As a Cancer Patient, Can Medical Marijuana Help Me with My Ongoing Side Effects from Treatment?

Dealing with a life-threatening disease, such as cancer, is difficult and multi-faceted. Treatments to control the spread of tumors and to put patients into full remission often carry difficult side effects. If you’d like to improve your quality of life during cancer treatment, medical marijuana for cancer patients may provide the relief you deserve.

Let’s talk about the benefits of medical marijuana and where you can go in Texas for outstanding cancer management.

Medical Marijuana Helps Many Cancer Patients

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that medical marijuana can be helpful in relieving the side effects of cancer therapies. Medical marijuana contains substances called cannabinoids–specifically, THC and CBD–which limit inflammation and reduce pain by bonding to specific nerve sites in the brain. This bonding process releases a mood-lightening and pain-relieving neurotransmitter called dopamine.

Cancer treatment patients who routinely use medical marijuana, as prescribed in the proper dosage and form by a registered physician in the state of Texas, experience increased feelings of happiness and relief from the debilitating effects of:

  • Nerve pain (neuropathy)
  • Poor appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy drugs

Additionally, some cancer patients depend less on strong pain-killing medications, such as opioids, when they use medical marijuana according to their doctor’s specific instructions. Still others improve their nutritional intake when treated with medical marijuana along with their conventional cancer treatments.

Medical Marijuana is Legal and Regulated in the State of Texas

Approved for compassionate medical use in the State of Texas through House Bill 1535, medical marijuana is prescribed by board-certified physicians and made available for cancer patients through the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas. The available forms include:

  • Inhaled vapor
  • Smoking
  • Liquid mixed with food

The medical marijuana doctor advises cancer patients on the dosage and form of the drug best suited to their cancer, overall health, experienced side effects, etc.

Lastly, please remember that medical marijuana is not a cure-all for cancer, nor should it be used as a substitute for your conventional care plan. Medical marijuana is, however, very useful as an add-on, palliative treatment to help you navigate the difficulties associated with chemotherapy, surgery, and other cancer treatments.

Getting Access to Medical Marijuana Is Simpler Than You May Think

At TX Cann MD, our board-certified doctors confer with patients through our convenient patient portal. If you have a qualifying medical condition, such as cancer and ongoing cancer therapy, you may receive a medical marijuana prescription through CURT, the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas.

To learn more, please text (512) 601-5926, or you may request a telehealth visit through our homepage. We will be happy to work with you to improve your quality of life as you go through your cancer journey.