Cancer is a devastating disease that affects not just the individual, but their entire support network. For those undergoing chemotherapy, the treatment can feel like a relentless assault on the body—a necessary evil to combat cancer. The aftermath often includes severe pain, nausea, fatigue, and a host of other debilitating side effects. These symptoms can be so overwhelming that they lead to significant weight loss and an overall decline in quality of life.
I’m not speaking from personal experience, but I’ve witnessed the struggles of those I care about. My cousin is currently battling leukemia, and my aunt is in the thick of her fight against breast cancer. The toll that treatment takes on them is heartbreaking. My cousin has lost over 25 pounds due to the inability to keep food down, while my aunt often shuffles around the house, her swollen feet a constant reminder of her ordeal.
While they are prescribed various medications to combat nausea and pain, these treatments don’t always provide the relief they desperately need. Many cancer patients report finding solace in marijuana, which has shown promise in alleviating symptoms. “Marijuana allows me to find some peace at night,” says my aunt, Lily. “It helps me manage the discomfort and get some sleep.”
Cannabis has been recognized for its therapeutic benefits, particularly in easing nausea, enhancing appetite, reducing anxiety, and improving overall well-being. Studies indicate that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can effectively mitigate nausea and pain similar to traditional painkillers.
Despite its proven benefits, many cancer patients struggle to access medical marijuana, even in states where it is legal. This is particularly alarming when conventional medications fail, and yet alternatives are often overlooked. Ignoring the potential of cannabis in treatment could be seen as contrary to the medical principle of “do no harm.”
Though medical marijuana is legal in 29 states and Washington, D.C., barriers still exist. Many patients are unsure about how to obtain a medical marijuana card or which products to choose from a dispensary. With a plethora of options ranging from edibles to oils, understanding the right choice can be overwhelming. Some products contain cannabidiol (CBD), which aids in sleep but lacks the psychoactive effects of THC. Without proper guidance, patients can easily feel lost.
Moreover, oncologists may not mention marijuana as a possible option. My aunt, receiving care at a top cancer center, noted that while her doctors were excellent in treating her cancer, they provided little assistance in navigating the world of medical marijuana. This oversight could stem from a lack of knowledge or discomfort with prescribing it due to federal restrictions. As noted by Dr. Samuel Richards, a cannabis specialist, “Many healthcare institutions avoid this area due to fears about federal regulations.”
It’s frustrating that patients enduring severe pain and discomfort are often deprived of effective relief due to outdated perceptions and governmental fears. Growing up, we were taught that marijuana was a dangerous substance with no benefits. Those outdated beliefs need to be left behind as we embrace a more informed perspective on medical cannabis.
Do we need more research on cannabis and its effects on cancer treatment? Absolutely. But that shouldn’t impede patients from accessing a remedy that could significantly improve their suffering. If you’re a healthcare provider, take the time to educate yourself on how you can assist your patients with medical marijuana. For caregivers, advocating for patients is crucial; and for patients, don’t hesitate to ask for the relief you deserve. If you’re like me and care deeply for someone battling cancer, do everything you can to ensure they have access to the medical marijuana they may need.
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Summary
Cancer treatment can be an arduous journey filled with pain and discomfort. While traditional medications often fall short, marijuana offers a beacon of hope for many patients seeking relief. Despite its benefits, barriers remain in accessing medical cannabis. It’s essential for healthcare providers and caregivers to advocate for patients and ensure they have the resources they need to ease their suffering.
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