As medicinal marijuana continues to slowly become more mainstream, thousands of Arizonans are becoming legal cardholders each month. There are still many people wrestling with the decision to transition from pharmaceuticals, and move away from the stigma that has been attached to marijuana for decades. Times are changing and it’s time to start viewing marijuana as a medication.

The card will allow the holder to enter medical marijuana dispensaries and purchase products that will help and treat the symptoms of illness. In some cases, marijuana has been shown to cure certain ailments altogether and not just treat the symptoms. Qualifying for, and receiving, your medical marijuana card is just one of the multiple steps needed in order to become proficient with the terminology, chemistry and products available. As with most prescription drugs, there will be a trial and error process that is involved. With so many products on the market, finding the best one to fit individual needs is going to take some time and footwork.

Learning all there is to know about the specific products that are available can be a daunting task. Becoming a self-advocate in personal health, medications and treatment will take research.  Talking with professionals and with other people who have already made the transition into natural medicine is one way to get a broader understanding of the industry.

Dispensaries offer educational packets for all new patients. The resource has valuable information that will allow the transition from pharmaceuticals to natural medicine to be much smoother. Decisions can be made based on education and research studies. The information provided in the new customer packet highlights the basics of medicinal marijuana. What are the two types of marijuana? What conditions do each of the types treat? What is a hybrid strain? What risks are involved? All of these questions are answered in the educational material given on the first visit. The first people that are met when going to the dispensary for the first time are also valuable resources for the new patient.

The Dispensary Agents, also called Budtenders, can play a vital role in helping to answer questions and concerns for the new patient. Anxiety and chronic pain are two of the primary conditions that Kamron Bughio, Manager for Earth’s Healing, says that he sees with new patients. Bughio also states that new patients spend an average of 20 minutes with the Budtender on their first visit. Interacting and having a conversation with a knowledgeable representative can make the initial visit to a dispensary far less intimidating or scary.

With over 1,000 new patients per month combined at both Earth’s Healing locations, it’s evident that more and more people are finally taking control of their own health needs. Having open conversations with friends, family and even coworkers about how medicinal marijuana is changing lives is vital for the expansion of plant medicine.

Walking into a dispensary shouldn’t be embarrassing or intimidating. A person who is entering a marijuana dispensary must be seen as someone taking control of their health and medical needs.