Cancer is an approved Health Canada Category 1 MMAR condition

Medical marijuana is NOT for everyone and is often a last resort for people that have tried a variety of pharmaceutical medications with little relief or too many side effects. Strong evidence exists for the support of medical marijuana in treating symptoms associated with Cancer. We strongly suggest you discuss the potential benefit of medical marijuana with your doctor or specialist.

Condition

Cancer is a class of diseases in which abnormal cells divide and invade other tissues in uncontrolled growth. Cancer cells can often start in one location and then spread through the blood and lymph note systems to other parts of the body. The body is made up of various types of cells that grow and divide as they are needed to keep the body healthy. When cells become old or damaged they die and are replaced with new cells. However, sometimes the DNA of a cell can become damaged or changed, producing mutations that affect normal cell growth and division. When this happens cells do not die when they should and new cells form when the body does not need them. The extra cells may form a mass of tissue called a tumor. Cancers are primarily due to environment and lifestyle factors but some have been found to be genetic. Currently, there are over 100 different types of cancer so they are often grouped into broader categories.

Types of Cancer

Carcinoma – Cancer that beings in the epithelial cells in tissues that line or cover internal organs. This covers most common cancers such as breast, prostate, lung and colon. Sarcoma- Cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissues.

Leukaemia – Cancer that starts in bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood.

Lymphoma and myeloma – Cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system and hematopoietic cells.

Central nervous system cancers – Cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

Blastoma – Malignant tumor that resembles immature tissues. Most commonly found in children.

Symptoms of Cancer and Medical Marijuana Benefits

Cancer symptoms and medical marijuana benefits may include but are not limited to the following:

Persistent Fatigue – Fatigue is one of the most commonly experienced cancer symptoms. It is usually more common when the cancer is late staged, but still occurs in the early stages of some cancers. Anemia is commonly the cause which is a normal and expected side effect from chemotherapy, radiation therapy and biotherapy. A common symptom of cancer is fatigue both in malignant and non-malignant conditions. It can range from mild to severe and may be temporary or long term. Since chemotherapy can cause marked risk for developing nausea and vomiting complications many cancer patients do not eat or do not eat proper diets which ultimately lead to fatigue. Medical marijuana has been shown to provide benefits from the suffering of nausea. The usage of medical marijuana has been proven to alleviate nausea and allow patients to eat healthy diets again and rid of fatigue.

Unintentional weight loss – A reduction of body mass due to the loss of fluid, body fat or tissue. Excessive weight loss is common in cancer and many other conditions. Losing 10 pounds or more is considered excessive. This type of weight loss can occur with or without loss of appetite. Remember, weight loss can be a symptom of cancer but also a symptom of many other illnesses too. Marijuana is famous for its ability to stimulate appetite. It has been reported to enhance the appeal of foods. Marijuana can provide relief for patients who are wasting due to their treatment or condition itself. Marijuana stimulates receptors in the brain that ultimately stimulate appetite and the overall desire for food.

Pain – An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience. Typically, pain is not an early symptom of cancer, except in some cancer types like those that spread to the bone. Pain generally occurs when cancer spread and begins to affect nerves and organs. Lower back pain is a strong cancer symptom that is associated with ovarian cancer and colon cancer. Shoulder pain can also be a symptom of lung cancer. Pain in the form of headaches can be associated with brain tumours in some cases. Stomach pains can be related to types of cancer, like stomach and pancreatic cancer. Stomach pain is not a good judgement tool since many illnesses can cause stomach pain. Cannabis can provide relief and control nausea associated with managing pain with other opiates. Inhaled cannabis provides almost immediate relief and has fewer adverse effects then orally injested Marinol. Cannabis may be more effective then Marinol because it contains more cannabinoids than just the THC which is Marinol’s main ingredient. Studies have shown that medical cannabis has more pain controlling properties than Marinol’s THC alone. The majority of people with cancer will experience pain at some time or another. The pain can result from the cancer itself, or from the cancer’s treatment. In addition, some people who have been cured of their cancer can continue to suffer from pain. The discomfort that stems from cancer and its treatments can be controlled most of the time. People who have been diagnosed with cancer and are feeling pain need to inform their doctor immediately. The earlier the pain treatment is started the more effective that it is. Counselling can provide emotional support to patients and family and is strongly encouraged.

Bowel changes – Symptoms that are associated with colon cancer are constipation, diarrhea, blood in stools, gas, and thin stools are an over all change of bowel habits. The active ingredient THC has a relaxing effect on the tissues around the intestines. This in turn provides relief of cramping and abdominal pain. Medical marijuana has been shown to also calm and slow down the gastrointestinal system which gives the ability to have fewer bowel movements, better formed stools and less over all abdominal pain.

Chronic cough – A persistently worsening cough may be a sign of cancer. Blood and/or mucus may accompany the cough and can be caused by many conditions. In relation to cancer, a chronic cough with blood or mucus can be a symptom of lung cancer. Medical marijuana releases tension build up in the body and allows for the lung muscles to relax and aid in decrease of coughing.

Please be aware that these symptoms are broad and vague symptoms of cancer. Having one or more of these symptoms does not equal cancer. If you are concerned about your health please visit your doctor. These symptoms listed above are experienced by most people with cancer at various stages of their disease, but are also linked to many, many other non-cancerous conditions.

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