With the world of cannabis medicine always evolving, you might be wondering what a wellness coach can do for you. With control over medicine dosing and choices, patients can become overwhelmed with everything there is to know before they can truly get all the advantages from medical cannabis.
While doctors are vital to this process and can give patients invaluable information and guidance, there often isn’t enough time to go over all the information that comes with this particular topic In most cases, you might even find there’s a lack of cannabis physicians who specialize in this area strictly. Many patients now find themselves in a “rubber stamp certification” with little medical care.
This is where a cannabis coach can help fill in any gaps.
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The Endocannabinoid System is Different in Everyone
This is something that can’t be stressed enough. Everyone’s body has different needs. The dosage and exact type of CBD is different and truly unique for each person. This requires some time to figure out and finding the best product, too. It’s going to be worth the effort of figuring it all out because the benefits and results are wonderful.
Most people use cannabis coaching services for anywhere from 30-90 days to ensure they get the most advantage and benefit from CBD products. It’s all about the dosing.
By having a certified coach at your side, this helps you navigate what your endocannabinoid system is going to require, and they can help get you on track. The advantages to using a CBD coach for your health and progress can be invaluable.
When your endocannabinoid system becomes out of whack, the functioning of these things can take place:
- Immune responses
- Digestive processes
- Pain regulation
- Mood balances and checks
- Sleep patterns
Incorporating CBD Into Your Wellness Routine
If you’re interested in incorporating CBD into your routine, consider starting slowly. This means start with a slow amount. You want to leverage any expert advice, for instance from a cannabis coach, to help with guiding you along your CBD journey.
There are cannabis coaches and medical professionals who are experienced, and they have probably been experimenting with the many benefits CBD can offer several individuals over time.
You should consider making a routine. For instance, some people take it when they wake up in the morning, before and also after they work out, and then before bedtime. Many people really like the gummies (like this one) because of the ease of use. This has been proven to help them feel a lot more efficient in all aspects of their life.
What is a Cannabis Coach?
If you are familiar with health and other wellness coaching, you know they use evidence-based strategies and practices to help patients make decisions that are going to benefit their lifestyle and help these changes stick.
Cannabis coaching on the other hand is a specialized type of coaching which blends established coaching methods and practices with specific cannabis education and guidance. They are there for you to help answer all your questions as we still live in a world of stigma which is fierce in some areas.
What Does a Cannabis Coach Do?
Cannabis coaches are designed to help empower patients to be able to build confidence and to become active in their cannabis care allowing them to meet their wellness and health goals. They also can teach patients how to incorporate cannabis as a way to help with larger health and wellness areas as opposed to just covering some symptoms up like a band-aid.
What You Can Expect with Cannabis Coaching
Here are a few things you can expect to get with cannabis coaching:
- Help with setting goals that are reachable and also action plans that will tap into your motivation
- Privacy, empathy, non-judgement, and an encouraging ear to listen
- Accountability and support to help with following through with your plans and goals
- Strength-based questions that are positive and conversations that are meant to move you forward in life
- Guidance with figuring out “hows” of incorporating changes and this includes cannabis questions
- Connections to helpful resources and other tools to help you achieve your goals
What Not to Expect with Cannabis Coaching
Here are some things that you shouldn’t expect with your cannabis coach:
- Counseling and therapy: There’s an overlap in techniques that are used and coaching, and therapy, are completely different modalities. Coaching is present focused as opposed to therapy, and it’s driven by getting down to what is already in you to achieve your concrete goals.
- Consulting and education: Education about cannabis is already woven into many coaching programs, however just offering cannabis education isn’t coaching, but consulting. Getting to know you and reaching down into what your goals are is a lot easier.
- Guidance and medical diagnosis: Keep in mind coaches don’t diagnose or treat medical conditions. That’s left up to doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Common Questions During a Cannabis Coaching Session
Some that might come up during a coaching session might include:
- What type of products should you be taking?
- How much CBD should be taken? What’s the ideal dosage?
- What’s the best method for me? Tincture, inhalable, cream, edibles, or oil?
- Should I use an isolate or a broad spectrum?
- Can it be used with my medications?
- How often should I take it and how do I titrate up with my current dosage?
- What precautions are there with CBD?
- How can I track all of my progress?
- How long will it take me to feel effects and how long will they last?
How to Choose Your Cannabis Wellness Consultant or Physician
Everyone has a different mindset as to what their personal needs and preferences are. The more informed you are the better when it comes to the options that are available to you. This allows you to make more informed decisions about the healthcare you receive.
Many people are often misled by physicians and coaches making it hard to get treatment. Some people are often overcharged, given the wrong information, or received less than ideal care. By understanding what the laws are and what normal practice is you can find a physician or coach designed to help you and meet your personal needs while avoiding yet another negative experience.
Certification and Visit Frequency
Make sure when choosing a physician or coach that they are certified, obviously. Some laws will require patients to be seen every so many days while others might want to see you a lot sooner. Sometimes when you are seen more frequently it’s better quality care and sometimes it’s just up to what the professional feels is best for your certain circumstance or situation.
Some will want a follow up in a month or two while others may space out their visits to longer periods of time. This allows them to monitor your condition and can help adjust your routine.
Cannabis Knowledge
This one goes without saying. You want someone who is knowledgeable in the cannabis industry. You want someone who knows how the laws in your state work and what products are available to you. A wellness coach should be able to harness the products and be able to teach you how they can benefit you and how to use them.
Cheaper Isn’t Always Better
Medical cannabis is considered an investment in yourself. Factoring in all costs is important when choosing a cannabis coach or physician for your needs. Keep in mind the cheaper they charge doesn’t always mean it’s the best. By partnering with a healthcare team and effective coach you can save hundreds of dollars and in some cases more over your long-term use.
Cannabis Wellness Coach Myths Debunked
Before you can get medical marijuana certified to be able to purchase it, a qualified provider needs to certify them. Each state has a different law about these cards and what kind of professional it can be. However, along the way some myths have come up, and here are some of the common ones debunked.
All Cannabis Consultations Need to Be Done by a Doctor or RN
To receive a medical grade card, you need to have a qualified practitioner to certify these cards. Different states have different laws. Cannabis coaches don’t provide these cards, and this is because they serve a transformational role rather than a transactional one.
Also, not everyone needs a recommendation or a visit to the doctor or other qualifying practitioner. You can find some CBD products that can be purchased online or in regular places without needing a card. Many states have rules allowing the sale of cannabis allowing products with THC to be purchased.
Cannabis Education is a lot More Important Than Cannabis Coaching Training
While it’s preferable to work with cannabis health coaches who have years of training and experience, some people end up working with cannabis connoisseurs. Cannabis coaching is about listening to your clients and also empowering them as opposed to just telling them what they should or shouldn’t buy. Not all athletes make great coaches and not all cannabis enthusiasts are great cannabis health coaches.
A Cannabis Coach Needs to Be Healthy
Cannabis isn’t a cure for any injury or chronic disease. It can though help with pain or symptoms of a disease. Some patients have used cannabis or CBD to treat epilepsy and have not had seizures for several years. Some people will miss a dose of cannabis and find t heir seizures return.
Who is Cannabis Coaching for?
For patients who are medical cannabis patients and have received prescriptions but don’t have any idea where to go next, cannabis coaching might just be where you need to start. If you aren’t sure what strain you might want to go with or why you need a certain strain, a cannabis coach can help you find just what you need. Cannabis coaches can also help you learn how much you need daily to help tackle the symptoms you have.
Why You Should Consider Cannabis Coaching
Using a cannabis coach can help you in several different areas. They can help educate you on strains, dosage and symptoms cannabis can help with. They can also help you understand the endocannabinoid system. Having a coach can save time which reduces trial and error and can set you up for more long-term success.
Coaching is great for understanding cannabis as a pant and also the benefits. Cannabis is great for helping with anxiety, hormonal changes, menstrual pain, and more. Coaches are great for educating and can help mentor you to knowing more about cannabis and how it can benefit your lifestyle.
What a Cannabis Coach is Required to Have
When it comes to using a cannabis coach, there are no requirements really needed. There aren’t any regulating boards or other body-specific cannabis coaching requirements. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean there aren’t things to look for when it comes to choosing one to work with.
For the most part health coaches come from a wide array of backgrounds and there are different certifications and standards abound. Using one can help you get the most benefit from using cannabis for any condition you may be considering.
Things to Keep in Mind
There are many benefits that CBD can have on the body. There are going to be some cannabis coaches that have certifications including RN, Ph.D., DO, MD, and more. Keep in mind these are not requirements for a cannabis coach to have. There are resources available to help you find the best cannabis coach for you in your area.
You want a health coach who is going to listen to you and your concerns. You don’t want someone who will only tell you what to do or what you should do. You should look for someone who is going to work alongside you and make sure you do a thorough interview to make sure they are going to provide the services that you want.
Cannabis offers several benefits. The endocannabinoid system can become off balance easily and cannabis can help you feel a lot better as it does so many people with various conditions from pain to anxiety and depression.
