Can cannabis reduce the risk of getting cancer?

Cannabis is derived from the Indian hem plant or scientifically known as Cannabis sp. It is an economically significant plant for its hemp fiber, seeds, leaves, and oils. However it comes in a variety of strains that offer different effects so make sure to purchase the best cannabis seeds for your needs. Cannabis plants have several variants that can be classified according to the amount of THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol). This compound and other Cannabidiol derived from Cannabis is of interest to different sectors due to its possible physiological effects in the human body.

Since it is found out that Cannabis plants may provide positive effects on different diseases and active stimulants, researches have been led to understand how it can be used to counter illnesses. It’s especially true as some people have testified its effectivity against symptoms of epilepsy and as a stimulant.

What’s The Use of Cannabis in Medicine?

Cannabidiol or CBD is an active ingredient that can be found in the cannabis plant, which appears to offer benefits in the human body. In ancient times, it is said to be used as an analgesic, sedative, and for its anticonvulsant effect in Asian countries.

It’s important to know that there are main two active compounds in Cannabis, which are CBD and THC. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is a more potent stimulant than CBD. Thus, cannabis with a higher THC compound is sometimes given more interest than those with a lower amount. Some top-notch Cannabis growers are also interested in planting the best hybrid strain of this plant to get more quality results from Cannabis.

Some studies say that the consumption of cannabis can have a direct correlation to lower risk of having some kind of cancer such as bladder and lung cancer. Although efforts have been made to study the use of cannabis as cancer treatments, results from these studies have still been not constant, and the research is still in the infancy stage. More studies should be done to ensure that it can be released to the general public.

Even though it’s still not verified that cannabidiol or the cannabis plant can be used for cancer treatments, it is found that the compounds such as CBD and THC can indirectly combat symptoms that come out because of the disease.

Here are some ways how cannabis can help with the symptoms that people experienced from cancer.

Cannabis Is Reported To Increase Appetite of Cancer Patients

There a lot of people undergoing cancer treatments who feel nauseated and, in the end, lose their appetite. Because of this, the patients will have difficulty with their health and may suffer malnutrition.

The right dosage of cannabis can stimulate the brain and aids in increasing the patient’s appetite. It is helpful for cancer patient who loses their desire to eat after the long hours of chemotherapy and intakes of several medications.

The Cannabis Can Relieve Pain

Aside from the loss of appetite, people with cancer will feel pain in different parts of their bodies. Cancer patients experienced pain due to inflammation, internal organ pressure, nerve injury, or fatigue from undergoing chemotherapy. What’s even harder is that sometimes strong pain killers can’t alleviate the pain anymore.

Active compounds from cannabis can help relieve pain when regular pain killers do not work anymore. It works as CBD secondarily acts on the CB2 receptors, which can be used as a pain reliever or reduce inflammation. THC, on the other hand, operates on CB1 receptors that may help reduce pain for nerve damage.

Cannabis Can Help Alleviate Symptoms Such as Nausea

Nausea and vomiting are a regular occurrence for cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. Nausea, as symptoms can be dreading for patients as it limits the normal function of the body every day. Cannabis and cannabinoids may be used to help people who have this problem. However, it seems this effect came from THC in cannabis rather than from CBD.

That’s why people who want to try cannabis medication need to be ready for effects caused by THC and discuss it with their doctor. Taking THC must be done with strict consultation with a doctor and preferably in a low dosage.

Available Cannabinoid Drugs

Currently, there are at least two chemically pure drugs derived from Cannabis plant and Marijuana that has been approved by the U.S.A. Administering these drugs is solely for medical use and under the strict prescription of medical doctors.

Nabilone (Cesamet®) - This drug is a synthetic cannabinoid that has the same effect as THC. It is usually taken orally to medicate side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting. It’s usually prescripted once other drugs do not work for the said symptoms anymore.
Dronabinol (Marinol®) - This drug comes in a gelatin capsule containing THC (delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol). This drug is also used to treat nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can also be prescripted for HIV patients with the same symptoms.
Nabiximols - Nabiximols is still under study in the U.S and not yet fully legalized in the country. It’s a cannabinoid drug which can be used as mouth spray derived from the whole plant of Cannabis. It contains both THC and CBD and used in some parts of Canada and Europe to combat pain linked to cancer and muscle spasm.

Possible Side Effects of Cannabinoid Drugs

The use of prescription Cannabinoid drugs should be taken seriously since it can also produce side effects like many other drugs. Some results may include increased heart rate and lightheadedness. Since its potent stimulants, it can give a feeling of “high” and mood swings to the patients. The drugs can also increase the effects of sedatives, sleeping pills, and, worse, can result in hallucinations. Make sure to follow the prescripted dosage of the doctor to avoid the extreme side effects of these products.

If you’re interested in using cannabis as part of your cancer medication, its suggested that you talked to your doctor about the possible side effects, especially if you have mental issues such as depression.

Reference:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324745.php#complementary-therapy

https://www.mydr.com.au/addictions/cannabis-what-is-it

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/marijuana-and-cancer.html