Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has been used to treat a variety of illnesses for centuries. As attitudes change towards its legalization, many are hopeful that it will be the answer to some of medicine’s most difficult challenges. This article explores how medical marijuana can help people with cancer and other serious conditions.
Although there are always risks associated with any treatment, research is starting to show that marijuana can help relieve pain, nausea, anxiety, and other symptoms. Read on to learn more about the benefits of medical marijuana
The Use of Medical Marijuana
Various studies have shown that marijuana can be a useful part of medical treatment for several different conditions, including cancer, you may get your medical marijuana at Online dispensary Canada. One study found that marijuana does not increase the risk of lung cancer, even if users smoke as much as 15 to 20 cigarettes a day.
Marijuana can also help to decrease nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy, as well as pain associated with bone fractures. Although there have been some safety concerns about the effects of smoking marijuana, studies have shown that the levels of THC in marijuana smoke are minimal. Medications have been developed specifically for specific cancer types. There is, however, some evidence that suggests marijuana may be beneficial when used in conjunction with chemotherapy.
Research Into the Benefits of Medical Marijuana
Researchers from the University of Massachusetts completed the most credible and thorough study on medicinal marijuana’s capacity to relieve various cancer symptoms in 2011. 14 men and 3 women had recurrent breast cancer. Eight individuals had stage IV (acute) cancer, and four had stage IIIB. Two patients experienced less nausea, vomiting, and discomfort, while two others had better results.
Doctor Lorne Gertler and colleagues found in a 2016 CMAJ report that both medical marijuana and marijuana smoke had considerable anti-nausea and anti-spasmodic benefits in the treatment of chronic and moderate to severe pain.
The Role of Medical Marijuana in Cancer Treatment
Marijuana has been used for many reasons over the centuries. However, research has shown that it may have a role in cancer treatment. Researchers believe that cannabinoids may help to inhibit the growth of tumors. According to Merck Manuals, cannabinoids are chemicals that have been found to stimulate the body’s natural pain-killing response so get medications at Online dispensary Canada for pain relief.
They also play a role in regulating brain chemicals and preventing certain types of seizures. Studies have shown that cannabinoids can trigger these responses in the brain.
According to the National Cancer Institute, some preliminary research has found that patients treated with cannabis extract have experienced better quality of life.
Other Uses for Medical Marijuana
Using cannabis as an effective medical treatment is no easy task. As marijuana is an illegal drug, researchers have to conduct their research in a legal environment. One of the biggest challenges of medical marijuana is getting research-grade marijuana.
Using research-grade marijuana for research requires that you have a valid legal marijuana prescription and that you can grow or purchase marijuana in compliance with state law. Some states have even legalized it and require patients to grow their marijuana plants to be able to use it in research studies. According to a report by the U.S. Senate, Canada and the Netherlands have both recognized the potential of medical marijuana to treat cancer patients.