As Massachusetts addresses the question of legalizing recreational marijuana on November 8th, medical professionals are concerned about an aspect of legalized pot that is rarely discussed.
While many adults view marijuana as an innocuous recreational alternative to alcohol, there is another adult demographic that will be impacted by legal and easy-to-obtain marijuana.
Many people who suffer from a variety of medical conditions have been frustrated by treatment options for pain, nausea and other chronic ailments. In many cases, more traditional medications do not provide relief, and opioid-based pain relief has been shown to be dangerously addictive. In states which have enacted legal medical marijuana measures, people undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from chronic pain and a variety of conditions can look to medical marijuana as an alternative source of relief. However, there are strict guidelines to obtaining medical marijuana.
The patient needs to be evaluated by a physician as part of the process.
The physician, so Dr. Kapell at our office in West Springfield Massachusetts or via Telehealth, evaluates the patient’s condition, and determines if marijuana is likely to be a good treatment for their specific situation. The physician will examine the patient, prescribe medical marijuana card if indicated, and then will continue to monitor the patient as they begin their treatment. The physician is required to continue to see and monitor the patient over time, ensuring that the treatment is helpful in alleviating symptoms. In Massachusetts, the physical who evualtes if the patient qualifies for a medical marijuana card continues consulting with the patient during treatment, reviewing optimal doses and strains to address their specific needs.
Research has shown that marijuana can be used effectively to help a variety of conditions, but self-medicating is never the best choice. Under a doctor’s care and guidance, medical marijuana can help many patients, but without such expert supervision, marijuana could be nothing more than an expensive diversion from appropriate treatment. That is why at our office, Medical Marijuana Certification Lydia Kapell MD, we make sure to do individual education and work with you, the patient, one on one, to come up with the right treatment plan for you!
Regardless of if you come into Dr. Kapell's office, in West Springfield, or you have your appointment virtually, you still get the same quality of care.
