Cancer patients often experience a range of symptoms and side effects from their treatment, including pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia.
While conventional treatments are available, medical cannabis has emerged as a promising pain relief alternative for cancer patients.
Cannabis use and interest continue to increase among patients with cancer and caregivers. Several studies support the use of cannabis for symptom management in cancer patients.
Cannabis has compounds called cannabinoids, which can cause drug-like effects on the body. The two most active and most studied are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the compound that produces the "high" associated with marijuana use, while CBD does not have psychoactive effects. Some cannabis patients ingest large doses of cannabis oil in an attempt to not only control symptoms but to destroy existing cancer cells and prevent the disease's spread.
Medical cannabis can help alleviate pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite in cancer patients. A few small studies have found that smoking marijuana can ease these side effects of chemotherapy.
If you are considering using medical cannabis for cancer, it is important to consult with a medical cannabis doctor to start the process of obtaining marijuana for cancer.
They can help you determine the right dosage and strain for your specific needs. It is also important to tell your doctor about all the drugs and supplements you're taking.
While medical cannabis can be a very efficient alternative treatment option for cancer patients, it is important to consult with a medical professional before using medical cannabis for cancer and to use it responsibly.