Some folks who got their medical card are wondering if they still need their traditional medications from the pharmacy. Once you make the move to get your medical card, it may be tempting to curb the big-pharma drugs, but you should make it a very calculated decision.
Whether medical card holders should replace traditional medications with cannabis depends on several factors. In today’s blog post we will explore these factors to help you with your wellness journey and its many forks in the river.
Factors For Deciding To Continue With Traditional Medications
As stated above, the choice to discontinue use of traditional medication with a medical marijuana substitute should not be made on a whim. At Canna Doctors of America your health is our top priority, so we recommend making it a very well thought out decision before making any radical changes to your treatments. Whether medical card holders should replace traditional medications with cannabis depends on several factors. Below are what we suggest you consider before making any hasty choices with your medication.
Medical Conditions: The appropriateness of using cannabis as a substitute depends on the specific medical condition. Cannabis has shown efficacy in managing pain, nausea, certain neurological disorders, and a world of other qualifying conditions, but its effectiveness varies depending on the ailment and the patient’s individual situation.
Doctor’s Recommendation: It’s crucial for you to consult with your primary care physician and any specialists you’re seeing for your condition before discontinuing the use of your traditional meds. Doctors can provide personalized advice based on your medical history, current medications, dosages, and the latest research on cannabis for your ailment.
Risk vs. Benefit: Like any medication, cannabis has potential side effects and interactions with other drugs. It’s essential to weigh these risks against the potential benefits before making a decision. Although the side effects of medical marijuana are dramatically less serious than those of pharmaceuticals, this needs to be taken into account for your unique needs.
Individual Response: People react differently to cannabis. Some may find it effective and have the most benefits of any treatment option, while others may not experience the same benefits or may have adverse reactions. It’s definitely important to assess your body’s response, as we are all very unique. It’s possible you don’t have adverse reactions to marijuana, but for your condition and the current state you’re in, making the switch just doesn’t make sense. In cases like this you should just ease into adding medical cannabis to your routine, not substitute it for other medications.
In conclusion, medical card holders should approach cannabis as they would any other medication: with informed consent, guidance from healthcare providers, and consideration of individual health needs and circumstances. It can be a valuable addition to treatment plans but should not necessarily replace all traditional medications without careful consideration and professional advice.