As medical marijuana is legalized in a growing number of states, more and more people with cancer want to explore it to see if it could really help them cope with this complex disease.
Although medical marijuana may not be suitable for every cancer patient, it can help to ease symptoms in some people, and thus, maybe a good alternative to other types of treatments, such as opiates, which can have potentially serious side effects. In addition, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause gastric problems, such as indigestion and stomach ulcers, and these can be avoided with medical marijuana.
Let’s take a closer look at the specific benefits of medical marijuana for cancer patients.
Offers Pain Relief
Medical marijuana is believed to offer pain relief in two ways: it activates the brain’s reward symptoms, thereby blocking pain signals; and it has properties that suppress inflammation.
Among the disabling side effects of chemotherapy is peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). Many cancer patients dealing with the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy– such as pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, and aching in the extremities –have reported significant relief while using medical marijuana.
Helps Reduce Nausea
The vagus nerve, which runs from the brain through the face and thorax (chest) to the abdomen, acts as a superhighway for information from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain.
There are plenty of cannabinoid receptors along the vagus neural pathway. When a person ingests medical cannabis, THC(its main compound) acts upon this superhighway to block the sensation of nausea and dampen signals that induce vomiting.
Improves Appetite
Appetite and weight loss are common problems among people with advanced-stage cancer because of changes in their metabolism and swelling or irritation of their gastrointestinal tract. Some cancer treatments can also affect appetite.
THC has been shown to effectively stimulate appetite and is therefore beneficial for patients with cancer-related anorexia (appetite loss), weight loss, and/or cachexia (body wasting).
Medical Marijuana for Cancer Patients in Texas
If you have cancer or other another chronic medical condition and would like to find out if medical marijuana is right for you, consult one of our board-certified physicians here at TX Cann MD. We will evaluate your condition, see if you qualify, and, upon approval, get you a prescription on the same day.
To learn more about our medical marijuana program or to book a consultation with one of our providers, text us at (512) 601-5926 or you can request an appointment right here on our website. We’re eager to help you live a full, happy life despite your condition!
