By Dr. Joseph Rosado, MD, MBA, DC | Rosado Advisory
Medical cannabis has evidence supporting certain uses, but its potential benefits and risks vary depending on the condition, product, dose, medications and individual patient. If your doctor avoids the subject, asking specific questions about evidence, interactions, risks and their own cannabis training can help turn silence into an informed clinical conversation.
Picture this: you’ve been living with chronic pain, muscle spasms, or chemotherapy-induced nausea for months. Someone you trust mentions medical cannabis. You decide to ask your doctor—and notice how the conversation changes.
They don’t say yes. They don’t explain why not, either. They simply avoid the subject.
You’re not alone. Many patients encounter healthcare professionals who don’t feel prepared to talk about cannabinoids, even when medical cannabis is already legal or regulated where they live.
Your doctor’s silence does not necessarily mean cannabis is appropriate for you. But it doesn’t constitute a clinical assessment, either.
Why Do Some Doctors Avoid the Conversation?
There are several reasons.
The first is a lack of training. For decades, the endocannabinoid system and the clinical use of cannabinoids received little attention in medical education. Studies involving physicians and healthcare professionals in training have identified significant gaps in knowledge and confidence when it comes to advising patients.
That doesn’t make your doctor negligent. It means they were likely trained within a system that did not prepare them to answer these questions.
The second reason is legal complexity. Regulations vary across countries, states, and provinces. A doctor may fear violating regulations, exposing themselves to professional liability, or making a recommendation outside the scope of their license. That caution may be understandable, but it should be communicated clearly.
The third is stigma. After decades of prohibition, some people …
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Author: High Times Contributors / High Times
