Over the last few years, cannabis has become a hot topic for discussion and research in the medical world. According to the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORM), there are over 26,000 studies about marijuana with some focusing on the CBD compounds and their therapeutic benefits. Although cannabis is still illegal under federal law, medical cannabis products are legal in various state laws.
Most doctors who recommend cannabis for medical purposes prescribe it for pain, anxiety, and depression among related issues. Another area where cannabis has shown great promise is in the treatment of cancer symptoms. However, the big question that many people are asking is whether cannabis can cure cancer. Here is a brief outlook on the potential and efficacy of cannabis in helping cancer patients.
Cannabis and cancer symptoms
Researchers are yet to test the efficacy of cannabis in treating cancer thoroughly. Preliminary clinical studies show great promise in preventing inflammation and some types of tumors. In one study on lab rats, CBD extracts from cannabis were able to reduce swelling and inflammation. However, the results are still inconclusive. At its best, cannabis can help fight a myriad of cancer symptoms and characteristics. These include:
Pain relief
Cannabis for pain relief is perhaps the most researched area. Marijuana has a long history of pain relief for various kinds of pains and inflammations. It can soothe arthritis pain, back pain, burns, and general pain. This makes it ideal for cancer patients who are vulnerable to various kinds of pain. Cannabis products, such as CBD and marijuana can offer post-chemotherapy pain relief. The CBD compounds in cannabis indirectly affect the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) in different ways to regulate pain, mood, appetite, sleep, and several other functions. According to a study, cannabis has also shown great promise for neuropathic pain (pain from damaged nerve endings), which is a common side effect of chemotherapy.
Nausea and Vomiting
According to studies, cannabis can offer a remedy to cancer patients who suffer frequent nausea and vomiting. Cancer treatment procedures like chemotherapy can cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and loss of appetite, among other symptoms. Some cannabis-based medications already have the approval of the FDA to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer in cases where conventional drugs have failed. The anti-nausea properties of cannabis mostly come from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) rather than CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the euphoric cannabinoids that causes one to be “high.” Therefore, you should prepare for the psychoactive effects if you are smoking cannabis to reduce nausea and vomiting.
Appetite
Cancer and cancer treatment procedures can both result in loss of appetite. This, combined with nausea and frequent vomiting, can leave patients unable to maintain a healthy weight. Smoking marijuana can help such patients regain normal appetite. This is particularly common in patients of HIV, but can also work with cancer patients. Cannabis also comes in edible forms like cookies and gummies. You can optimize your intake of essential nutrients by making edible marijuana as nutritious as possible.
Edible cannabis products that contain both THC and CBD are the best for improving appetite. If you fancy organically grown options, you can shop for good quality cheap marijuana seeds to grow and enjoy your cannabis.
Depression, anxiety and sleep disorders
Cancer can leave you exhausted and restless at the same time. Regardless of the stage, you are in, the stress and despair that comes with having cancer can significantly interfere with your sleeping patterns. It is simply overwhelming, and you can easily fall into depression if you do not have good emotional support. According to a study, cannabis soothes your anxiety, encourages deep quality sleep, and relaxes your sore muscles and tissues.
Cannabis and anti-inflammation
Cancer comes in various forms and can affect any part of the body, including lungs, breast, blood, skin, and prostate, among others. According to studies, reducing inflammation is one way of managing cancer and its symptoms.
CBD found in cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties and has shown a lot of promise in the destruction of some tumor cells. You can use cannabis strains such as Indica for complementary treatment to help you deal with inflammatory conditions or swelling that comes directly from cancer and its treatment. As an anti-inflammatory compound, CBD, which is a cannabinoid found in cannabis, can help you prevent the growth of tumors and cancerous cells.
According to pilot studies, cannabis has the potential to stop inflammation and freeze tumors from further growth. It also reduces the overall risk of getting cancer, although this verdict is pending decisive research.
Conclusion
Although there are fewer research materials on whether cannabis can cure cancer, it is clear that the plant has various benefits that suit cancer patients. It reduces pain and inflammation, increases appetite, and elevates your moods, thus making it easier to deal with cancer. Cannabis also has a wide range of medical benefits.
Before you start taking medical cannabis for cancer, make sure you check the state laws in your region. Some states may also require medical certification from a registered doctor. Cannabis edibles also work in a slightly different manner than smoking, so you should have a professional doctor to determine the best options for your case.
While CBD and THC are natural compounds, cannabis products may have a counteractive effect if you are under other medications or have an underlying medical condition. Therefore, it is highly recommendable to get a doctor’s prescription. More importantly, make sure you purchase high-quality cannabis from reputable retailers and dispensaries.