How Medical Marijuana Can Help Cancer Patients
As a cancer patient struggling through the seemingly unending emotional turmoil, the journey through treatment can be challenging and overwhelming. While research like the new vaccine in Russia continues to advance a steady march toward finding the cure for the supreme tyrant of all illnesses, we still have a significant way to go till we bury this monster once and for all. Unfortunate individuals who get diagnosed with this affliction end up having to go through multiple rounds of chemo and a lot of pain and grueling discomfort. Medical cannabis has been a long-discussed palliative option in helping patients deal with the torment that often accompanies cancer. With our understanding of cannabis in cancer treatment, more patients are discovering the potential benefits of medical marijuana for managing both their symptoms and supporting their overall treatment plan.
In recent times, the relationship between cannabis and cancer has become an increasingly important area of scientific study. Researchers have dug out numerous compounds in cannabis, particularly THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), that interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human anatomy. This association has been seen to offer a plethora of therapeutic benefits for cancer patients.
As the battle for the legalization of medical marijuana gathers steam, recent scientific studies have revealed promising insights into how cannabis in cancer treatment may affect cancer cells. Multiple researches have unveiled that certain cannabinoids can trigger apoptosis – programmed cell death – in various types of cancer cells while not causing the slightest whiff of danger for the healthy ones. Additionally, some studies suggest that cannabis compounds can go as far as helping inhibit angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors) and potentially act as a roadblock for cancer cell migration, reducing the risk of metastasis.
While it might be a bit of an overstretch to go out and proclaim that marijuana kills cancer, there has been a lot of evidence that points us in that general direction. While more research is needed, preliminary studies continue to pump out encouraging results regarding how cannabinoids may influence cancer cell death through multiple mechanisms.
Medical marijuana offers pronounced benefits for cancer patients dealing with treatment side effects:
For breast cancer patients, cannabis may offer notable benefits in managing the many side effects you face during treatment. Studies suggest that cannabinoids can aid in:
Large-scale experiments with cannabis and brain cancer have brought out a lot of encouraging results, particularly for glioblastoma patients. The health utilities include:
While inhaling cannabis fumes is not a good recommendation in any shape or form for lung cancer patients, thankfully, cannabis consumption is not limited to rolling up a joint. Here are some great alternatives:
As we move by the line of 2300+ cannabis strains, there are a lot of options, each with its own unique set of palliative comforts:
The first and most important point for anyone pondering MMJ as an option should check is whether medical cannabis is legal in your state or not. For our use case here, we’ll assume that it is. The next step is understanding if cancer is one of the qualifying conditions, which, it usually is. Now we move to the third step: applying for a medical card. You’ll need to find the requirements to apply for your particular state but let’s, for this instance, take the example of Florida. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow for applying for an MMJ card in Florida:
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Medical Marijuana cards and other related topics.
While researches continue to proliferate, conclusions gathered this far suggest cannabis may help both with the symptoms and potentially fight cancer cells directly. The most robust evidence supports its use for pain, nausea, and appetite stimulation.
While most oncologists worth their salt support the use of cannabis alongside chemotherapy, always consult your healthcare team first. An educated and experienced hand can help you coordinate timing and dosing with your other treatments.
When dealing with cancer, routine side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and non-permanent cognitive issues. For every patient that we have treated, this is far more manageable and less severe than many conventional medication side effects.
Work closely with your healthcare team, start with low doses, and don’t miss out on keeping a symptom diary. Be forthcoming and honest about your cannabis usage with all your healthcare providers to ensure a safe and effective passage through your treatment routine.
The only two legal considerations that you need to be on the lookout for are the legality of medicinal cannabis in your state and if cancer is one of the qualifying conditions for the same. A quick Google search will suffice for both, post which, you can dip a toe into this natural remedy and hopefully, find some much-needed comfort.
Start Your Journey to Relief Today! Our expert team at MMJ Health understands the challenges cancer patients face.
We’re here to guide you through every step of tapping into the medical marijuana program.
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Remember, while cannabis shows promise in supporting cancer treatment, it should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan developed with your healthcare providers. Every patient’s needs are unique, and personalized guidance is essential for optimal results.
