You’ve been hearing about cannabis and CBD. You’re wondering if it’s something that could help you? You’d like to discuss it with your physician or other healthcare provider. Should you? What will they think? Before you make that big move, there are a few things you should think about first.
Let’s start with physicians. They’re people, too. Most mean well. There may be a few who went into medicine for the money and lifestyle. Others may have gone into medicine because they come from a long line of physicians and that’s just what they do in their family. However, the overwhelming majority of physicians actually care about people and want to be of service.
Unfortunately, most physicians are taught in medical school that cannabis is a drug like heroin and cocaine. Some believe our government’s propaganda about the evil of cannabis. In addition, physicians come into medicine with their own personal baggage. Someone in their family may have been addicted to drugs, been in and out of rehab or died. Some may have family members whose lives were destroyed by the war on drugs or may have been incarcerated. Lastly, most mainstream medical organizations discourage the use of cannabis, therefore, physicians may be concerned about any liability that may arise from a patient’s use.
Where do you start the conversation? You begin by educating yourself about cannabis, CBD and whether they can help your particular condition. Be prepared for it is likely you will know more than your physician on this subject. If you think that your condition can be helped by using cannabis or CBD, just simply ask your healthcare provider, “How do you feel about medical cannabis or CBD?” It’s better to ask at the beginning of the visit versus when your provider has their hand on the door knob exiting the exam room. Consider a consultation for your condition separate from your wellness exam so you both have time to give the subject the consideration it needs.
A word of caution for pregnant women, especially women of color. Before even asking your physician about cannabis, know your state's laws regarding substance abuse during pregnancy. Pregnancy is becoming the new “ground zero” for the war on drugs. While a white pregnant woman might get a scolding about her use of cannabis, women of color are reported to Child Protection Services much more readily.
In a perfect world, you should be able to be transparent with your physician. There is such a thing as drug to herb interactions. Ideally, your provider should know every medication, supplement and herb you are consuming. They will be better able to safely wean you off your medications as you become healthier, if they know what you’re using. This is especially true if you’re about to have under general anesthesia. Be sure to let the anesthesiologist know what you’ve been using because it may affect what and the amount of medication needed to keep you safe.
In an ideal world, you would be able to tell your physician anything. However, our world is not perfect. Racism and implicit bias are present in our healthcare system and providers. Your relationship with your physician should be comfortable and collaborative. There should be mutual respect. It’s important to have a physician who shares your values and priorities regarding your health.
Once you broach the subject of cannabis or CBD, you will know if you want to stay in the therapeutic relationship, or not. You may have been going to this person for years and I feel very comfortable with them and don’t want to throw the relationship away. In that case, consider adding an additional physician to your team who is knowledgeable about cannabis and CBD. You could consult them via telemedicine or locally. Thankfully, more and more physicians are embracing cannabis as medicine, especially the younger ones.
If it makes sense in your particular situation, please do share with your physician or other healthcare provider that cannabis or CBD is helping you. The more healthcare providers hear that this amazing plant is making a difference in their patients’ lives, the more they may be inspired to learn more. Please do your part in educating one physician at a time.
Dr. Dawson is a medical cannabis advocate, educator, speaker and consultant. She has dual board certification in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as integrative (holistic) medicine. She offers online educational consultations regarding medical cannabis, CBD and holistic gynecology.