This might sound like an exaggeration, or even a blatant lie, but, did you know that medical weed can help reduce, and potentially eliminate, cancer?
The truth is that marijuana (cannabis) has been used in different herbal remedies for thousands of years. Research has contributed to the identification of several biologically active chemical compounds in marijuana.
These compounds, called cannabinoids, are still being thoroughly researched, but two of the most studied, and notable, components in cannabis are the chemicals THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
When we say medical weed, we’re not talking about a different plant; both recreational and medical weed come from cannabis. They’re strains bred for different purposes.
With this said, there are two fundamental differences between the two; the first is that medical weed is bred to have less THC, A.K.A. the psychoactive compound that gets you “high”; without it, you can’t get “stoned.”
Medical weed usually has more CBD (cannabidiol) that is incapable of getting you “stoned.” Still, it suppresses the psychoactive potential of THC.
Despite all these, how can medical marijuana help those with cancer?
It Minimizes the Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Several short-scale studies have demonstrated that inhaled marijuana can be helpful for treating some of the side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea and vomit.
In the volume “Marijuana as Medicine? The Science Beyond Controversy,” published under the NCBI, the authors express that several forms of THC, both natural and synthetic, have proved mildly effective to suppress chemotherapy-induced vomiting.
While the word “mildly” doesn’t sound particularly reassuring, don’t forget that this is a problem that remains difficult to unravel, and almost impossible to eradicate.
Many patients who didn’t respond to any treatment before found their solution in marijuana, and that’s enough to help!
It Eases Neuropathic Pain & Inflammation
Some chemotherapy drugs are known for generating peripheral neuropathy. This condition comes with a set of pain-inducing symptoms that stem from damage to the nerves that control sensations and legs and arms movement.
As you know, marijuana works as an excellent pain reliever, similarly to opioids. Marijuana is also great against inflammation, given that cannabinoids are natural anti-inflammatories.
Patients reporting chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy often display weakness, numbness, tingling, and even “burning” in their extremities.
Just like with rheumatoid arthritis, patients inhaling weed have reported improvement in their condition.
It Improves Appetite and Prevents Unintended Weight Loss
Not all chemotherapy patients experience or develop anorexia (and subsequently lose weight).
The conditions for it aren’t thoroughly described, but there are both physical and psychological causes.
For starters, cancers in an advanced stage dramatically change the patient’s metabolism, shifting their appetite and weight. Moreover, those diagnosed with cancer experience psychological and social impact, generating a lot of stress and leading to a change in eating patterns.
Marijuana is known for improving the appetite, and it’s been proved to be decent at controlling “wasting syndrome”/cachexia in patients with AIDS.
More studies are researching into its potential to help patients experiencing cancer-induced anorexia and cachexia. Still, so far, it has been an effective solution for many patients. You can learn about the special kinds of cannabis that help fight with cancer.
Conclusion
It’s not a miracle cure, that much is true, but there are no miracle cures for cancer either way.
Those who’ve tried different treatments to no avail might be surprised to learn that medical marijuana can help them.
The decision isn’t a light one, and many are insecure about it. Ask your doctor about it, and discuss your options, especially regulations. Read also Step-by-Step Instructions for Growing Medical Weed.
