With more and more states implementing cannabis laws, certain questions demand immediate attention. Especially questions concerning the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Conversely, little is known about the use of cannabis for the treatment of various medical conditions. However, for cancer patients, cannabis comes as a pain and nausea management option. Given the fact that many people suffer from cancer researchers not only look for medicines but also ways to make the life of cancer patients more comfortable. But it is vital to understand that cannabis is new to the medical world and unsupervised use can be dangerous. This is why many health care providers advise patients to use an MMJ card San Diego and thoroughly observe their condition before treatment.
Below is a post that will help you understand the use of cannabis for cancer and whether it is safe to use marijuana for cancer or not. Let’s begin.
Cancer And Marijuana
First and foremost it is vital to understand how cannabis can help alleviate the symptoms of cancer. Let’s begin with the basics. The cannabis plant contains two major components, widely known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBD). According to researchers, both these compounds are known for treating several medical conditions. Even though the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists cannabis as a Schedule I substance. This indicates that legally, cannabis cannot be sold, purchased or possessed. But the FDA approves the use of Drobanil (a synthesized form of THC) and Nabilone to treat the symptoms of cancer.
The reason behind this treatment is solely scientific. The phytocannabinoids of the cannabis plant have the ability to interact with the cannabinoids in the human body. The cannabinoids (CB1, CB2) cause a chemical reaction when they interact with THC or CBD. In the case of cancer patients, THC works best because it can directly interact with CB1 receptors in the brain. Not only this but THC also increases the production of anandamide (naturally found cannabinoid). With the increase in anandamide cancer, patients will feel less-stressed or pressurized. Having said that let us further see how cannabis helps cancer patients.
How Does Cannabis Help Cancer Patients?
Unfortunately, cancer patients suffer from chronic pain, waves of nausea, and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are two side effects of chemotherapy. Several studies have looked into the possible treatment methods but none have successfully fought the symptoms of cancer. However, if we look at the two drugs mentioned above, they are largely responsible for decreasing the side effects of chemotherapy.
Most doctors are of the view that dronabinol and nabilone work effectively in the case of some patients when all other medications fail. In fact, a recent study explains the experience of a cancer patient and how cannabis helped him ease the pain of cancer. Yes, cannabis also alleviates pain in cancer patients. You heard it right. Mainly due to the fact that THC directly combines with the receptors in the brain.
The Bottom Line
Therefore it is quite evident that cannabis can help alleviate the symptoms of cancer. But no studies are proving the effectiveness of cannabis in curing cancer completely. This is why it is vital to consult a cancer specialist first. In addition to this make sure you use an MMJ card San Diego to purchase strains that suit your medical condition. Also, thorough scrutiny of your medical condition is essential pre-treatment because we all know that prevention is better than cure.