When it comes to cancer treatment, we most commonly think of chemotherapy and radiation. While these treatments are often very effective, they come with many side effects, including pain. One way to minimize these symptoms is through the use of medical marijuana.
Not only does marijuana help with symptom relief, but studies have shown it can help shrink cancer tumors and slow tumor growth.
How does marijuana help with cancer symptoms?
Pain
Medical marijuana can be very effective in helping patients manage pain from cancer and cancer treatments. Patients find they do not need to rely on prescription pain medications, or at least it helps reduce how often they need to take these medications.
Medical marijuana helps to reduce pain because it decreases inflammation, which minimizes discomfort.
Some studies have shown that medical marijuana can also be helpful in the treatment of neuropathic pain (pain that is caused by damage to the nerves). Neuropathy can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. It is a common side effect of chemotherapy.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are pervasive side effects of chemotherapy treatments. Many patients have found medical marijuana helps to reduce these symptoms and also increases appetite.
Marijuana is one of the oldest known remedies for relief from nausea and vomiting. Patients find they need to take fewer prescription medications such as those prescribed for nausea and vomiting when marijuana is used as a treatment adjunct or alternative.
Anxiety and depression
A cancer diagnosis brings about many emotions for patients. Anxiety and depression are common as the patient is going through cancer treatments. Medical marijuana helps manage anxiety and depression and can also help with insomnia.
Tumor Reduction
Studies have now come out to support that medical marijuana can reduce the size of tumors. Some patients have even found their cancer has gone into remission.
How does marijuana work to reduce cancer tumors? Marijuana restricts blood flow to the tumor, slowing the growth and ability to spread to other cells.
Individualized Treatment Plans for Patients with Cancer
Medical marijuana treatment plans are individualized for the patient. Not every treatment is the same.
Several options are available for the treatment of patients with cancer, including:
- Oils, tinctures, sprays, and capsules
- Edibles
- Concentrates
- Topicals (patches and lotions)
The right plan for you will be determined by the provider. Smoking and vaping are unhealthy, so those are not generally good choices.
Are There Side Effects for Using Medical Marijuana?
With the proper delivery method and dosage, side effects from medical marijuana are rare. However, there are side effects, just as with any medication. One side effect that patients have reported include feeling impaired (usually the result of excessive dosage).
Always discuss with your provider if you note any side effects from medical marijuana treatments.
Learn More About Medical Marijuana in Gainesville, Florida
Dr. Brent Stewart is the founder of Advanced Pain Medical Center. He is a pain specialist committed to quality, safety, and individualized treatment for patients seeking relief from pain.
Dr. Stewart offers several options for treatment for cancer symptoms, including medical marijuana and CBD in Gainesville, Fl. He and his treatment team use customized therapy and the right alternative treatments for all patients to improve their quality of life. We want to help you get back to doing whatever you love, with less pain.
At Advanced Pain Medical Center, we offer high-quality services and innovative options in Gainesville for pain management, as well as:
If you are interested in learning more about treatment options, do not hesitate to Contact Us today.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
