Cancer and Chemotherapy
If you’re struggling with cancer treatment or you know someone who is, it’s likely that you’ve wondered about taking medical cannabis for cancer to ease your symptoms. Cancer is a type of bodily imbalance and medical marijuana can mimic the endocannabinoid system, which regulates the body and its processes. Cannabis can help block unrestricted cell growth, ease pain, build up the immune system, build appetite, and help cancer patients sleep. The many biologically active cannabinoids and terpenes have so many positive therapeutic effects on the body that using it as part of your treatment plan can make a world of difference in how you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Cancer and Chemotherapy side-effects medical cannabis can be used for:
- Blocks cell growth (anti-tumor actions)
- Pain
- Relieves muscle spasms and inflammation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety/Depression
- Appetite loss
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Sleep disorders
- Sexual function
- Itching
- Fight viruses and boosts immune system
Cancer Treatment
Cannabis has a reputation for being able to assist in the fight against this group of deadly diseases, which are supported to varying extents by both anecdotal reports and limited scientific evidence. However, many misconceptions exist and people have mistakenly come to believe that cannabis is a panacea, a “magic bullet”. It is important to understand clearly that it is not an overnight cure.
There is also no “one-size-fits-all” treatment plan. Different cancer types require different approaches. Scientific research often reflects on the ability of cannabis compounds to kill or limit the growth of several types of cancerous cells in vitro and in vivo. Though these study results must always be applied to humans with great caution.
An approach that combines several cannabinoids may help to, at the very least, improve the quality of life of someone who is plagued by cancer. Remember that it is always best to discuss any treatment plan with your medical practitioner, while the value of a healthy lifestyle and diet should never be discounted.
Chemotherapy Side-Effects
While many cancer sufferers opt for treatment that includes chemotherapy, medical cannabis can be an excellent supplement to alleviate the painful and challenging side-effects of chemotherapy. Most people suffer from severe nausea, insomnia, pain (especially ‘neuropathic’ from “chemo” and radiation), skin lesions and depression.
THC or non-psychoactive THCA can alleviate nausea, while THC alone may help to ease the pain. CBD soothes inflammation and may lighten depression (as can THCA). CBN is the preferred tincture to support relaxation and sleep. A topical balm can soothe skin lesions that may occur during treatment.
Remission and Prevention
Many studies have concluded that maintenance dosages of specific cannabis strains can assist in the recurrence of cancer, once in remission, as well as its prevention.