It is often said that using medical cannabis is more of a journey than a simple medical practice. The journey notion comes from the idea that there is no black-and-white way to take advantage of cannabis therapy. Most patients need to rely on trial and error to figure out what works best. It is one of the more unique aspects of medical cannabis.

For the new patient, the journey can be overwhelming. But with the help of some key people, the journey is made easier. Below are descriptions of the three most important people a new medical cannabis patient can build relationships with.

Are you new to medical cannabis? If so, here are the key people who can help you immensely:

1. Your Medical Provider

In the medical cannabis world, a medical provider is that professional you originally consulted with to get your cannabis recommendation. In all likelihood, this person was a doctor. But your medical provider might also have been a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Regardless, your medical provider diagnosed your condition and determined that medical cannabis was an appropriate treatment.

This doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant understands your health. She recognizes your condition, knows its symptoms, and is fairly well versed in how to provide symptom relief. Best of all, your medical provider should be your advocate for better health.

Avoid the temptation of getting a medical cannabis recommendation and then never seeing your medical provider again. In fact, do just the opposite. Follow up with your medical provider on a regular basis. You need the expert guidance she can offer.

2. The Medical Cannabis Pharmacist

Next up is the medical cannabis pharmacist, a state licensed pharmacist with a specialty in cannabis. Pharmacists are the most qualified to help you understand cannabis as a medicine. They are the most qualified to guide you through your journey – at least in terms of figuring out the best dosage and delivery method.

Pharmacists are also uniquely qualified to help you understand how cannabis affects your body. They have studied the human endocannabinoid system. They know how the body interacts with cannabinoids.

If you ever have questions about side effects, drug interactions, or even switching from one product to something completely different, the medical cannabis pharmacist is the one you want to speak to. At Beehive Farmacy in Salt Lake City, UT, there is a pharmacist on-site whenever their doors are open. Beehive staff says that this is the case at pharmacies throughout Utah. It may be the case across the country.

3. The Pharmacy Tech

A pharmacy tech in the medical cannabis environment is similar in function to the techs that staff traditional pharmacies. They do not directly dispense medicines – that’s the pharmacist’s job. But techs do have extensive knowledge about cannabis brands, delivery methods, and other related topics.

You might ultimately decide that cannabis vapes are your best delivery method. You and the pharmacist have worked out the best dosage for you. How can your pharmacy tech help? By answering your questions about particular brands. A tech can also recommend vaping devices and answer questions about how they work.

All three professionals – the medical provider, medical cannabis pharmacist, and pharmacy tech – can contribute to your journey in different ways. Take advantage of what each one brings to the conversation.

By utilizing their knowledge, expertise, and day-to-day experience, you are fine that your medical cannabis journey is very manageable. You can get the help you need to avoid being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of it all. That is a good place to be as a patient.