Asking GI Doctor for Medical Marijuana

[buddhalove]

I have never been a marijuana smoker, but my boyfriend smokes and I smoke with him about 2-3 times a week, not a lot...maybe 4-5 hits. I have noticed a huge improvement in my symptoms when smoking; less nausea, better appetite and no pain.

I live in Massachusetts where medical marijuana has been approved for patient's with debilitating illnesses, Crohn's is on that list.

I am thinking about asking my GI doctor about this, but I have to admit I am a little nervous to ask. Has anyone asked their GI doctor for medical marijuana? Did they try to talk you out of it, was it difficult to get a prescription?

 

[FrancisK7]

Hey buddhalove!

Asking your doctor for a prescription can indeed be stressful. It shouldn't be of course, but since cannabis carries such huge stigmas against it, sometimes the medical personnel can react very negatively, and we fear being judged.

Fortunately for you, you live in a state where medical marijuana has been approved. This doesn't guarantee your GI will be open to prescribing it. As you may know, cannabis is still illegal under federal law, so some doctors fear for their license and prefer not to prescribe it at all.

First, in the initial conversation, I would not mention your boyfriend's recreational use. The doctor may think you were pressured by him to ask a prescription so you may buy some for him.

You can open up the conversation by telling him you'd like to discuss something that makes you nervous but that you think is important. Tell him you've tried marijuana in the past to relieve your symptoms (pain and nausea) and that it has enhanced your quality of life when you used it. Tell him you read about the new legislation, and ask him if he'd be open to prescribe it to you so you could get access to dispensaries so you may buy in safety (and a selection more appropriate to your medical needs).

The doctor may not be open at all about it, or he may be. Some people have posted stories here. Some doctors were supportive but preferred to use a code word to discuss the subject matter, some were happy to prescribe if they knew the patient was educated and informed, others would not budge.

In any case, what's the worse that will happen? He'll say no, or say he's uncomfortable with this treatment, and that will be the end of it. You have very little to lose by asking, if anything at all.

 

[Ya noy]

Unfortunately, there are very few doctors in the US who will write a prescription for cannibas, because even if it is legal in your state, it is still a violation of federal law. Federal laws trumps state laws, and there is some legitimate cause for concern about the potential for future legal ramifications a doctor who writes this type of prescription might incur.

There are some doctors who will prescribe cannibas regardless, and your chances of obtaining a prescription from one of them are far better, than seeking it from your regular physician.

It doesn't hurt to ask, but don't be surprised if your doctor will not do so. With a little research though, you should be able to find another doctor who will.

 

[robinmwood]

I have a great relationship with my GI and we have tried a lot of non-traditional medications for my Crohn's over the years. So I didn't feel so uncomfortable about asking her, but she's a part of a large HMO and I didn't know their policy on MJ. Since I know all of our e-mail communications are open to all of the other doctors in the system, I discussed this with her over the phone. She had no problem writing a letter for me, although she doesn't know if it will help since she's read many 'mixed' reviews on Crohn's and MJ.

The harder thing that I am having trouble with is actually getting the card. From the research that I have done I have to go to the County and get a card and pay some fees. I'm not sure that I want it on the County books that I have the medical MJ card. I get a bit concerned about that professionally. I need to do more research, I certainly don't want it to become a part of public records.

Good luck!

Robin

 

[Cordillia16]

Good luck. I hope your GI listens to you legitimate concerns and reasoning. Sometimes they can be very close minded and marjuana has a stereotype that is hard to break though

 

[kmole]

I would log your use and how your symptoms are. I use a small journal and every night write down what I used to help, such as marijuana, and then write down my symptoms for the day. This would show your doctor that there is a correlation in relief of symptoms and marijuana use. It could help convince him/her.

 

[mish2575]

I have never been a marijuana smoker, but my boyfriend smokes and I smoke with him about 2-3 times a week, not a lot...maybe 4-5 hits. I have noticed a huge improvement in my symptoms when smoking; less nausea, better appetite and no pain.

I live in Massachusetts where medical marijuana has been approved for patient's with debilitating illnesses, Crohn's is on that list.

I am thinking about asking my GI doctor about this, but I have to admit I am a little nervous to ask. Has anyone asked their GI doctor for medical marijuana? Did they try to talk you out of it, was it difficult to get a prescription?

I'm in the same boat (except that I have been a regular smoker for many years) but i'm in MA too and will ask my Dr. during my appt on Tuesday. I had mentioned it to her before and she told me that she already prescribed the pill form to many of her patients (i spoke with her at the end of last year so she may have prescribed plant form by now), so I'm hopeful. I will mention that it keeps my stress at bay - which is a big trigger for my flares and that it helps with the pain from both my crohn's flares and HS but the HS is not uder her juristiction and I have mild crohn's so I'm still nervous she'll decline. But it cant hurt to ask, especially knowing how she feels positively about the drug.

My doctor is out of BIDMC, where is yours located?

 

[mish2575]

I went to my GI appt today. I told her I was using Marijuana for my pain and she nodded understandingly but when I asked her if she's prescribed it yet she said she is not allowed to by the state yet. She has been in weekly contact with her lawyer about it. Her license does not cover it and she has no idea when it will be straightened out. She also said that of all her patients she's only heard of one actual dispensary being openned so far (MM law went into effect on Jan 1) - possibly in Newton or Needham.

Buddhalove, please let me know if you find out any more info.

 

[nikki89]

YO i'm from Massachusetts too! The 508! I asked my GI about it and she said that she would recommend it for me except that her company doesn't allow it. She's through Reliant and UMass is the same way. I think your best bet is to find a private doctor. When I asked for it I told her that it makes a world of a difference with my appetite and that I probably wouldn't eat at all unless I had it. Also I said it helps me to sleep through the night and eases the stress and anxiety that can aggravate Crohn's. If you find a doctor that will prescribe it please let me know.

 

[mish2575]

Wicked pissah!

 

[Poop2Much]

I am curious whether states such as Mass, where MM is now legal, require a prescription or simply a diagnosis from a doctor that would place the patient in category that would qualify them to acquire MM from a dispensary. If that's the case, then the doctor should have no problem providing you with a written diagnosis (presumably, the GI's file would have all tests to support the Dx). The issue then becomes whether or not you want to appear on a list of people that have acquired a MM card - i.e. Robinmwood - given concerns about your employment or the larger issue: the conflict between state and Federal law on the issue of MM.

Maryland is considering a law that will legalize MM, but only for research purposes by accredited medical establishments. They will provide MM to patients taking part in various studies. I'll simply enjoy my twice annual trips tp Colorado to sample the legal MJ there and decide if any of it helps.