How To Talk To Your Doctor About Medical Cannabis
You may be wondering how to talk to your doctor about medical cannabis. Many Canadians are curious about medical cannabis but are not sure how to bring it up with their doctor, specialist, or nurse practitioner.
You might be asking yourself: Is this a reasonable option for me? What should I say? Will my doctor understand why I’m asking? What information should I share?
These are common questions. The good news is that you do not need to have all the answers before starting the conversation. You simply need to be prepared to explain why you are interested in learning more and how your symptoms are affecting your quality of life.
At Greenleaf Medical Clinic, we work with patients and healthcare providers to assess whether medical cannabis may be appropriate as part of a patient’s care plan.
Why It Can Feel Difficult to Bring Up Medical Cannabis
Even though medical cannabis has been legal in Canada for many years, some patients still feel unsure about discussing it with their healthcare provider.
For some, it may feel uncomfortable because of stigma. Others may worry their doctor will dismiss the idea or assume they are asking for cannabis for the wrong reasons. Some patients simply do not know what information their doctor needs in order to make a referral.
Some doctors may not bring up medical cannabis first, even when a patient is curious about it. This does not necessarily mean they are against it. Medical cannabis is a specialized area of care, and many healthcare providers choose to refer patients to a clinic like Greenleaf for assessment, education, and treatment planning.
It may help to remember that asking about medical cannabis is a healthcare conversation. Like any other treatment option, it should be discussed in the context of your symptoms, medical history, medications, and treatment goals.
What to Talk About With Your Doctor
If you are interested in exploring whether medical cannabis may be appropriate for you, start by speaking with your doctor, specialist, or nurse practitioner about why you are considering it.
You may want to discuss:
- The symptoms or condition you are hoping to better manage
- How long you have been experiencing these symptoms
- What treatments, therapies, or medications you have already tried
- Your past and current medications
- Any side effects or concerns with your current treatment plan
- Your health history
- Your treatment goals and what “improvement” would mean for you
This conversation can help your healthcare provider better understand your needs and decide whether a referral for a medical cannabis assessment may be appropriate.
A Simple Way to Start the Conversation
If you are not sure what to say, you can keep it simple:
“I’ve been learning more about medical cannabis and I’m wondering whether it may be appropriate for my symptoms. I’d like to talk about what I’ve already tried, my current medications, and whether a referral to Greenleaf Medical Clinic would make sense.”
You are not asking your doctor to make a decision without information. You are opening the door to a medical conversation.
Your Doctor Can Refer You to Greenleaf
Your doctor, specialist, or nurse practitioner can refer you directly to Greenleaf Medical Clinic for a medical cannabis assessment.
Healthcare providers can use our referral page here:
https://greenleafmc.ca/refer-a-patient
Greenleaf works alongside your healthcare team. A referral allows your doctor, specialist, or nurse practitioner to stay connected to your care while Greenleaf provides focused medical cannabis assessment, treatment planning, education, and follow-up support. If medical cannabis is assessed as appropriate, a Greenleaf physician can authorize a medical cannabis prescription and provide a personalized treatment plan.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
As part of your conversation, you can ask your doctor, specialist, or nurse practitioner whether a referral to Greenleaf Medical Clinic may be appropriate.
Your healthcare provider can refer you directly to Greenleaf Medical Clinic for a medical cannabis assessment using our referral page:
https://greenleafmc.ca/refer-a-patient
To start the process of becoming a patient yourself:
https://greenleafmc.ca/start-now
