Medical Marijuana for Cancer Pain Management

Cannabis for Cancer Pain

Anecdotal evidence points to the tremendous potential of cannabinoids, the essential oils found in cannabis plants, to relieve cancer symptoms. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD may help ease debilitating symptoms like loss of appetite, poor sleep, and anxiety and depression in cancer patients.

The American Cancer Society reports that numerous, smaller research studies have concluded that smoking marijuana can help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, like nausea and vomiting. The organization also notes that the drug can help reduce neuropathy (pain from damaged nerves) resulting from chemotherapy.

Doctors have successfully treated chemotherapy patients with cannabis since the ‘70s. The resulting groundswell has led to legalizing medical cannabis in 39 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.

Talk with your doctor before consuming medical cannabis for cancer symptoms.