Many cancer patients tend to struggle with various types of symptoms, studies have been recorded on how medical marijuana can help reduce side effects that occur during cancer treatments. THC and CBD intake can be helpful in treating pain, appetite loss, along with nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy.
Studies have been conducted that suggest that utilizing medical marijuana can be helpful when treating neuropathic pain that can be caused by nerve damage which is often associated with chemotherapy and radiation. Those using marijuana as an alternative have been able to lower pain medication intake.
Not only is THC good for reducing nausea, vomiting, and relieving pain but studies have shown that THC and/or CBD can potentially cause death in certain types of cancer cells. Learn More
Dr. Litinas states:
“At low doses of from 20 to 60 mg, cannabis can alleviate the ill effects of chemotherapy and radiation. By inhalation or ingestion, it can help to decrease nausea and vomiting and increase appetite, which, in turn, will help patients keep their medication and nutrition in their bodies, helping the treatment progress faster. Low doses also help with pain and inflammation and dealing with normal feelings of depression and anxiety arising from the severity of the diagnosis. Doses may be administered from once a day to 3 to 4 times a day.”
Cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant may cause anti-tumor effects. Learn More
This is possible due to the cannabinoids inducing cell death, inhibition of cell growth and tumor angiogenesis invasion and metastasis. Learn More
Cannabis may be beneficial to those with cancer, marijuana smoke contains toxins and carcinogens, vaporization may be preferable as a way to inhale because it has less potential for harm to the lungs.
Resources:
PDQ® Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board. PDQ Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq. Accessed 08/12/2020
Tylers. (2019, March 29). How Cannabis Is Benefiting Cancer Patients Everyday. Retrieved August 13, 2020, from https://americancannabisconsulting.com/blog-cannabis-benefits-cancer-patients/
Wachsberger, K. (2017, November 14). Cancer and Cannabis 101. Retrieved August 13, 2020, from https://www.bloomcityclub.com/cancer-and-cannabis-101/Bloom Meida