Since the legalization of Cannabis, its effect on managing cancer and its symptoms has been researched extensively, and many studies show encouraging results. Cannabis is not only helpful in managing the debilitating symptoms but is also very effective in reducing the severity of the adverse effects of cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Cannabis produces its medicinal effects because of active compounds, known as Cannabinoids, THC, and CBD, that act on certain receptors in the human body, especially the central nervous system. Cannabinoids were long used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat various infectious diseases, neurological, gastrointestinal, and respiratory diseases.
Marijuana has been used medicinally for different health conditions due to its healing abilities for hundreds of years. The medicinal use of Cannabis continued to evolve as more research was conducted, and the first study that investigated the anticancer potential of Cannabis was done in 1975. The study described the antineoplastic activity of cannabinoids. Since then, a lot of funding has gone into unraveling the healing potential of this remarkable herb. There has been an ongoing debate along with clinical research and trials into whether cannabinoids can manage and help in cancer treatment. The scientific research done so far has shown promising results, however, more quality research needs to be conducted to fully understand if Marijuana can destroy cancer cells.
Can all types of Cancer be Managed with Cannabis?
There are different types of cancer, separated by etiology, and the bodily function and organ it affects. Cancer causes the normal cells in the body to grow at an uncontrollable rate and causes it to spread to other body parts. Cancer is mostly caused by changes in genes, a genetic disease that is inherited from parents that cause genes to initiate the abnormal function of normal cells in the body. All types of cancer can be managed with Cannabis because they grow the same way, execute similar effects on the body, and cause chronic pain, weight loss, tiredness, and other debilitating symptoms. Since cancer has similar characteristics and effects on the body, administering Cannabis can have a similar effect on patients diagnosed with different types of cancer.
How Cannabis Relieve Cancer Symptoms and Side Effects of its Treatment?
A number of clinical studies monitoring the effects of Marijuana consumption have found that it can be helpful in reducing nausea and vomiting, which are often felt by many patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Some studies have found that inhaled Cannabis (vaporized or smoked) is beneficial in reducing neuropathic pain, and other severe pain caused by other illnesses. Studies conducted on patients taking Marijuana showed that patients who were taking Cannabis needed much less pain medication for pain relief.
Marijuana Reduces Nausea and Vomiting
Cancer treatments can cause many adverse effects. Which add to the suffering of the patients, vomiting and persistent nausea are one of the most common side effects. When cancer patients undergo chemotherapy treatment, they experience severe bouts of nausea, which reduces their appetite and makes it difficult to eat. Prolonged nausea and vomiting result in weight loss in patients who are already weak due to the ongoing treatment. The weight loss makes them more fragile, weak, and susceptible to secondary infections. Sometimes it can lead to malnutrition if nausea and vomiting are not managed well.
Cannabis has been very effective in controlling nausea and vomiting. And improving the patient’s appetite, which results in an overall improvement in their quality of life. Cannabis’s ability to reduce nausea and vomiting is related to its activation of CB1 receptors. And their responses to stimuli in the central nervous system. THC and CBD have the potential to interact with the cannabinoid receptors. And can effectively manage nausea and vomiting in cancer patients.
Cannabis Gives Relief from Pain
Cancer patients sometimes experience excruciating pain that can last from hours to days. The debilitating pain greatly reduces their quality of life, affects their sleep and appetite, and causes stress and anxiety. They start taking pain-relieving medications to reduce the pain. And sometimes it can lead to dependence and overdose in extreme cases. The traditional pain-relieving medications, mainly opioids, are harmful for organs in the body if taken over a long time. Marijuana is being hailed as an effective and excellent pain-relieving alternative option. That is safer and does not have extreme side effects. Medical Marijuana also helps to memory issues.
Cannabis imparts its pain-reducing effect by interacting with the brain and nervous system to alter communication. And communication channels that transmit messages to the appropriate pain receptor in the brain. Marijuana’s active components connect with cannabinoid receptors present in the brain. This activity blocks the neurotransmitters carrying pain sensations thus reducing the sensation of pain. CBD, Cannabavarin, Cannabielsoin, and Cannabinol are all effective against pain. CBD also reduces inflammation and anxiety and is an effective antioxidant that protects the body from oxidation and its effect.
While other traditional pain management options can have significant side effects. Marijuana is a safer treatment option that reduces and improves the quality of sleep. Improves mood and reduces nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and reduces inflammation. However, to add Cannabis to your treatment, you need to have a Marijuana Card. Which allows you to buy Marijuana products in Florida. We have established centers in Naples, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Melbourne that offer premium services to qualified patients to complete their certification process without delay.
How to add Cannabis to Cancer Treatment?
You must have a Florida Marijuana Card to use Cannabis for medicinal use in Florida. For this, you have to consult with a qualified Marijuana physician. Who can evaluate your condition to determine if Cannabis is safe to take for your health condition. You can consult any licensed physician in My Florida Green who would recommend you for the Marijuana card based on your presenting health conditions. If you are resident in Florida, the team of My Florida Green will help you get a Marijuana card easily.
Like other pain management options, the use of Medical Marijuana for managing pain requires monitoring by a medical professional. We ensure that the treatment regimes of our clients are being monitored to ensure there are no adverse effects.
