Medical marijuana has various proven benefits for treating minor to severe health problems. Now in the 21st century, this drug is being widely legalized in many countries, which is due to reputable scientific research proving its medical benefits. When you're prepared to obtain a medical cannabis prescription, here are the steps to take.
Review Your Insurance Plan
First, determine if your insurance plan covers medical cannabis prescriptions. The answer is no for people who live in states where medical marijuana is legalized. A doctor can prescribe cannabis as a treatment for a serious illness, but your insurance company does not have to cover this medication. The main reason is because cannabis is still considered to be an illegal drug that is not officially proven as a safe medication. Paying out of pocket for your treatment is the main solution until it is approved.
Find a Doctor
The first step is to find a licensed doctor by scheduling an in-person or virtual appointment. Obtaining a prescription through a doctor is the best way to know that you're getting a quality medication. The doctor will review your medical history, along with allergies and underlying health conditions, and determine if you can consume the medication without serious risks.
Be Honest and Accurate
Be honest when filling out the medical forms for your doctor. A form is approved only if the information is complete and accurate. Medical cannabis is relatively safe for everyone, but it could induce severe side effects in several people. The doctor also has to know that you're obtaining cannabis for a genuine medical condition and not wasting the physician or pharmacist's resources.
Visit the Pharmacy
Bring your prescription to the pharmacy to fill out for the first time. Take advantage of any discounts to save money on the purchase. Decide how and where you plan to refill your future prescriptions, which you can do in person, online, over the phone or through the mail. Find the nearest in-store pharmacy to your home or schedule a home delivery service every month or whenever you need medication.
Every patient must use medical cannabis that is accompanied with a doctor's prescription. A valid one is needed to ensure that the cannabis is safe and free of toxins that are common with illegally obtained drugs. To receive the greatest benefits from medical marijuana, it's important to learn the steps of filing a prescription legally.
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.