The cannabis plant, from which marijuana is derived, has been used medicinally for millennia, both for its psychoactive effects and for its medicinal properties.
Although federal law prohibits cannabis, several states have approved its use for medicinal purposes, and a few have even legalized its use for recreational purposes. Research suggests it may help reduce cancer treatment-related discomforts.
When Should You Consider Using It?
Cannabinoids are chemical components of marijuana that have the potential to produce intoxicating effects. There are a number of cannabinoids, but delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most popular and have received the most attention (CBD).
THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. It has the potential to reduce inflammation, discomfort, and nausea.
Without inducing inebriation, CBD may relieve pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
Just How It Can Ease Cancer-Related Symptoms
Medical marijuana has been the subject of research due to the possibility of ameliorating cancer-related symptoms and the unpleasant effects of chemotherapy.
Feeling sick to one’s stomach and throwing up. Some preliminary research suggests that cannabis use may mitigate these negative effects of chemotherapy. Man-made cannabinoids dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros) and nabilone (Cesamet) have also been licensed by the FDA to treat similar symptoms when existing anti-nausea drugs fail.
Pain. Smoking marijuana may help with cancer discomfort, according to some research. There are cannabinoid receptors in the brain and elsewhere in the body that it binds to.
Inflammation is another source of pain, although marijuana may help reduce it.
Soreness in the nerves. Nerve injury may lead to a variety of symptoms, including weakness, numbness, and discomfort. Chemotherapy and other forms of cancer treatment might cause this side effect. A small number of studies have revealed that smoking marijuana helps alleviate this kind of nerve pain.
Disappeared hunger and unwanted pounds. The Food and Drug Administration has licensed dronabinol for treating AIDS-related anorexia but not for treating cancer. Some preliminary research suggests that marijuana use may increase appetite in cancer patients.
The Typical Outcome
Cannabis for medical use may be obtained in a number of different ways:
- anything that is smoked when its leaves or buds have dried
- foodstuffs like baked goods and sweets
- Flavoring oils to be used in a steam vaporizer or added to hot dishes
- Medicated lotions for topical use
- Oral squirts
- Medications in the form of tablets and capsules
It has been demonstrated that some strains of marijuana are more effective than others at relieving cancer-related symptoms and the discomfort of chemotherapy.
Marijuana might have some unwanted side effects. You may have been able to:
- Inability to focus or remember things
- Dizziness
- Burning sensation in the eyes and mouth
- Fainting
- Accelerating heartbeat
- Headache
- greater hunger
- Diastolic blood pressure
- Smoking marijuana containing THC may cause one to experience a “high” that includes feelings of confusion and a loss of motor control. It might also make you nervous or paranoid.
Inquiries to Make
Here’s what to do next if you’re thinking about using cannabis for medicinal purposes:
Do your research on the law. Although marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, medicinal marijuana regulations vary by state and are subject to frequent revision. Learn the rules that apply in your area.
Consult with a medical professional. If medicinal marijuana seems like it may help you, your doctor or healthcare team can tell you more. If you’re using any medications or supplements, you should let your doctor know. They may use that data to determine which strain of marijuana would be most beneficial to you.
In order to get it, you must first obtain the appropriate certification. That’s something your doctor should be able to assist you with.