The Benefits of Medical Marijuana for Colon Cancer-Related Pain

The Benefits of Medical Marijuana for Colon Cancer-Related Pain

In 2021, through the passage of Texas House Bill 1535, the Compassionate Use Program (CUP)— which allows registered physicians to prescribe medical marijuana to qualified patients— was further expanded to include post-traumatic disorder and all diagnoses of cancer. Such has been an important landmark for state residents who are living with all types of cancer, among the most common of which is colon cancer.

If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer and are looking for a natural way to manage your symptoms, talk to a medical provider of medical marijuana about the potential benefits you can reap from it. Let’s discuss how medical marijuana can help colon cancer patients, like you, live well with your condition.

Promotes Inhibition of Cancer Cell Growth

Results of a study about the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on patients with colon cancer have shown that the compound may help stop the growth of—or even kill— colon cancer cells. THC, which is the main psychoactive component of marijuana, is responsible for promoting thoughts or feelings of euphoria and relaxation.

Researchers discovered that, beyond this function, THC is capable of inducing programmed death, specifically referred to as apoptosis, in colorectal cancer cells. In other words, when exposed to THC, cancer cells break down and get packaged into packets of membrane due for “garbage disposal” by the body’s immune cells.

Provides Effective Symptom Relief

According to the American Cancer Society, medical cannabis may help improve the condition of colorectal-cancer patients by reducing inflammation, and consequently, providing significant pain relief.

Moreover, cannabinoids (TCH and cannabidiol/CBD) can help with easing symptoms of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss, which can pose significant quality-of-life issues. Another potential side effect of chemotherapy is nerve damage, and medical cannabis has been shown to provide protection against it.

Nonetheless, even with the promising benefits of medical marijuana, it is worth noting that it is only used as an adjunctive therapy. Therefore, it is not intended to substitute cancer treatment.

Medical Marijuana Provider in Dallas, Texas

At TX Cann MD, we provide hope for patients living with cancer through our medical marijuana program. Our TCUP-registered internal medicine physicians offer virtual consults where we can conveniently assess your eligibility. Once we ascertain that you’re eligible, we will record your prescription in the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT), and provide you with instructions on how to claim your medication.

To learn more about how you could benefit from medical cannabis, schedule a consultation with our provider today. Text us at (512) 601-5926 or use our convenient online form to send your request.