Medical Marijuana for Cancer

Does Weed Help Cancer?

The use of cannabis in cancer treatment is still being researched, but early studies suggest that it may have some anti-cancer properties. Medical marijuana has been proven to help reduce the feeling of nausea and vomiting while increasing appetite, which helps fight anorexia related to the types of harsh treatments patients undergo with cancer. 

The FDA has authorized both Dronabinol and Nabilone - two cannabinoids - for treating cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and dealing with the side effects of nausea and vomiting. Used by patients with cancer for over a decade, Dronabinol contains THC in the form of a gelatin capsule that can be given to cancer patients to lessen these above symptoms. Similarly, Nabilone - a synthetic cannabinoid - can also be taken orally and has properties close to THC, which alleviates nausea from chemotherapy treatments.

Marijuana studies have also shown that the use of medical cannabis has a positive effect in regards to inhibiting tumor growth in leukemia and breast cancer, as well as the invasion of cervical cancer and lung cancer cells. Doctors will commonly prescribe patients with cancer medical marijuana as an aid to not only help combat the disease itself - where cells grow, divide, or multiply at extremely fast rates and then damage healthy tissues in the body - but also to help alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy treatment. While marijuana may not be a cure for cancer, it can be an effective tool for pain management in cancer patients.

Benefits of Medical Marijuana for Cancer

Cannabis is increasingly being used as a complementary treatment option for cancer patients to help manage symptoms and side effects of traditional cancer treatments. Chemotherapy has been known to produce many difficult side effects, including the vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite associated with this treatment for cancer. Medical marijuana has been proven to help reduce the feeling of nausea and vomiting while increasing appetite, which helps fight anorexia related to the types of harsh treatments patients undergo with cancer. Some cancer patients may choose to use weed as a complementary treatment option to help manage symptoms like pain, nausea, and anxiety.

Dealing with the emotions and uncertainty that come with the diagnosis affects the overall mood and well-being of patients with cancer. Another benefit to using medical cannabis for cancer is uplifting a cancer patient’s mood. Medical marijuana has been shown to decrease anxiety and even elevate and increase a person’s mood; therefore, it can help aid in relieving this side effect of cancer.

Does Smoking Weed Cause Cancer?

There is ongoing research into the potential benefits of cannabis for cancer patients, including its ability to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. However it is accepted that cannabis smoke can contain some of the same carcinogens as cigarette smoke does that are known to cause cancer. Ultimately it is possible that smoking marijuana can increase cancer risk, so it is best to consult with your doctor or medical professional to make the best decision for yourself. 

Best Cannabis Strain for Cancer Treatment:

While some people may turn to weed as a potential cure for cancer, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Different strains of cannabis may have different effects on cancer patients, so it's important for patients to work with their doctors to find the best strain for their individual needs. The best type of weed for cancer patients will depend on the individual patient's symptoms, medical history, and other factors. Some strains of weed may be more effective than others for managing symptoms in cancer patients, so it's important to work with a knowledgeable healthcare provider to find the best strain for each individual patient.

If you are a cancer patient in the state of Illinois, you can apply for a medical marijuana card, which will allow you to purchase medical cannabis for cancer.

**Ask your doctor before using medical marijuana for cancer treatments or symptoms associated with chemotherapy. This is not medical advice for cancer patients.