Medical Marijuana For Cancer – What Patients Should Learn?

Marijuana is obtained from the cannabis plant. It’s available in various forms, such as buds, concentrates, gummies, etc. With a medical marijuana doctor’s recommendation, you can save taxes and get various other perks.

Marijuana has many health benefits. In fact, the herb is getting increasingly popular among cancer patients.

But, how can marijuana help cancer patients? Let’s discuss.

What is Medical Marijuana?

Marijuana (in dry, concentrates or other forms) contains chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. These phytocannabinoids deliver drug-like effects on the body and mind.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two most important phytocannabinoids. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that may help alleviate nausea, pain, etc.

On the other hand, CBD is effective for fighting anxiety, and various other health issues.

Medical Marijuana For Cancer

There’s a wide range of studies available saying that cannabis is helpful in easing many symptoms associated with cancer. For instance, cannabinoids are beneficial in fighting nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy—a drug treatment for killing cancer cells in the body.

Some researchers have found that marijuana (whether inhaled or ingested) can help in treating neuropathic pain linked to nerve damage. Various chemotherapy drugs can lead to peripheral neuropathy.

THC and other cannabinoids may help in slowing the growth of certain cancer cells.

However, it’s important to continue conventional care for cancer along with cannabis treatment to avoid severe health issues.

In the United States, the following cannabis-based drugs are approved for cancer-

Dronabinol (Marinol®)-

A THC-based drug that is helpful in managing nausea and vomiting linked to cancer chemotherapy.

Additionally, it can also be used for easing AIDS symptoms, such as weight loss. Dronabinol is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Nabilone (Cesamet®)-

It is a synthetic cannabinoid that acts much like THC. It can be taken by mouth to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy when other drugs have not worked.

Is marijuana treatment totally safe? Not really! There are many side-effects linked to cannabis use for cancer.

Here are some of the common ones-

• Dizziness
• Lack of focus/memory
• Increased heart rate
• Headache
• Change in appetite
• Low blood pressure

Taking too much high-THC cannabis can result in overdose. In such a case, users may experience health issues, such as anxiety and paranoia.

Related- Learn The Best Ways to Sober up From Being Too High

How to Use Marijuana For Cancer?

Before you use cannabis for cancer, learn about marijuana laws. Cannabis (in any form) remains illegal under federal regulations.

But, more than 30 states have legalized it for medical purposes. And, regulations for users may vary from state to state.

Usually, you require a medical marijuana card to legally access cannabis in a legalized state.

At Online MMJ Los Angeles, you can apply for your marijuana evaluations online in just 10 minutes. Here’s the process-

• Sign up for an account online
• See a medical marijuana doctor through HIPAA-compliant software
• Receive your recommendation letter via email

Top Marijuana Strains for managing Cancer Symptoms:

When using marijuana for cancer, concentration of THC and CBD matters. Here are some of the best strains for managing cancer symptoms-

• AK-48
• ACDC
• Blueberry Kush
• Harlequin
• Jack the Ripper
• Blueberry
• Sour Diesel

Since not all the patients share the same symptoms, everyone requires a customized marijuana treatment.

Try different strains and different doses and see which combination is providing you the best results.

Consumption Methods

The effects of marijuana are greatly influenced by how cannabinoids are delivered into the body. For instance, when you smoke cannabis, THC enters into the bloodstream instantly.

But, burning of the substance causes various toxins and carcinogens, which affect lung health.

Edibles such as marijuana-infused drinks and baked goods (brownies, cookies, etc.) aren’t absorbed in the system instantly. Instead, THC takes 20-60 minutes to reach the bloodstream. Due to this, many users end up taking higher doses.

Related- A Dosing Guide For Marijuana-Infused Edibles

Tinctures are available in dropper bottles, and are perfect for dosage control. They are absorbed sublingually or you can mix them in foods or drinks.

Which cannabis consumption method should you choose? Well, it depends on your medical needs and personal preferences. If you need lasting relief, go for edibles. Choose smoking marijuana for instant medicinal effects.

Final Thoughts

Marijuana is beneficial in managing many cancer chemotherapy symptoms such as vomiting and nausea.

Many patients reported that it helps them fight pain and anxiety linked to the condition. Dronabinol and nabilone are the two approved cannabis-based medications for cancer patients.

If you are considering marijuana treatment for cancer, learn how to use the herb. Try different cannabis products with different concentrations of cannabinoids. Try different doses and consumption methods. 

Find a reputed medical doctor near me to get marijuana evaluations and seek professional help for cannabis treatment.

Marijuana has many health benefits. In fact, the herb is getting increasingly popular among cancer patients. But, how can marijuana help cancer patients? Let’s discuss.