It is rare to hear medical marijuana mentioned without mentioning the duo–marijuana/cancer.
There are two roles that marijuana can play in the treatment of cancer.
The most controversial is marijuana as a primary cancer treatment. This would make marijuana the most popular cancer treatment. It would also mean that it would be accepted as a primary treatment.
Second, is marijuana’s ability to reduce the symptoms of cancer and side effects from treatment.
Unfortunately, marijuana’s classification as a Schedule I controlled substance has hampered scientific research on its potential side effects and benefits for cancer. The former argument is especially relevant: as a primary treatment for the malady.
Cannabis could play a role in slowing down or even stimulating the death of certain types of cancer cells. These conclusions are based on in vitro experiments and animal models.
A in vitro Test refers to a test that is done in a tube or a dish. Human trials are the only way to determine if the same thing will happen in the human body.
However, cannabis’s effectiveness against chemotherapy’s side effects isn’t as controversial as its ‘cancer curing” properties.
Patients with cancer who are treated with marijuana often experience nausea and vomiting reductions, increased appetite, decreased cachexia (severe weight loss), and pain inhibition.
Additionally, marijuana is a powerful all-around drug that has positive psychological effects like lowered anxiety and better sleep quality for cancer patients.
We will continue to try to clarify the role of cannabis in cancer treatment. Preclinical studies and patient testimony will be key to understanding this controversial topic.
Marijuana for Cancer
What makes marijuana and cancer such a good pairing?
It all comes down to the medical value of marijuana for treating cancer, and other symptoms that have been mentioned.
How marijuana can help with cancer
Let’s begin by looking at some of the symptoms that can be caused by marijuana use in cancer patients. These include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cachexia and severe wasting
- Chronic pain (especially for neuropathic pains)
- Anxiety and insomnia
- Cannabis for nausea or vomiting
Many cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can cause nausea and vomiting. Drugs such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy can often cause the same symptoms.
The propensity of chemotherapy to cause nausea or vomiting is so great that it has a name: chemotherapy-induced nausea (CINV).
Cancer affects of cannabis oil (CBD)
CBD can stimulate apoptosis, the body’s natural mechanism for destroying cells that is missing during cancer development.
CBD then latches onto CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid systems and alerts them to possible invaders.
The endocannabinoid systems signal an antitumorigenic alert after this binding. This warning prevents the development of cancer by inducing reproduction, metastasis, and tumor angiogenesis.
Talk to a doctor
Patients should always consult a physician before deciding to combine marijuana and cancer. Why?
First, in all states that legalize medical marijuana, patients must have a recommendation for a qualified doctor from Doctors of Cannabis before applying for a medical card and should be aware of oklahoma medical card rules.
A second advantage is that doctor can treat many chronic conditions, including cancer, with medical marijuana.
Cancer patients should receive a customized treatment plan a doctor who is open to listening to their needs to achieve the best possible results with medical marijuana treatment.