If you’re considering exploring medical marijuana as a treatment option, your first appointment might feel a bit overwhelming. But fear not! Getting your care from me, Jordan Tishler MD, at inhaleMD is easy and friendly.
I’ve been focused solely on cannabinoid medicine for over 12 years now. I come from a patient-centric, academic background and continue to work at Mass General Brigham Hospital and Harvard Medical School. In addition, I run an international non-profit that works to educate clinicians and policymakers about medical cannabis use called the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists (you can read more at www.cannaspecialists.org). I continue to do research on cannabinoid medicine and, in particular, on the use of cannabis for human sexual issues.
Understanding what to expect at our visit can ease your nerves and help you make the most out of your appointment. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens during your first medical marijuana appointment.
Understanding the Purpose
It’s essential to understand that the first purpose of your medical marijuana appointment is to assess your medical condition(s) and determine whether medical marijuana is a suitable treatment for you.
While cannabis is prescribed for various conditions, including chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety and depression, and nausea and vomiting, among others, it is not a cure-all and does pose some risk. It is not a medication for everyone. Best benefit and least risk are achieved with a carefully crafted treatment plan and close follow-up care.
Preparing for Your Medical Marijuana Appointment
Before your medical marijuana appointment, make sure you provide us with all the relevant medical records and documentation related to your condition. This includes any diagnoses, treatment history, and medications you’re currently taking.
Being organized and prepared ensures that I have all the necessary information to make properly informed medical decisions with you. In many instances, we may be able to get these records for you. Our intake questionnaire will help us determine if we can do this or need you to.
The Consultation Process
During your initial medical marijuana appointment, we will meet for an hour. It often takes that long to cover all the bases and make sure all of your questions are answered. We will begin with a discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, and any previous treatments you’ve tried. We will determine what are your reasonable goals of care.
Be prepared to provide detailed information about your conditions, including how it affects your daily life and any specific symptoms you experience. Honesty is key during this discussion, so don’t hesitate to share any concerns or questions you may have.
Education and Information
After we understand your goals of care and determine that cannabis is a safe and reasonable option for you, we will spend the majority of our time together discussing the things you need to know.
This will include what benefits you can and cannot expect, the risks associated with the treatment and how best to avoid them, how medical marijuana works, different consumption methods, and potential side effects.
Unfortunately, we will also spend a good deal of time discussing how the medical cannabis system is different from the conventional pharmacy system that we’re all used to, and how this system can lead to complications or bad outcomes of your care. While we shouldn’t have to spend time on this, we do, and that’s the nature of cannabis care at present.
This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and seek clarification on any aspects of medical marijuana that you’re unsure of. I am here to help you make informed decisions about your health.
Developing a Treatment Plan
During our discussion, I will develop a personalized treatment plan for you and explain in detail the reasons for this plan. This will outline the specific type of medical marijuana product(s) recommended, dosage instructions, and any other relevant details.
At the end of our discussion you should not only know what and how to do it, but why I’ve made these recommendations. We may also discuss alternative treatment options or complementary therapies that can enhance the effectiveness of your treatment.
Follow-Up and Monitoring
After your initial medical marijuana appointment, it’s important to stay in touch with me and follow up as needed. I will monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, and provide ongoing support and guidance.
To facilitate this close contact, the practice uses an annual subscription model so that additional contact via email, phone, or appointments doesn’t cost you extra. I want you to reach out without hesitation to ask whatever is on your mind so that we can ensure your good treatment. I provide my direct email address to all of my patients for this purpose.
During follow-up appointments, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss any changes in your symptoms, experiences with medical cannabis, or concerns you may have. This collaborative approach ensures that you receive the best possible care and support throughout your treatment journey.
Connect with Me
Attending your first medical marijuana appointment with me can feel like a big step, but it’s an important milestone in managing your health and well-being.
Remember, I’m here to support you every step of the way and ensure that you receive the care and treatment you need. So don’t hesitate to ask questions, share your concerns, and actively participate in the decision-making process.
Medical cannabis has the potential to offer relief and improve your quality of life, and your first appointment with me is the first step towards attaining those benefits.
Consult with a Qualified Boston Medical Marijuana Expert Today
Those considering using THC, CBD, or any type of medicine found in cannabis to help manage their condition should consider speaking to a trained medical expert who is knowledgeable about using cannabis therapeutically. Massachusetts medical marijuana doctor Jordan Tishler, M.D. sits on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and has years of experience helping patients treat pain and other ailments using cannabis. He and the team at InhaleMD stand ready to assist patients in determining whether medical marijuana is right for them.
For more information, or to set up a virtual consultation with the team at InhaleMD, call us at (617) 477-8886 today.