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One of the worst diseases presently wreaking havoc on the planet is cancer. There are constant statistics regarding cancer and new details on diagnosis. The use of medical marijuana in treating cancer symptoms has been a fascinating discovery as the disease develops and better medical treatment for it continues to be made. KIF is here to explain some of the ways that medicinal cannabis can help cancer patients and why they should think about coming to our medical marijuana clinic.
An alternative painkiller
The most frequently suggested types of painkillers for cancer patients are opioids, which are the strongest painkillers currently known to man. The key factor in their rising popularity has been how well they manage the pain that cancer patients feel. But a visit to a marijuana doctor will show that medical marijuana functions very similarly to painkillers. As a result, they are an improved substitute for pharmaceutical medications. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory qualities of medicinal marijuana treatments are recognized to help cancer patients who are in pain.
Relief from neuropathy
Chemotherapy, which many cancer patients are required to get, has the unfortunate side effect of damaging the nerves. This is known as neuropathy in medical terminology. Cancer patients who have neuropathy typically experience weakness, numbness, or burning in their hands and feet. However, people have found relief from neuropathy and other chemotherapy-related adverse effects through the use of medical cannabis.
Vomiting and nausea
If you’ve spent time with a cancer patient, you may have noticed that they frequently feel nauseous or may vomit. These side effects of chemotherapy treatments are typical. Dronabinol has been given the go-ahead by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. However, research has indicated that using medical marijuana as a substitute for treating these symptoms can be a successful strategy.
What to consider before using medicinal cannabis?
After reading the previously mentioned benefits of cannabis, you might wish to locate the closest medical marijuana dispensary and get some. But before doing that, the following issues need to be resolved.
Certification to receive medicinal marijuana – Before you can begin using medical cannabis, a doctor must certify that you are a patient who is permitted to do so.
The legality of medicinal cannabis in your area – Not all states have made it lawful to consume cannabis for medical purposes and run medical marijuana clinics. To find out if using these goods is permitted where you live, check the laws of your state.
Form to be consumed – Since not everyone enjoys smoking, make sure to look into other alternatives, like edibles or cannabis-based medications.
Medical Cannabis: Tips for Beginners
Every person’s response to cannabis is unique, but if you have cancer and cannabis is legal in your state, trying it out can make sense. Uncertain of where to begin or what to anticipate? Here are some helpful tips.
Consider it an add-on, not a cure:
Don’t count on cannabis to cure your illness. Although research indicates that it may affect tumor cells. Don’t give up on your oncologist and the standard course of therapy; it is best used as an adjuvant to relieve symptoms rather than a cure for cancer.
Vaping is the fastest delivery route:
While there are several ways to consume cannabis, smoking the whole flower is frequently a wise choice (as opposed to concentrated oils, which are more potent). Smoking or vaping is the fastest way to deliver it. If you require relief from intense nausea, vomiting, or pain, vaping should start working in 5 to 10 minutes. Edibles should only be used for severe pain or sleeplessness (take around an hour before bed) because they may take 40 to 60 minutes or longer to take action.
Expect some trial and error:
If you don’t drive or engage in any other potentially hazardous activities while using the medication, you shouldn’t worry too much about making a big mistake. It could take some time to figure out which doses, strains, and delivery techniques are best for you.
Go slow:
The doctor advises beginning with one puff of a low-THC flower if you’re vaping and waiting at least 20 minutes to observe how you feel. If you choose an edible, make sure the THC content is no more than 2 mg or 2.5 mg, and wait two hours to evaluate the effects. According to some healthcare professionals, some individuals who are new to cannabis experience no symptoms for the first 24 hours.
Loop in your oncology team:
They may be able to direct you to a physician, nurse, or chemist who is informed about cannabis if you’re lucky. It’s still a good idea to let them know that you’re utilizing this drug even if that’s not the case. Cannabis doesn’t interfere with the majority of medications used to treat cancer, although using it with the chemotherapy medicines etoposide and paclitaxel may cause issues. Using cannabis along with a blood thinner like warfarin may raise your risk of bleeding, so avoid doing so.
Conclusion
In the treatment of cancer, medical marijuana is beneficial. The likelihood that a long-lasting cure will be discovered for cancer with medical cannabis is increasing as more study is done in this area.
