Although marijuana is listed as an illegal Schedule I drug under federal law, it has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for a host of conditions. In fact, cannabis was a component of many medications and tinctures up until the 1930s, when individual states banned it and, eventually, so did the federal government. But many states have again begun to recognize the medicinal value of marijuana for cancer, epilepsy, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, and many other qualifying conditions, by legalizing it entirely or offering medical marijuana programs to help patients find relief.
Understanding Medical Marijuana's Components
Because marijuana is still illegal under federal law, there are limited recent studies to show its effectiveness as a medical treatment. However, many patients have experienced great success using medical marijuana for cancer treatment and relief of uncomfortable symptoms. Marijuana contains possibly more than a hundred different cannabinoids, which are the chemical components that make up the cannabis plant. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most famous, and it is what gives marijuana its psychoactive, or “high," component. Another major one is cannabidiol, or CBD, which is a non-psychoactive component of marijuana that also offers healing properties.
Both these components benefit patients suffering from cancer and other ailments. THC helps relieve pain, nausea, inflammation, and other symptoms, while CBD helps reduce anxiety, depression, paranoia, and more. It is also frequently used for its anti-seizure and anticonvulsant properties. For instance, a paper published by the British Epilepsy Association in 2012, "strongly supports CBD as a therapeutic candidate for a diverse range of human epilepsies."
How It Helps Cancer Patients
Medical marijuana has provided relief for many cancer patients. While there have been limited studies to determine its true effectiveness, scientists have reported that THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids have slowed growth and reduced the spread of some types of cancer cells in lab dishes and animal studies, according to the American Cancer Society. Patients have reported relief from the following symptoms when using marijuana for cancer treatment.
- Reduced nausea and vomiting as side-effects from chemotherapy
- Reduced cancer-related pain and reduced inflammation that’s sometimes the root of this pain
- Relief from neuropathic pain stemming from nerve damage obtained during chemotherapy and other treatments, as well as help with nerve-related weakness, numbness, and tingling or burning sensations in the hands and feet
- Improved appetite, which prevents the unintentional loss of lean muscle and fat often caused by loss of appetite stemming from chemotherapy
To find out if medical marijuana may be an effective treatment for your cancer diagnosis or other conditions, call (786) 224-4005 to schedule a consultation appointment with Marijuana Doctor today. Our state-certified physicians can evaluate you to determine if you qualify for medical marijuana in the state of Florida.
