Can medical cannabis help you or a loved one?

Understandably, you may feel anxious to talk about medical marijuana with your family. Here’s how to help the conversation go smoothly and how to decide if cannabis is right for you.

The Texas Department of Public Safety estimates that there could be 100,000 more Texans using legal medical marijuana in the next two years. Many conditions qualify under the Compassionate Use Act including cancer, neuropathy and PTSD. It’s likely that millions of Texans are eligible, and the odds are that you or someone you know may greatly benefit from medical cannabis.

Unfortunately, despite the growing body of research supporting the medicinal benefits of cannabis, many Texans hold negative preconceptions about marijuana or are reluctant to discuss this option with their physicians. Knowing these myths and how to talk to your loved ones about cannabis can help mitigate some concerns and clear up confusion.

Here are some tips that can help you learn and become more confident when speaking with family about medical cannabis.

How can medical cannabis help?

Medical cannabis is used as a therapeutic agent to treat symptoms of a number of conditions. In Texas, over 200 medical conditions currently qualify.

Results from a recent study showed that over 60% of people who utilize medical cannabis do so to manage their pain. Other studies researched how many patients were able to stop or reduce their dependence on over the counter and opioid pain medications once they started using medical cannabis. These studies revealed that nearly 82% of patients found medical marijuana very helpful for pain management and 86% of participants stated that it significantly reduced their use of OTC opioid pain relievers.

Studies have also indicated that cannabis can help treat vomiting, nausea, inflammation, along with reducing the frequency of seizures. Medical cannabis may also help with mental and behavioral changes as a result from qualifying conditions, including fatigue, depression and anxiety.

How to talk with your loved ones about medical marijuana

Take some time to listen to their concerns and fears so you know how to direct the discussion. Some of the most common myths or misunderstandings are:

• Medical marijuana doesn’t actually help.
• It’s impossible to know what’s in it. It could be laced with something else.
• Marijuana is an illegal drug.

All of these are myths, but by listening to their reservations upfront when talking to your family about cannabis, you will be more likely to find they have open minds to your response.

Avoid guilt-tripping statements such as “Nothing else has worked for you, so why don’t you try this?” This often causes family members to feel defensive or ashamed of their conditions.

Emphasize that you love them, you want to help, and that their treatment is ultimately their choice. A medical marijuana doctor may just give them a new option to consider.

How to get a medical cannabis prescription in Texas?

A frequent misconception about the Texas medical cannabis program revolves around its legality and restrictions. It's actually very quick and easy to get started.

In order to purchase legal medical cannabis in Texas :

• The patient must be a Texas resident.
• The patient must have a qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card in Texas, with proof of diagnosis.
• The patient must have a prescription from a physician who is state-approved and registered to prescribe medical marijuana.

If a patient’s current physician is not registered, they may provide a reference for a provider who is. Alternatively, Texans can quickly and easily confirm their eligibility and schedule an appointment online with a board-certified, CURT-registered physician with Texas 420 Doctors.

Finding the right mmj doctor 

Texas 420 doctors look beyond just prescriptions. We walk you through every step of the process to access safe, legal cannabis under the Texas Compassionate Use Act. All of your appointments are conducted securely and virtually from the privacy of your own home.

At Texas 420 Doctors, the mission has always been simple—informing and providing eligible Texans with trusted board certified physicians, resources and expert patient care coordinators.

By creating a private, safe avenue for acquiring medical cannabis and offering the guidance of experienced physicians, Texas 420 Doctors has brought about real change.

If you’d like more information or you wish to speak with one of our experts at Texas 420 Doctors, get in touch with the team to begin your journey to wellness today.

Learn more about medical cannabis in Texas from Texas 420 Doctors.