If you’re considering medical marijuana as an addition to your treatment plan, you may have questions. The team of healing specialists are ready to answer any questions you have. To get you started, here are some common questions a patient might have about medical marijuana:
—
QUESTION: What conditions can medical marijuana help with?
ANSWER: Medical marijuana is often used to help with chronic pain, nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, muscle spasms and spasticity in multiple sclerosis, and symptoms in conditions like epilepsy, PTSD, and Crohn’s disease. Your medical marijuana doctor can tell you if your condition is one of the many that may be helped with medical marijuana.
—
QUESTION: How do I know if I’m eligible for medical marijuana?
ANSWER: Eligibility depends on the laws in your state. Generally, you need to have a qualifying medical condition and get a recommendation from a certified healthcare provider. In Louisiana, you’ll need to speak with a state-licensed physician who will then provide your recommendations to the medical marijuana pharmacy of your choice. Your medical marijuana doctor can qualify any medical condition that he feels MMJ might help.
—
QUESTION: What are the different ways to use medical marijuana?
ANSWER: There are several methods, including smoking, vaping, edibles, tinctures, oils, and topical applications. Each method has different onset times and effects. Available methods may also be impacted by state laws and product availability. Check with your medical marijuana doctor or pharmacist, or browse products online to find your preference.
—
QUESTION: Are there any side effects I should be aware of?
ANSWER: Potential side effects can include dizziness, dry mouth, altered mental state, fatigue, and changes in appetite. It’s important to start with a low dose and gradually increase to find what works best for you. Medical marijuana can have side effects, but they don’t result in long-term damage (like some prescription drugs) and can often go away when dosage is adjusted.
—
QUESTION: How do I get a medical marijuana card?
ANSWER: The process varies by state, but typically involves a consultation with a licensed doctor who can verify your condition and then submitting an application to the state’s medical marijuana program. Since there is no medical marijuana card in Louisiana, your recommendations will be sent by The Healing Clinics directly to the medical marijuana pharmacy of your choice. You can pick out your products online or go in for a consultation with the pharmacist to get help choosing your products. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get your medical marijuana recommendations in Louisiana.
—
QUESTION: Can I use medical marijuana while taking other medications?
ANSWER: It depends on the medications you are taking. Marijuana can interact with certain drugs, so it’s crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
—
QUESTION: Is medical marijuana covered by insurance?
ANSWER: Currently, most insurance companies do not cover medical marijuana, so it is usually an out-of-pocket expense.
—
QUESTION: How should I store my medical marijuana?
ANSWER: Store it in a cool, dark place, out of reach of children and pets. It’s best to keep it in its original packaging to ensure proper identification and usage. Here’s more information on that.
—
QUESTION: What should I do if I have an adverse reaction?
ANSWER: If you experience any severe side effects, stop using it and contact your healthcare provider immediately. If it’s an emergency, seek medical attention right away.
—
QUESTION: Can I travel with medical marijuana?
ANSWER: Traveling with medical marijuana can be tricky due to varying state and federal laws. Generally, it’s safest not to travel with it, especially across state lines. If you’re traveling out of state and would like to know more about reciprocity and states that offer visiting patients passes, click here.
—
QUESTION: Thanks for answering my questions. This has been very helpful.
ANSWER: You’re welcome! If you have any more questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to ask.