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As cannabis becomes more widely accepted and used across Canada, more people are considering it as part of their wellness or medical routine. But even though you can walk into a store and legally buy cannabis, that doesn’t mean you should skip the conversation with your doctor - especially if you’re consuming it to manage health issues like chronic pain, anxiety, or sleep problems.
Starting that conversation might feel awkward. Maybe you’re worried your doctor will judge you, or maybe you’re not sure how cannabis fits in with your current medications. But here’s the good news: more healthcare providers are open to talking about cannabis than ever before and having an open, informed discussion can make a big difference for your health.
Starting that conversation might feel awkward. Maybe you’re worried your doctor will judge you, or maybe you’re not sure how cannabis fits in with your current medications. But here’s the good news: more healthcare providers are open to talking about cannabis than ever before and having an open, informed discussion can make a big difference for your health.
Why It’s Important to Talk to Your Doctor
Cannabis is legal, but that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. THC and CBD can interact with prescription medications, impact underlying conditions, or cause unwanted side effects depending on how and why you use them. That’s why it’s important to involve your doctor in the conversation.
Studies have shown that patients who discuss cannabis with their healthcare provider feel more confident using it safely and are more likely to monitor their dosage and consumption methods carefully (CCSMH, 2022).
A 2024 cross-sectional survey of adults aged 65+ found that 76% considered cannabis a highly important treatment, and 42% believed they were knowledgeable about it. While over 80% reported being comfortable discussing cannabis with healthcare providers, most noted that providers rarely initiated these conversations (Kleidon et al., 2024).
Studies have shown that patients who discuss cannabis with their healthcare provider feel more confident using it safely and are more likely to monitor their dosage and consumption methods carefully (CCSMH, 2022).
A 2024 cross-sectional survey of adults aged 65+ found that 76% considered cannabis a highly important treatment, and 42% believed they were knowledgeable about it. While over 80% reported being comfortable discussing cannabis with healthcare providers, most noted that providers rarely initiated these conversations (Kleidon et al., 2024).
The same study highlighted concerns around drug interactions, falls, and cognitive effects, reinforcing the need for accurate, evidence-based guidance from medical professionals.
How to Prepare for the Conversation
Before your appointment, take a few steps to set yourself up for success:
- Know your goals: Are you hoping to use cannabis for sleep? Pain? Anxiety? Be clear about what you’re trying to treat.
- Track past experiences: If you’ve used cannabis before, write down what you took, how much, how it made you feel, and any side effects.
- Bring a full list of medications: Cannabis can interact with other drugs. Your doctor will need to know what else you’re taking.
- Do some light reading: Learn about the basics: THC vs. CBD, edibles vs. oils, potential side effects, etc. That way you can ask informed questions.
Not sure where to start? Check out the Learn with JADEO blog—we break down cannabis topics in plain language, so you can feel confident heading into your appointment.
How to Start the Conversation
What If Your Doctor Pushes Back?
Not all doctors are equally comfortable discussing cannabis. Some might lack training in cannabis-based care, while others may hold personal views that affect their openness. If you feel dismissed, here are a few things you can do:
- Provide reputable sources: Print out information from trusted organizations like the Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) or the CCSMH to share with your provider.
- Ask for a referral: You can request to see a specialist or clinic that is more familiar with medical cannabis.
- Seek a second opinion: It’s your health—and you have the right to care that aligns with your needs. Visit Starseed.com to book an appointment with a knowledgeable healthcare provider who specializes in medical cannabis and can help you explore your options with confidence.
According to a 2024 study in the Canadian Journal of Cannabis Research, patients who felt heard and respected during cannabis discussions were significantly more likely to follow up with responsible use habits (Tandfonline, 2024).
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
The stigma around cannabis is slowly fading, but for older adults, newcomers to medical cannabis, or people working in safety-sensitive jobs, having a doctor in the loop is essential. Whether you're managing chronic pain, trying to reduce your reliance on opioids, or looking for a safer sleep aid, cannabis should be treated like any other part of your health plan—thoughtfully, responsibly, and with professional guidance (SAGE Journals, 2023).
If you’re thinking about using cannabis for health reasons, don’t guess. Ask. Your doctor can help you figure out if it’s a good fit, guide you toward the safest options, and help you avoid interactions or side effects.
Having the conversation may feel awkward at first, but it could be the smartest step you take. Prepare your questions, speak openly, and remember: you’re advocating for your own well-being.
Sources
1. Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health. Why It’s Important to Discuss Cannabis with Older Adults. CCSMH, Sept. 2022, https://ccsmh.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/1a-Why-its-important-to-discuss-cannabis-8.5-%C3%97-11-inSept17.pdf
Accessed 2 July 2025.
2. Holman, Alistair, et al. “Healthcare Provider and Medical Cannabis Patient Communication Regarding Referral and Medication Substitution: The Canadian Context.” Journal of Cannabis Research, vol. 4, no. 1, 2022, p. 32. SpringerLink,https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-022-00141-0.
Accessed 2 July 2025.
3. Kleidon, Alex M., et al. “Attitudes, Beliefs, and Perceptions on Cannabis Among Older Adults: A Cross‑Sectional Survey.” Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, vol. 11, 2024, pp. 647–658. PubMed Central, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10233585/.
Accessed 3 July 2025.
4. Patel, Kiran, and Stephanie M. Alvarez. “Patient–Physician Communication on Cannabis Use in Canadian Healthcare Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study.” Canadian Journal of Cannabis Research, vol. 2, no. 1, 2024, pp. 18–28. Taylor & Francis Online, https://doi.org/10.1080/28324897.2024.2303502.
Accessed 3 July 2025.
5. Smart, Reginald G. “Cannabis Use and the Need for Education: A Review of Attitudes and Beliefs.” Journal of Drug Education, vol. 53, no. 1, 2023, pp. 3–10. SAGE Journals,https://doi.org/10.1177/00220426231190022.
Accessed 4 July 2025.