Medical cannabis isn't a typical prescription—it requires a personalised approach for each patient's specific needs, symptoms and experience. With hundreds of strains and forms available, medical cannabis offers different benefits and possible side effects that vary from product to product and person to person.
As a result, medical cannabis treatment plans can require ongoing assessment and adjustment, considering your response to the medication, side-effects and new research and available products.
That’s why regular follow-up consultations with your doctor are so important. These check-ins give you an opportunity to ask questions, make changes to your prescription and ensure you’re getting the most out of your treatment plan.
Let's look at why these follow-up appointments are such an important part of your medical cannabis journey.
Personalising Your Treatment
Medical cannabis differs from traditional medications because of how much its effects can vary based on both the type of cannabis prescribed, the condition in question and individual physiology.
For instance, some might find relief with CBD, while others will need a THC product to improve their symptoms. Some will benefit from a slow-release oil, while others will get more out of a vape cart, an edible, vaporising flower or some combination of the above. And then there are terpenes, cannabinoid balances, indica/sativa splits and more.
Finding the right balance is key to a successful treatment, and with so many options available guidance from your prescribing doctor is essential. Follow-up visits allow for adjustments to your prescription and dosage schedule based on your experiences, ensuring the treatment matches your needs.
To get the most out of your follow-up, it can be handy to keep a journal of your experiences so that you have a record of what worked and what didn’t. That way you’ll be ready to go when you get to your appointment.
Reducing Side Effects
A follow-up consultation is a great opportunity to ensure your doctor is aware of what’s working for you and what isn’t when it comes to side effects: is the treatment working as intended? Are there any unwanted side-effects?
Though medical cannabis has many benefits, it can also have side effects like dry mouth, dizziness or sensory impairment. In follow-up consultations, your doctor can address these effects and change your treatment plan if needed.
While there’s a widespread myth that medical cannabis always results in a “high”, adjustments to your dosage schedule can help ensure you don’t feel adversely affected by your treatment. By staying in regular contact with your doctor, you not only reduce risks but also help you feel supported and safe.
Accessing New Treatment Options
Since its legalisation in Australia in 2016, the medical cannabis industry has evolved and expanded, resulting in promising new research and a wider range of products. For example, edible medical cannabis products have recently become widely accessible across the country, potentially offering a better treatment option for patients with mobility issues and arthritis, or those seeking an alternative to inhalation methods.
This is why it's crucial to have regular check-ins with your doctor. These follow-up consultations help you stay informed about the latest developments and shifts in medical cannabis practice, ensuring your treatment is both effective and aligned with your specific needs and preferences.
Your treatment is as unique as you are. That’s why keeping in touch with your healthcare provider through follow-up consultations is so important. They help tailor your treatment to your needs, manage side effects, and keep you up-to-date with the newest in medical cannabis care, to ensure you receive the most effective and comfortable treatment.
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