Discussing medical cannabis at Christmas
5 min read
Lucy MacKinnon
With extended families coming together and immediate families typically spending long periods of time together over the Christmas period, catching up on what everyone has been up to over the last year is a common course conversation takes.
Yet, our market research suggests that some feel a conversation about their use of medical cannabis could dampen spirits at any time of year, and therefore, it’s a subject they’d rather avoid.
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In fact, half our respondents said they would be unlikely, or very unlikely, to feel comfortable telling people if they used prescribed medical cannabis. Some were even worried about disclosing this to their immediate circle, feeling their parents (18%) or partners 14%) were likely to disapprove, or feel uncomfortable.
But, arguably the most interesting find, and the one that signifies the spirit of Christmas, is an overwhelming 86% said they were likely to be supportive of their loved ones if they started to use medical cannabis to manage their health condition.
Learning from others: Releaf’s patient stories
For many Releaf patients, friends and family have proven to be a source of understanding. Take Rhona for example, in her patient story, she told us:
“I have been extremely open with my family and friends about my prescription, and all I have received is support and understanding.”
Similarly, Brandon said:
“My family have been very understanding about it, even if everyone isn’t completely onboard, they understand that it’s helping me get better.”
And, in his patient story, Omar offered a refreshing perspective:
“The last three or four years I’ve gone to my family over Christmas, and I always got quite ill. I couldn’t eat and just laid on the sofa with a hot water bottle and couldn’t do anything. I’m quite excited at the prospect of being able to take my medical cannabis with me this year, so if I do feel ill, I can manage it.”
Talking Turkey: Tips for discussing medical cannabis with family
For those who do want to have a conversation with their family about medical cannabis this Christmas, we’ve put together some helpful tips below:
1. Choose the right time and place
Like we are as individuals, every family is different. Some patients may feel having this conversation once would be the least stressful option, and therefore would rather tell everyone about their use of medical cannabis at the same time.
Others may feel it’s best to speak to their family and friends one-on-one away from a larger gathering, so it feels less overwhelming and allows for a more focused conversation.
What’s best for you is ultimately up to you. Consider all your options, and work out what fits you and your family best. ‘Tis the season of love after all!
2. Focus on education and experience
Some members of your family may be unaware that medical cannabis can be used to treat your diagnosed health condition, and unfortunately, some may not even be aware that medical cannabis is legal in the UK.
Combining factual information with your own personal experiences, such as sharing how your symptoms or lifestyle has been affected since starting cannabis-based treatments, allows you to provide a well-rounded perspective that bridges the gap between emotional and factual thinking patterns and perceptions.
Explaining your own health journey and any challenges you may have faced in the past with other, conventional treatment options, may help them understand your motivations for trying cannabis-based treatments.
3. Foster empathy and understanding
In most cases, when families express their concern, it usually stems from a combination of two things: love and fear.
Express that you understand and respect their perspective, but also hope that they can understand and respect you in the decisions you have made with regard to your health.
Reinforce that you are not using cannabis recreationally, you are using it as a prescribed medicinal treatment under the guidance of a specialist doctor.
4. Resolve with respect
Hopefully your family will understand you are choosing this path to benefit your health. However, it may take some time for those around you to become used to your new treatment routine.
Nevertheless, you can still maintain your dosing routines and schedule while being sensitive to the social setting and respecting your family members boundaries and personal comfort levels.
Adapting the way you administer your medication, such as vaping outdoors, or taking a prescribed oil, as opposed to cannabis flower, may be a way to compromise and a way to accommodate family members over the Christmas period without exacerbating your symptoms.
Conclusion
While some do feel apprehensive or uncomfortable sharing this aspect of their health, fearing potential judgement or misunderstandings, It's important to remember what the statistics say: an overwhelming majority of people in the UK would support their loved ones through their journey with medical cannabis.
May your Christmas be filled with understanding, compassion, family connection, and cannabis-based conversation!
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It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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With five years of journalism and healthcare content creation under her belt, Lucy strives to improve medical cannabis awareness and access in the UK by producing high quality, credible content.
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