Did you know that among the many medical conditions that a doctor can diagnose, cancer and chemotherapy are the most suitable for cannabis treatment? It is true.
The American Cancer Society has even published information its website about how scientists have discovered the cancer cell-killing potential of the cannabis plant’s major cannabinoids, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (THC).
Since medical marijuana can be used to kill cancer cells, without impacting the body’s good cells, there’s no wonder why it is commonly being used in conjunction with chemotherapy.
How Cannabis Reduces Chemotherapy-related Side Effects
Although chemotherapy is an effective form of treatment for cancer patients with late stages of the deadly disease, it can leave the patient feeling seriously ill. Some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy treatment include:
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Anemia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Appetite changes
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Increased risk of infection
- Chronic pain
The good news is that medical marijuana can be used to eliminate the side effects and help patients to regain their health. Let’s find out how the natural medicine can banish feelings of discomfort experienced by chemotherapy patients, shall we?
- Cannabis is a Natural Pain Reliever – Chronic pain is one of the most common medical ailments that cannabis is being used to treat. Since pain (primarily peripheral neuropathy) is a major side effect of chemotherapy, it’s understandable why doctors recommend medical marijuana.
- Cannabis Induces Apoptosis – When cancer cells die inside the body (a process known as apoptosis,) a patient’s prognosis rate improves. Cannabis accelerates apoptosis naturally.
- Cannabis Treats Insomnia – The majority of chemotherapy patients will experience disturbed sleeping patterns as a result of the treatment. High-THC cannabis strains are fairly sedating and can be relied on to induce a good night’s sleep.
- Cannabis Reduces Nausea and Vomiting – Some patients who undergo high-strength chemotherapy will experience severe nausea and vomiting. Various studies have proven the effectiveness of using cannabis to minimize this risk.
- Cannabis Boosts Appetite – Weight loss may occur as a result of appetite loss during the chemotherapy treatment stage. Strains like Black Velvet and Lemon Drop tend to spur on the munchies!
- Cannabis Relieves Itching – Constant itching can drive a cancer patient crazy and in many instances, will damage the skin. Topical cannabis-infused solutions may soothe the skin.
- Cannabis Can Increase Energy Levels – Believe it or not, there are some strains that can help fight fatigue caused by chemotherapy, such as Harlequin and Durban Poison.
- Cannabis May Amplify Sexual Function – Sexual dysfunction is an added side effect of chemotherapy. Marijuana is a natural aphrodisiac and has been relied on for this purpose since ancient times.
- Cannabis Can Lift the Mood – Bouts of depression can be avoided when cannabis is consumed, because the plant can increase serotonin levels inside the brain.
Obtaining a Doctor’s Recommendation for Medical Marijuana
The first step you will need to take if you are thinking about using medical marijuana to relieve chemotherapy-related pain is arranging a visit with your healthcare practitioner/doctor. This is essential, since you won’t be able to legally purchase medical cannabis from a licensed store without a doctor’s recommendation. You should know that a doctor won’t, however, be able to write a recommended dosage and method of consumption. Only you will experience the effects of medical cannabis and so, it is your duty to start at
Starting with a Small Dose to Determine Your Tolerance
Some people who use marijuana for recreational use will have likely built up a tolerance to the major cannabinoids – Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Conversely, non-users will not and so, it is crucial that you take it easy to begin with.
The CBD compound is more commonly used in oils, such as CBD oil. Since CBD is non-psychoactive, the only real problem you’d have if you ‘overdose’ is intense relief from pain. However, you should start with a small amount and work your way up, so as to determine how much medical cannabis you require for satisfactory effect.
THC, on the other hand, is a psychoactive cannabis compound. With that being said, you can expect to feel slightly sedated if you ‘overdose’. This is not ideal if you have a lot of things to do during the days, what with THC being the cannabis compound responsible for making people feel ‘high’. In this case, a strain with a balanced THC:CBD ratio is recommended.
Buying Cannabis-based Medicines from Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
A reputable will stock myriad medical marijuana products. It’s normal to feel slightly overwhelmed by the selection of cannabis-based medicines on offer. After all, new products are being introduced to the swelling market all of the time! Let’s not forget about the expanding list of medical cannabis strains, some of which contain a high-CBD to THC ratio and vice versa.
Eliminate confusion by visiting a reputable cannabis store like The Green Cross SF, where the knowledgeable budtenders can inform you of the best strains to soothe chemotherapy pain. The budtenders will also be able to assist you in finding a product that suits your method of consumption, such as edibles, capsules, suppositories, topicals, sprays and liquids.
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