If you live in a state where cannabis is legal for medical purposes, then perhaps you're interested in trying it to treat or manage an ongoing disease or health condition. The first step in this process is to see a doctor and obtain a prescription for medical cannabis, which will allow you access to dispensaries where you can purchase your medicine. The process of seeing a doctor about medical cannabis is often far easier and smoother than patients imagine it will be. With that being said, however, there are a few tips to follow during this part of your cannabis journey. 

Call and ask whether your regular doctor prescribes cannabis.

Even in states where cannabis is widely used, not every medical doctor prescribes it. Some doctors don't feel they know enough about it to prescribe it to their patients. So, to avoid being told "no" when you see your regular doctor about medical cannabis, call their office and ask whether they prescribe it. If your ordinary doctor does not prescribe cannabis, there are plenty of specialty doctors who can see you, evaluate your needs, and issue you a prescription if you do, indeed, qualify.

Be thorough in your description of what ails you.

Each state that has medical cannabis has somewhat different illnesses and ailments for which they will prescribe it. And the distinctions can be tricky. For example, your state may allow cannabis to be prescribed for chronic pain, but not for autoimmune conditions. So, if you simply tell the doctor you want cannabis to manage your lupus, you might be told you don't qualify. However, if you were to tell them you want cannabis to manage the chronic joint pain that results from your lupus, you may qualify. As you talk to the doctor about why you want to try cannabis, make sure you are thorough in your descriptions of both your disease and its symptoms. Doctors generally do their best to describe conditions in a way that qualifies you, but they do have guidelines they must adhere to.

Ask for strain and product recommendations.

Most cannabis doctors will simply write you a prescription if you qualify, and then send you on your way. However, it's helpful to linger a moment and ask them some questions after you receive your prescription. Ask if they have any strains they specifically recommend for conditions like yours. Also ask if they recommend a specific delivery method, such as edibles or vaping. You can get this type of guidance from a budtender at the dispensary, too, but it's nice to also have the doctor's opinion.

Seeking a prescription for medical cannabis is the best way to make sure you get your medicine from a trusted, reliable source. Follow the tips above, and you'll be well on your way. Contact a company like Texas Medical Marijuana Doctors to get started.