Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life in patients with incurable illness. Medicinal cannabis (MC) has been used in the palliative care setting to address multiple symptoms in patients
Here are some quick references to the current research on the use of cannabis and alternative therapies in palliative care.
Medicinal cannabis: While positive treatment effects have been reported for some MC products in the palliative care setting, further high-quality evidence is needed to support recommendations for its use in clinical practice.
Cannabis and cannabinoids: Cannabis and cannabinoids have been shown to provide benefits for cancer patients, including greater longevity when initiated earlier in treatment.
Alternative therapies: Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and aromatherapy, have been shown to provide relief from pain and other symptoms in palliative care patients
Reimbursement: The Dutch government has agreed to fully reimburse medical cannabis for terminally ill patients, beginning in January 2019
Patient consultation: It is important to consider the appropriateness of medical cannabis treatment for a palliative care patient. Patients should be informed of the potential benefits and risks of medical cannabis and should be consulted throughout the treatment process.
In conclusion, cannabis and alternative therapies have been shown to provide relief from pain and other symptoms in palliative care patients. While further research is needed to support the use of medical cannabis in clinical practice, it is important to consider the appropriateness of medical cannabis treatment for a palliative care patient and to consult with the patient throughout the treatment process.
Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and aromatherapy, can also provide relief from pain and other symptoms in palliative care patients.