Despite the lack of a definitive cure for cancer, there are various treatment methods that have been proven to alleviate symptoms caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. We will explore cannabis’ role in combating this disease further.
While the long-term effects of cannabis use are still being studied, past studies have shown that a combination of Phyto cannabinoids and terpenes can provide relief from side effects during cancer treatment and improve comfort for those suffering from loss of appetite, inflammation, pain, and other symptoms.
Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and traditional cancer therapies, kill both cancerous cells and healthy ones. This causes a variety of long-term health problems because it leaves survivors with residual issues caused by the death of healthy cells. Cannabis products, specifically Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), help protect healthy cells while fighting the cancerous cells.
This article will explore how cannabis can be beneficial for patients with various medical conditions. It is essential to consider some important factors before using this treatment method.
While the research is promising, it’s not definite that cannabis can be used to ease symptoms of cancer or treat related conditions. However, we believe its potential merits warrant a closer look.
Relief from Nausea
Many cancer patients experience nausea and vomiting during their treatments. Some find relief from cannabis, which is often effective when CBD and THC work together to control signals sent through receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
Relief from Pain and Inflammation
Cancer is a debilitating and often painful disease that can vary based on the type, stage, and severity of symptoms. Some cancers do not cause physical pain however some bone cancer or skin cancer patients may experience unbearable discomfort.
Recent studies suggest that cannabis can help alleviate the pain caused by cancer. CBD and THC, two of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis, have been shown to reduce signals of pain and inflammation.
For those suffering from skin cancer or throat cancer, cannabis may provide relief by reducing inflammation. For example, some patients with throat cancer are unable to inhale effectively due to the disease. Cannabis tinctures can be taken orally and have a variety of benefits such as being easy to take under the tongue or added into food and drinks. They also work well as replacements for sweeteners that contain sugar which many people consume in high quantities. It is important to hold each sip/dose in your mouth for at least 20-30 seconds so you absorb all of the cannabinoids.
Appetite
As mentioned, chemotherapy often causes severe nausea and vomiting. These side effects can lead to decreased appetite and weight loss. Cannabis has been found to be an effective appetite stimulant, which could help patients combat these negative consequences of treatment.
It seems that consuming cannabis can trigger an increase in ghrelin, a hormone released when our stomachs are empty. This will cause the brain to search for food due to its importance in helping patients combat their illness.
Nerve Pain
Those who choose the more traditional cancer treatments may develop peripheral neuropathy, a form of nerve damage that can cause extreme sensations of discomfort in the nerve endings.
Some people have found cannabis to be a particularly helpful treatment for peripheral neuropathy. There are reports of some benefit with the associated pain and numbness.
CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that specifically targets inflammation in nerve endings, which can help relieve pain within these areas.
Those who have suffered from pain in the past report experiencing significant relief after committing to a regular routine of taking high doses of CBD, with 50 MG being the most effective. Many people have found symptom relief strongest when taking this dosage every day.
What to Expect when Using Medical Marijuana
While cancer therapies and symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, it is important to keep in mind that cannabis may not have a positive effect on every individual. Additionally, always consult with your doctor before utilizing cannabis as a treatment option – there could be potential interactions between your other treatments.
In some cases, different forms of consumption may be more effective than others. In this section, we have outlined several options to choose from when purchasing medical cannabis products.
Methods of Consumption
When consuming cannabis flower, it is important to choose a less harmful method of consumption than smoking, vaporizing as an example. However, inhalation can be potentially irritating for the throat and lungs. For cancer patients who require some form of marijuana intake, we recommend ingestible products or other smokeless methods.
Infused Drinks and Foods
By infusing tinctures into food and drinks, you can receive the benefits of cannabis in a less harsh way. This is especially beneficial if you need to take precise doses, as using an accurate dropper makes measuring out specific amounts easy.
RSO is a great cannabis product for cancer therapy. It can be difficult to measure out, however, because of its thick consistency it works well paired with food. We recommend topping your favorite dried fruits or candy and freezing them for an easy snack anytime you need it!
There are an infinite number of dishes and drinks that can be created with this method, making it versatile and potentially delicious. Consuming a tincture sublingually will provide the fastest benefits; however, if you have time to relax and enjoy your meal, cooking and enjoying infused food is also a lovely experience.
Topical Solutions, Patches, and Balms
Cancer and cancer therapies can cause skin problems by causing dryness, rash and the accompanying, itchiness. Changes in the level of activity due to surgery or treatment for cancer can also trigger these issues.
Topical cannabis products such as patches and balms may be an effective treatment for pain associated with these conditions. By applying the product to your skin, you can get relief at the surface level while also targeting deeper muscle tissue. Using these lotions during sleep may help improve relaxation and quality of sleep overall.
Oral sprays
Oral sprays offer a more instantaneous response than ingesting edibles without consuming additional calories or sugar. If you’re not hungry and feel nauseous, using an oral spray may be the better option over adding tinctures to your food or drink.
Cannabis Pills and Capsules
Capsules are an effective way to intake cannabis, as they provide a discreet and non-invasive method of consumption. Additionally, this smokeless form of ingestion may be more suitable for cancer patients who want to avoid inhalation and inflammation associated with smoking marijuana.
The Bottom Line
While more research is needed to confirm these findings, there are ample grounds for believing that cannabis can be of immense help in the fight against cancer and during difficult times caused by treatment. Not only does it provide relief from pain, but it also has a positive impact on moods and helps you deal with stressors head-on.
We encourage you to speak with your doctor and explore cannabis as a potential treatment option for your toughest battles. Conducting your own research is essential in making this decision.
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