Managing Cancer Symptoms with Medical Marijuana: What You Need to Know

Cancer treatment can be very tough. Many patients deal with distressing symptoms like pain, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. These symptoms can greatly affect their quality of life. Recently, medical marijuana has become a possible treatment option to help with these issues. Research shows that some compounds in cannabis, like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), may help reduce pain, control nausea, and increase appetite in cancer patients.

What Is Marijuana (Weed)?

Marijuana, also known as weed, pot, or grass, comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. This plant grows well in warm climates and has flowers and leaves that contain special chemicals called cannabinoids. The two main cannabinoids are THC, which can make people feel “high,” and CBD, which may have health benefits without the high.

In the Kentucky, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it is illegal under medical marijuana law. However, many states allow marijuana for medical use, so doctors can prescribe it for various conditions, including cancer treatment. Although the FDA has not officially approved marijuana for medical use, research into its potential benefits is ongoing and gaining interest.

The Role of Cannabinoids in Cancer Treatment

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are the main active compounds in marijuana. They may help with symptoms related to cancer. These cannabinoids work with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which controls functions like pain, mood, and appetite. Let’s look more closely at how these cannabinoids function.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

THC is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that produces the “high” feeling. However, it has several medicinal properties that can benefit cancer patients, including:

• Pain relief: THC may help manage pain caused by cancer or its treatments.
• Nausea control: THC can reduce nausea and vomiting, common side effects of chemotherapy.
• Appetite stimulation: THC is known to increase appetite, which is often suppressed in cancer patients undergoing treatment.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce a “high.” However, it has significant medicinal properties:

• Anti-inflammatory: CBD may help reduce inflammation caused by cancer or its treatments, such as chemotherapy.
• Antioxidant: CBD has antioxidant properties that may help protect the body from oxidative stress.
• Pain management: While not as potent as THC, CBD can still contribute to pain relief.

Many people find CBD products at cannabis dispensaries, where they can access various forms of CBD for their specific needs.

How Does Medical Marijuana Help Manage Cancer Symptoms?

Cancer treatment can bring a host of side effects, and many patients turn to medical marijuana to manage them. Below are the key ways in which cannabis can help:

1. Pain Relief

Cancer pain can be very intense, and regular pain medications don’t always help enough or can cause unwanted side effects of cannabis. THC has been proven to relieve cancer-related pain. It may even help patients use fewer opioid painkillers, which can be addictive.

Here’s how THC helps with pain relief:

• It interacts with the brain’s pain receptors, reducing discomfort.
• It helps muscles relax, easing tension and soreness.
• It may reduce nerve pain, which is common in cancer patients.
• It can improve mood, which helps patients cope with chronic pain.
• Some patients report that THC makes their pain feel less overwhelming.

2. Nausea and Vomiting Control

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer, but it often causes severe nausea and vomiting. THC can help reduce these symptoms, allowing patients to maintain a better quality of life during their treatment. The FDA has approved synthetic cannabinoids, like dronabinol (Marinol®), for this use.

Ways THC helps with nausea and vomiting:

• It directly affects the brain’s nausea control center, reducing sickness.
• It can help patients feel more comfortable after chemo treatments.
• It may allow patients to eat and drink without feeling sick.
• It works faster than some traditional anti-nausea medications.
• Many patients report that it makes nausea feel less intense.

3. Appetite Stimulation

Cancer patients, especially those receiving chemotherapy, often lose their appetite. This can lead to not getting enough nutrition and losing weight. THC is known to help increase appetite, which can make it easier for patients to eat and keep a healthy weight during treatment.

How THC helps boost appetite:

• It triggers hunger signals in the brain, making food more appealing.
• It can enhance the taste and smell of food, making meals more enjoyable.
• It may help patients gain back lost weight.
• It can reduce food-related anxiety, making eating feel less like a chore.
• Many patients feel more energized when they eat properly.

4. Reduced Inflammation

CBD may help reduce swelling and pain related to cancer, especially when tumors grow or during chemotherapy. This can lead to less pain and more comfort for patients.

Ways CBD reduces inflammation:

• It calms the immune system, which can lower swelling.
• It may help reduce pain caused by inflammation.
• It can support the body’s natural healing process.
• It might lower the risk of infections caused by inflammation.
• Some studies suggest it slows the spread of cancer cells.

5. Improved Sleep

Cancer and its treatments can make it hard to sleep, leading to tiredness and a lower quality of life. CBD, a type of cannabis, may help improve sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. This can help patients get the rest they need.

How CBD helps with sleep:

• It relaxes the mind, making it easier to fall asleep.
• It can reduce anxiety, which often causes insomnia.
• It may help prevent waking up during the night.
• It can reduce pain, which often interrupts sleep.
• Some patients feel more refreshed and energetic after better sleep.

Forms of Medical Marijuana

There are various ways to consume medical marijuana, and the method of consumption can affect how quickly and intensely the cannabinoids work. Here are the main types of marijuana consumption for cancer patients:

1. Edible Marijuana

You can consume edible marijuana through foods, oils, or drinks. The body absorbs the THC in these edibles more slowly, and it is processed by the liver. This means the effects take longer to start, but they can also last longer. However, it is hard to know the exact dose, which can increase the risk of taking too much.

2. Inhaled Marijuana (Smoking or Vaping)

Inhaling marijuana is the quickest way to feel the effects of THC. It enters the bloodstream fast through the lungs. Smoking or vaping can quickly relieve symptoms like pain and nausea. However, smoking may lead to respiratory problems, so many patients find vaping to be a safer choice for inhaling marijuana.

3. Topical Marijuana

You can use topical treatments like lotions or oils that contain cannabis directly on your skin. These treatments help relieve pain in specific areas without causing the high that comes from smoking or eating marijuana.

Medical Marijuana Side Effects

While marijuana can provide significant relief, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects, including:

• Cognitive effects: THC can cause difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly, especially in higher doses.
• Mental health risks: Long-term use of high THC doses may lead to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, or, in rare cases, schizophrenia.
• Respiratory problems: Smoking marijuana can lead to lung irritation and chronic bronchitis, especially if used frequently.

For these reasons, it’s crucial to use medical marijuana under the supervision of a healthcare provider who can monitor its effects and adjust the dosage as needed.

How Does Marijuana Interact with Other Medications?

Marijuana can change how other medicines work. This can make side effects worse or cause bad reactions. It’s important to tell your medical marijuana doctor about any medicines or vitamins you are taking. This includes prescription medicine, store-bought medicine, and herbal products.

Legal Status of Medical Marijuana

The legal status of medical marijuana differs by state. Some states allow medical marijuana for cancer treatment, while others have stricter rules or have not approved it at all. Because marijuana is still a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, you cannot prescribe, sell, or buy cannabis across state lines. Patients must get medical marijuana from state-regulated dispensaries, usually with a medical marijuana card.

Does Insurance Cover Medical Marijuana?

Insurance companies don’t pay for medical marijuana because it’s against the medical marijuana law in some place have help for people who need it. But insurance can cover some medicine that has ingredients from marijuana, like dronabinol (Marinol®).

Conclusion

Medical marijuana may help people with cancer by reducing symptoms like pain, nausea, and lack of appetite. Many patients have reported feeling relief when using it, although more research is needed. If you are considering medical marijuana, it’s important to talk to your medical cannabis doctor first to see if it’s right for you.

As more states allow marijuana use, it may become easier for cancer patients to access this option. However, be aware that it can have side effects and might interact with other medications. Medical marijuana laws regarding its use also vary by location.

If you want to include medical marijuana in your cancer treatment plan, consult your healthcare provider. They can help you manage your symptoms effectively. Remember that everyone’s cancer experience is different, and having a trusted doctor to support you in making treatment choices is essential for your care.