Let’s immediately address the elephant in the room: marijuana is a controversial substance which has been painted in an intensely negative

light by decades of moral condemnation, punitive legislation, and fear-mongering media coverage and public service announcements. For many patients, particularly those among the older generations, asking their doctor about medical marijuana just isn’t as easy as inquiring about the benefits of “normal” medications produced by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Speaking frankly, best-selling, name-brand prescription drugs are not scheduled substances: they simply don’t invoke the same attitudes and anxieties.It’s perfectly understandable if broaching the subject of medical Cannabis initially makes you feel uncomfortable — just keep reminding yourself that your health and well-being is what matters most.

Managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life absolutely takes precedence over your doctor’s personal feelings. If your doctor is scornful, judgmental, or dismissive of your questions about medical

Cannabis on any basis which is not purely medical, consider getting a second opinion from a physician who will respect your concerns and focus not on bias and belief, but on helping you feel better. That is, after all, any doctor’s job — not chastising patients for being proactive about their health.