trust in the ability of their doctors to offer them expert guidance and personalized care to optimize their treatment outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does a medical marijuana doctor provide compared to a recreational one?
A medical marijuana doctor offers health assessments, tailored treatment plans, medical evaluations, and recommendations. They offer expert advice on strains/products, dosage, and administrative methods for a specific health need. Recreational cannabis doctors recommend cannabis for personal use.
Is a prescription from a recreational marijuana doctor legally valid?
No, prescriptions from recreational marijuana doctors are not legally valid. This is because marijuana doctors cannot legally “prescribe” marijuana, with respect to it being a federal crime.
Can I switch from a recreational to a medical marijuana doctor?
Absolutely, it is quite possible to switch from a recreational marijuana doctor to a medical marijuana doctor, especially if there is a qualifying medical condition. You can research medical marijuana doctors, schedule a consultation, and have an extensive discussion on the steps required for medical cannabis usage.
Do medical marijuana doctors have specialized training or certification?
Yes, medical marijuana doctors typically undergo specialized training. Most states require these trainings before registering physicians in their medical marijuana program.
Are medical marijuana evaluations covered by insurance?
No, insurance does not typically cover medical marijuana evaluations, although exceptions are possible with certain prescriptions. Medicare may cover some FDA-approved synthetic cannabis medications, such as Epidiolex, Marinol, and Cesamet.
Do medical marijuana doctors offer follow-up care or dosage guidance?
Yes, medical marijuana doctors often offer follow-up care or dosage guidance to their patients by scheduling follow-up appointments, adjusting dosages based on individual needs, and recommending strains as well as consumption methods that will provide the maximum benefits.
Which states require certification from a medical marijuana doctor?
Most states require a certification from a medical marijuana doctor to access medical marijuana programs. However, specific requirements on the qualifying medical conditions necessitating certification vary by state.
Can I get stronger cannabis products with a medical marijuana card?
Yes, possessing a medical marijuana card can provide access to stronger cannabis products, depending on state laws as well as the guidance of a medical marijuana doctor.
Is telemedicine available for both medical and recreational marijuana consultations?
Telemedicine is available for medical marijuana consultations in most states; however, recreational telemedicine consultations are less common.
What are the benefits of consulting a certified medical marijuana doctor instead of a recreational dispensary advisor?
There are several benefits to consulting a certified marijuana doctor, which include: level of training and expertise, assessment and evaluation, knowledge of state laws, and personalized care as opposed to a recreational doctor who may have very limited knowledge on cannabis and whose focus is often not on the patient’s health and well-being.
Written by Chiagozie Ekemezie