A weed doctor is a physician who performs marijuana evaluations to determine whether patients should be allowed access to cannabis for medicinal purposes. Depending on the state in which they practice, a pot doc may also prescribe medical marijuana and help patients register with the medical cannabis program to obtain a registry ID card.
Can I bring my child into a dispensary in Florida?
The practice of weed doctors is controversial, with some physicians feeling that the position devalues their credentials and reduces their medical judgement. Those who accept the position are motivated by the belief that marijuana can be a valuable treatment option for certain conditions, and often take on a quasi-medical drug dealer role [1].
The most common use of marijuana as medicine is pain relief. It is less dangerous than opioids and has been proven to be more effective at relieving chronic aches and pains. It can also relieve nausea and stimulate appetite in cancer patients, as well as those suffering from AIDS or anorexia.
Many states allow physicians to prescribe marijuana for a wide range of ailments. In addition to pain, the drug has been used successfully in reducing vomiting and glaucoma, treating muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis, and reducing the side effects of chemotherapy. Despite this, the drug remains federally illegal, and most health insurance providers will not cover it.
The Figis’ daughter, Charlotte, suffered from severe seizures that threatened her life and left her with permanent brain damage. Her parents contacted hundreds of doctors who refused to recommend cannabis because of their opinions on the plant’s efficacy or their fear of violating federal law. It was only after they found two physicians who were willing to administer their child with a cannabis oil that Charlotte’s seizures stopped.