Cancer treatment is often an unpleasant experience? Radiation, chemotherapy, and other treatments can cause many side effects that are difficult to manage. It is an intense grueling process that puts cancer patients at risk for severe side effects. These side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and trouble swallowing – all of which lead to decreased appetite. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy need to maintain their weight to battle the disease more successfully. One way they can do this is by using cannabis during chemo treatment. Studies show that cannabis can help in various ways with symptoms caused by chemo drugs. This allows cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy easier access to nourishment while easing the burden of these debilitating symptoms on their quality of life. But how can cannabis ease chemo side effects? Let’s take a look.

Cannabis can help with nausea, vomiting, and may increase appetite

Cancer patients often experience extreme nausea and vomiting which can be difficult to manage. Cannabis can help alleviate these symptoms as it has been shown to reduce nausea by more than 75% in some cases. Studies have also shown that cannabis is a potent antiemetic—meaning it’s an effective treatment against vomiting caused by various diseases or conditions such as motion sickness or morning sickness. Patients who suffer from severe nausea may find relief through ingesting small doses of THC capsules which provide consistent levels of relief without any psychoactive effects. Patients who don’t want to smoke their medicine often use edibles, tinctures, and topicals. The list of consumption methods is long, but retailers like Daily High Club provide extensive information on cannabis products and devices on their site that cancer patients might find very useful. No matter what you choose, the benefits are nearly guaranteed. Nausea caused by chemotherapy prevents patients from eating enough calories to maintain their weight. Cannabis use has been found to increase appetite in both healthy people and cancer patients during chemotherapy, so it is another benefit that physicians who treat cancer patients should be aware of. Cancer patients need to know about the medicinal benefits that cannabis offers so they can make informed decisions about their treatment options.

Cannabis decreases depression, anxiety, and insomnia

It is now known for a fact that cannabis decreases depression, anxiety, and insomnia. The main psychoactive component of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain which may reduce chronic pain and improve mood. It also affects sleep by increasing deep slow-wave sleep which helps people with insomnia. Medical marijuana has been found as an alternative medicine for cancer patients who are experiencing psychological side effects from chemotherapy such as depression and anxiety. Cannabis is a natural option for managing these conditions.

Cannabis can provide pain relief

Cannabis may be a  way to reduce pain and provide relief for people with cancer. Cannabis can be smoked or taken orally in the form of an edible. Smoking cannabis is not permitted in some states, but many states allow for medical marijuana usage which includes edibles and vaping. Edibles may take longer to have an effect than inhalation, but some patients prefer them to smoking.

Cancer treatment often leads to chronic pain because of its effects on the body’s cells. The cannabinoids found in cannabis mimic natural ones produced by our bodies, so cannabis  acts as a buffer against pain signals being sent from damaged tissues back to the brain.

Cannabis is often overlooked in the treatment of cancer patients. However, it has been found to provide relief for pain and other symptoms associated with cancer. It can also act as an appetite stimulant, which is helpful for those who are having difficulty eating due to nausea or lack of appetite. Cannabis can be prescribed legally in some states without a prescription from your doctor – just ask your local dispensary! It’s time we start discussing cannabis as a viable option for those living with cancer.