Medical cannabis has been decriminalized in more than three dozen states. It is even okay in highly conservative Utah, a state many thought would be among the last to give cannabis the green light. As medical cannabis use has spread across the country, the total number of legally recognized patients has grown. To me, that’s reason for caution.
Millions of medical cannabis patients have access to what is still a Schedule I controlled substance. Even if the federal government follows through on its promise to reschedule cannabis by the end of the year, it will only fall to Schedule III. That will not make cannabis legal for recreational consumption across the land.
I say all that to say this: cannabis should not be used recklessly or with abandon. It should be approached with caution, especially among those who use it medically. Being cautious includes speaking regularly with four key people:
1. Their Doctors
In every state with a medical cannabis program, cannabis is considered an appropriate medication for a limited number of qualifying conditions. Lawmakers trust doctors to make and confirm diagnoses. Ultimately, doctors decide whether or not a patient qualifies for medical cannabis.
That’s neither wrong nor unusual. Doctors also decide whether a person should use a prescription antibiotic. The same goes for sleeping pills, blood pressure medication, and even prescription pain pills. Why should it be any different from medical cannabis?
Given their position, doctors should be consulted on a regular basis. They are the most qualified to determine whether cannabis continues to be an appropriate treatment. In states where nurse practitioners and physician assistants can practice primary care, they can fill the same role.
2. Their Pharmacists
Medical cannabis products are normally dispensed by pharmacists with additional training in cannabis. They work in licensed medical cannabis pharmacies alongside technicians and support staff. Their contribution is to advise patients on purchase choices, dosage and delivery method, and potential drug interactions.
The operators of the Zion Medicinal medical cannabis pharmacy in Cedar City, UT explain that state law requires them to have a pharmacist on-site whenever their doors are open. This is good for patients in that they always have access to expert advice. They can get answers from a highly qualified medical professional who knows more about the human endocannabinoid system than doctors and nurses.
3. Pharmacy Technicians
Where doctors are the experts in medical diagnosis and pharmacists are the experts in drug use, pharmacy technicians are the best source of knowledge about cannabis brands, cannabinoid and terpene profiles, and delivery methods.
Medical cannabis patients should routinely speak with pharmacy techs about the practical aspects of using the products they buy. Just like a team member at the hardware store has valuable information to offer about tools and lumber, the pharmacy tech can be an invaluable resource for medical cannabis information.
4. Themselves
Last but not least, medical cannabis patients should routinely talk to themselves about their health and wellness. Patients need to be honest with themselves about whether cannabis is helping. They also need to continually evaluate whether there are better treatments. Even lifestyle changes should be on the table.
Mounting evidence continues to show that cannabis does have appropriate medical applications. But as we approach the very real possibility of marijuana rescheduling, I am more inclined than ever before to use caution when it comes to medical cannabis. I have a challenging time believing it is as harmless as I have heard. That is why I believe that talking to the right people is a good move.