Like most people, you’ve probably heard that cannabis can help with the treatment of cancer. Especially since many states in the US have legalized medical cannabis to help treat a variety of conditions, including cancer. But there is a lot of misinformation out there about what cannabis can actually do.
The fact is, cannabis can be used to treat cancer, but it does not cure it. We want to help clear-up this common misconception. If you are confused about what cannabis is actually capable of when it comes to cancer, this article is for you.
The Truth About Cannabis for Cancer
Cannabis Doesn’t “Kill Cancer”
Unfortunately, there are people out there who believe that the government is hiding life-saving information that cannabis can kill cancer cells. But there is simply no concrete proof that cannabis can do this. While some preliminary research shows cannabis might be able to impact a cancerous tumor, the science just isn’t there yet.
What we do know for sure is that cannabis can treat the symptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatments.
Cannabis Can Help Patients During Cancer Treatment
Cannabis has been proven time and again to be effective at treating cancer symptoms like pain, depression, anxiety, and the array of symptoms caused by treatments. Chemotherapy is one of the most effective treatments we have for cancer, along with radiation therapy and surgery. But for many patients, chemotherapy means enduring side effects that can sometimes be worse than the cancer symptoms.
Here’s how cannabis can directly help someone going through chemotherapy:
Nausea and vomiting: Multiple studies have shown that cannabis can do a better job of treating nausea and vomiting than conventional methods.
Fatigue: There have been a handful of studies that show cannabis can help fight fatigue. But the anecdotal evidence from patients shows that cannabis has helped thousands beat their symptoms of chronic fatigue.
Appetite Loss: Studies show that cannabis can help increase appetite, especially for people with cancer and HIV/AIDS
Depression: One of the most significant side effects associated with cancer and chemotherapy is depression. The good news is studies show that cannabis can help patients beat depression.
Is Cannabis Safe to Use with Chemotherapy?
You can rest assured that it is common and safe to combine cannabis and chemotherapy. But keep in mind there isn’t a lot of data that shows what happens when you combine cannabis with certain other medications.
It’s a good idea to use caution when combining cannabis with pain relievers like opioids and anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. Cannabis can amplify the effects of these drugs, so always talk to your doctor about the possible side-effects of using cannabis for symptoms when you are taking other medications.
The Bottom Line: We Need More Research
Because cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, there isn’t much research that shows the full extent of what cannabis is capable of. What we do know is that it can provide much-needed relief for patients suffering through difficult treatments.
If you are looking for help finding relief from uncomfortable symptoms, we’re here to help. Our knowledgeable staff can help make recommendations based on your needs and what you want to achieve. Schedule a consultation now to discuss your needs!