Despite the fact that 20 states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation allowing the use of marijuana for legitimate medical purposes, many patients still discover judgment, resistance, and criticism from friends and family members. It’s worth having a conversation about the conversation—and being well-prepared before you approach the subject. There are a number of strategies that can increase the chance of a productive discussion with loved ones who may not be supportive of your choice for alternative medication.
Before opening up the discussion, arm yourself with the facts. Many well-respected medical professionals support research showing that marijuana can be of tremendous help for certain health conditions, and for patients who experience unacceptable side effects from traditional prescription medication. Even the former U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Elders, publicly supports the proven scientific evidence that marijuana can in fact relieve pains and symptoms associated with a wide range of chronic illnesses, including AIDS and cancer. Five years ago, the American College of Physicians strongly urged the government to protect medical marijuana patients from civil and criminal prosecution. And research officials at The Rand Corporation, The Muscular Dystrophy Association and editors at Consumer Reports have all expressed support for the use of marijuana under medical supervision.
There is no need to feel ashamed of your choice to use medical marijuana. If this plant brings relief from pain and other debilitating symptoms, no need for any guilt and shame whatsoever. Don’t allow yourself to feel bad when sharing with anyone about using medical marijuana. You can use your discussion to help educate uninformed friends and family members who continue to associate marijuana with illicit and harmful street drugs. Emphasize that you are within your rights to use marijuana legally after consultation with a physician, and that you are among the more than two and a half million citizens in the U.S. exercising this right. Recognize that you are a part of an increasingly enlightened population.
Describe to family and friends the personal benefits you experience from the use of medical marijuana. People who truly care and have compassion for your situation will not want to see you suffer, simply because their personal opinion differs. You can always agree to disagree—and respect other people’s opinions by not using medical marijuana in their presence or becoming defensive about its use. Gently explain that your marijuana use is just as much a legal personal choice as their use of aspirin or prescription drugs.
Don’t expect to convert people to your way of thinking overnight. Most people will come around over time. And stay positive! Ultimately, your health and well-being is more important than another person’s opinions or beliefs. Consult with the crew here at The Seattle’s Best Weed Dispensary if you have any questions or concerns!
