Cancer is a relentless adversary. When individuals undergo chemotherapy, they subject themselves to treatments that can feel like poison coursing through their bodies, all in the battle against cancer. This process often leads to a host of debilitating side effects: pain, nausea, weight loss, fatigue, and weakened immunity. Patients may experience hair loss and swollen limbs, and cognitive fog can cloud their minds. Some days, even the warmest summer sun can’t shake the chill that permeates their bones.
I share this not from personal experience, but through the eyes of loved ones who have faced these challenges. For instance, my uncle is currently fighting pancreatic cancer, while my aunt is bravely battling ovarian cancer. The harsh realities of cancer treatment are undeniable. I have witnessed my uncle lose weight rapidly due to the inability to eat caused by medication, and I’ve seen my aunt navigate her day with visible discomfort.
Although they are prescribed various anti-nausea medications, the effectiveness can be hit or miss. Many patients report finding significant relief through an alternative treatment: marijuana. “I find it essential for getting through the night,” my aunt, Ellen, confides. “It helps alleviate the soreness and nausea.”
Despite the stigma, cannabis has been shown to provide relief from pain, nausea, sleeplessness, and anxiety for those undergoing cancer treatment. Studies indicate that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can effectively reduce nausea and vomiting, stimulate appetite, and diminish pain comparable to codeine, all while enhancing mood.
Unfortunately, many cancer patients still struggle to obtain the medical marijuana they need, even in states where it is legal. This is particularly concerning when conventional pharmaceuticals fail to address their suffering. Ignoring cannabis as a treatment option could be seen as contrary to the medical principle of “do no harm.”
While 29 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized medical marijuana, the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card can be confusing. Once patients navigate this, they often find the variety of products overwhelming. From edibles to vaporizers, the differences in THC and CBD concentrations can add to the confusion. Some products focus solely on cannabidiol (CBD), which may help with sleep but lack the psychoactive properties of THC.
Moreover, oncologists frequently do not discuss marijuana as a treatment option. My aunt, receiving treatment at the renowned St. Jude Cancer Research Hospital, has found her doctors to be exceptional in addressing her cancer but lacking guidance on medical marijuana. This could stem from a lack of knowledge, discomfort with the drug, or the complexities of federal regulations, which still classify marijuana as illegal despite state-level legalization. Reports of federal crackdowns only add to the urgency of this issue.
As Dr. Samuel Collins, a medical cannabis expert in California, noted, many healthcare institutions shy away from integrating marijuana into treatment plans due to fear of federal repercussions. It’s disheartening that patients in significant pain are often deprived of a potential source of relief due to bureaucratic fears and misconceptions surrounding cannabis.
While it is crucial to further investigate the therapeutic properties of cannabis for cancer patients, it is equally vital that we not make access to this treatment an uphill battle. If you are a healthcare provider, take the initiative to learn how to assist cancer patients in safely utilizing marijuana for relief. Patients, don’t hesitate to advocate for your needs. And for those of us supporting loved ones battling cancer, we must strive to ensure they receive all the medical marijuana they desire.
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Summary
Access to medical marijuana can significantly alleviate the suffering of cancer patients. Despite its benefits, many face barriers in obtaining it, often due to lack of information or reluctance from healthcare providers. As more states legalize cannabis, it’s essential for both patients and medical professionals to embrace its potential as a legitimate treatment option.