All ways how medical marijuana helps to combat cancer

Cancer is devastating diagnosis, but all medical cannabis can help here

In the USA and Canada, over 2 million people with chest, lungs, colorectal, prostate and skin are most frequently diagnosed every year. A system has developed as a powerful instrument for treatment, offers relief, improves the quality of life and may improve the results for patients who undergo treatment. Here are all possibilities that medical marijuana contributes to combating cancer. And since science continues to examine its advantages, the evidence of marijuana increasingly supports a greater role in cancer treatment.

Relatives: New data on cancer and cannabis

Loosen side effects of chemotherapy

One of the best -known uses of medical marijuana in oncology is the reduction in nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy (CINV). These side effects can be serious and patients often prevent them from further developing life -saving treatments. Connections in cannabis, in particular THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), have shown significant antemetic properties. A pioneering study published in the British Journal of Pharmakology showed that cannabinoids were more effective for certain patients than with some traditional anti-mal medication

Pain relief and symptom treatment

Cancer often brings chronic pain due to tumor pressure, nerve damage or side effects of treatment. Medical marijuana, especially cannabinoids such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), have shown the effectiveness in reducing pain. In contrast to opioids, Cannabis harbors a low risk of dependency and less serious side effects. A comprehensive overview published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management showed that cannabis-based drugs were effective in the treatment of cancer pain and neuropathy.

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Fight against nausea and vomiting

One of the earliest uses for THC approved by the FDA was in drug-dronabinol that was used to combat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). These symptoms are not only uncomfortable, but can also affect compliance with nutrition and treatments. Cannabinoids interact with the brain endocannabinoid system to reduce nausea and increase appetite. Clinical studies, as summarized in a review of the National Cancer Institute, have shown that cannabinoids are at least as effective – and sometimes effective – traditional antiemetic drugs.

Appetite stimulation and weight maintenance

Cancer patients often suffer from cachexia – a wasteful syndrome that is characterized by weight loss and muscle atrophy. It was found that THC stimulates the appetite and helps the patient to maintain body weight and strength. This can improve treatment tolerance and overall results. Studies have shown that the ability of the THC increases calorie intake in cancer patients and improves nutritional status and energy level.

Fear and sleep support

Cannabis is also known for its calming effects. Many cancer patients have anxiety, depression and insomnia due to their diagnosis and treatment. CBD in particular has anxiolytic (anxiety -solving) and soothing properties that can support mental health. A 2019 study in the permanent journal showed that CBD significantly improved sleep and reduced fear in a majority of patients.

Relatives: cannabis can help PTBS

Address PTBS

Cancer is not just a physical struggle – it is a psychological one. Many patients have trauma, anxiety and depression, which sometimes lead to PTBs. Cannabis, especially the CBD, showed promising to reduce anxiety and improve sleep what is advantageous for those who deal with trauma. A study 2020 published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that the use of cannabis was associated with a significant reduction in PTBS symptoms in cancer patients.

Potential anti -tumor effect

The most fascinating is the early research that indicates that cannabinoids can slow down or stop the growth of certain cancer cells. In preclinical models it was shown that cannabinoid apoptosis (programmed cell death) induces and angiogenesis (blood vessel formation in tumors) inhibit. A study from 2014 published in molecular cancer therapy agency showed that THC reduced tumor growth in breast cancer models. While this area of ​​study is still in its infancy, it offers hope for future therapies.