Cannabis and Cancer: What You Need to Know
Does cannabis really destroy cancer cells and how can cancer patients use cannabis effectively? Let’s take a look at what to be aware of when using medical marijuana as a cancer patient.
We’ve all heard stories of people being transformed by real-life results when using medical marijuana to fight cancerous diseases.
But can cannabis actually cure cancer, or does it just help patients to deal with the harsh symptoms?
This article will cover the ways that medical marijuana helps relieve cancer-related symptoms, how it may help fight cancer cells, and what side effects of cannabis to be aware of.
You will gain a thorough understanding of how to use medical marijuana for fighting cancer and learn what products work best for cancer relief.
Cannabis for Relief of Cancer-Related Symptoms
Using cannabis can help relieve the pain of cancer symptoms and the side effects of traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.
There are many different types of cancer and various cancer-related symptoms, all of which can begin and move around at any point within the body.
Some of the standard recommended treatments for the different types of cancers include chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or surgery.
These common treatments are known to have an extensive list of adverse side effects and complications, such as:
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Constipation & diarrhea
Sleep disruptions
Delirium
Nerve damage
Depression
Hair loss
Memory loss
Weakened bones
Fertility and sex drive changes
Infections, Bleeding, Bruises, and Pain
Medical marijuana has proven in many cases to be helpful in relieving many of these adverse side effects to help cancer patients to be able to relax.
Hundreds of studies have been done, and the U.S. National Cancer Institute has released a database on the many ways in which cannabis can help with cancer-related symptoms and cancer treatment.
Due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, cannabis can help stimulate appetite, modulate pain, and is an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-anxiety, neuroprotectant that also plays a role in healthy bone growth.
Does Cannabis Fight Cancer Cells?
The National Cancer Institute database has released studies exploring the effect of cannabis on destroying cancerous tumor cells.
These studies have summarized that there is a high potential for cannabis to be anti-tumor by its demonstration of inhibiting cell growth and being protective against tumor growth.
The cannabinoid THC was found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, while CBD was found to promote apoptosis, or reprogramming of cancer cells with “cell death” and encouraging them to die.
In addition, the cannabinoids were able to prevent angiogenesis, the growth of tumor-connected blood vessels and slow down the growth of tumors.
Another study concludes that CBD can kill cells associated with breast cancer while keeping healthy breast cells alive.
These studies and many others have given strong suggestions that cannabis can indeed kill cancer cells and has the potential to cure certain types of cancer if used in the proper way.
What’s the Protocol?
It is really important to do your own research on cannabis so that you can feel informed and empowered in the process.
Keep digging until you find a reputable quality source for your product, and if possible use a professional medical marijuana healthcare provider or other patients advocate groups that you can get support from.
One of the most commonly used products for fighting cancer is RSO, or Rick Simpson oil, and similar cannabis oil extracts that are usually made from a high-THC strain.
In the case of most cancers, you will need a potent marijuana product, usually oil, tincture, or medicinal salves, which are taken consistently in order to continuously accumulate pressure on cancer cells to take the “cell death pathway.”
According to the RSO protocol and CureYourOwnCancer.Org, you will need to ingest about 60 grams of cannabis oil in order to kill most types of cancer.
It can take up to 90 days to ingest the full treatment, and for some, it could take longer and could require more than 60 grams before all the cancer is killed.
The key with any form of medical marijuana is to start slow and build up your tolerance. Start by ingesting it three times a day in a tiny amount.
After each week, you can double your dose until you reach 1 -2 grams per day.
This method of treatment will require you to take time resting and experiencing a “high” feeling throughout your day.
If you feel excessively tired when using cannabis oil you can adjust your dosage to take slightly less during day time hours and slightly more at bedtime.
You can also try CBD-dominant products to eliminate the “high” feelings altogether, although there is some debate as to whether or not you need THC to fight off cancer.
Other effective methods of application include using suppositories, especially for rectal and organ cancers, and applying cannabis oil directly to the skin for skin cancer.
No matter the method, the key is to continue using the cannabis product consistently, and for as long as is necessary to eliminate the cancer cells.
Possible Side Effects of Cannabis
Cancer patients may need extra attention and care when using medical marijuana to ensure that the side effects of cannabis don’t outweigh the therapeutic benefits.
The amount of cannabis needed for cancer patients is much higher than what is generally recommended for treating other diseases.
According to the American Cancer Society, the greatest side effect of cannabis is the psychoactive effect of being “high” which can be disorienting, and for some people can create feelings of anxiety or paranoia.
It is difficult to predict how each person will react to each unique strain of cannabis, and this is why it is important to start slow and build up your dosage over time.
If you are a cancer patient it is not recommended to smoke cannabis, as there are side effects associated with inhalation that could lead to breathing problems and other respiratory risks. Instead, cancer patients are encouraged to take oral administrations.
Once the cancer is gone and you stop taking cannabis the treatment there may be some mild withdrawal symptoms including sleep disruptions, appetite changes, headaches, and fatigue.
To mitigate these withdrawals many patients will continue using a small maintenance dosage of cannabis for 1-3 months after ending treatment. Drinking plenty of water and getting regular exercise will also help these side effects to pass quickly.
Connect with Cannabis Community
The anti-cancer potentials of cannabis are being examined in ongoing studies throughout the world.
With medical marijuana now more widely legalized research has become easier to conduct.
With more research, we can expect to continue learning about the many health benefits available to us by using cannabis.
Get connected with a cannabis community like Maine Cannabis Exchange to continue to read about medical marijuana use and ask questions about how it can help you.
Thanks for reading and please stay in touch in the comments below, give us a call, or reach out on social media.
