Cancer is a brutal disease. Patients undergoing chemotherapy willingly subject their bodies to intense treatments that can feel like poison, all in the fight against cancer. The aftermath of such treatments is often devastating: pain, nausea, weight loss, fatigue, and a compromised immune system. Hair loss and swollen limbs can become part of daily life, along with an unsettling fog that clouds memory. Some days, even the warmth of summer cannot shake the bone-chilling discomfort that lingers.
I speak from the perspective of a concerned observer, having witnessed loved ones battle this relentless illness. My uncle is currently facing pancreatic cancer, while my sister-in-law is fighting ovarian cancer. The side effects of these treatments are severe and not to be taken lightly. I’ve seen my uncle shed significant weight—10, then 20, and finally 30 pounds—due to the inability to eat caused by his treatment. I’ve watched my sister-in-law struggle to move, her feet painfully swollen from medication.
While they receive an array of anti-nausea medications, and some FDA-approved drugs do provide relief, many cancer patients report that an additional remedy significantly alleviates their suffering: marijuana. My sister-in-law, Joan, states, “I wouldn’t make it through the nights without it. It helps me sleep through the pain and nausea.”
Regardless of personal opinions on marijuana, it has been proven to provide cancer patients with relief from pain, nausea, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Research indicates that cannabinoids, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can effectively reduce nausea and vomiting, stimulate appetite, diminish pain comparable to codeine, alleviate anxiety, and enhance overall mood.
Despite the benefits, cancer patients often struggle to access the medical marijuana they need, even in states where it’s legal. This issue is particularly distressing when prescribed medications fail to provide relief. I would argue that neglecting cannabis as a treatment option verges on undermining the Hippocratic oath of “do no harm.”
Medical marijuana is legal in 29 states along with Washington, D.C. Thus, it seems straightforward for doctors to support patients wishing to explore it as an option. However, studies reveal that even in states where its use is permitted, many cancer patients do not incorporate it into their treatment regimen.
What’s Holding Them Back?
First, many patients are unsure how to obtain a medical marijuana card. Once they have one, the array of available products can be overwhelming. From edibles to vaporizers, the concentrations of active ingredients vary widely. Some products contain only cannabidiol (CBD), which is known for aiding sleep without the psychoactive effects of THC. While dispensary staff can explain product differences, they cannot offer medical recommendations. Furthermore, the response to various dosages can differ dramatically from one individual to another.
Moreover, oncologists often overlook marijuana as a treatment option. Joan, receiving care at a reputable cancer institute, noted that while her doctors excel at combatting cancer itself, they did not guide her through the process of incorporating medical marijuana into her treatment. This gap in knowledge could stem from their own uncertainties about cannabis or a reluctance to prescribe it due to federal restrictions, despite state-level legalization. The situation becomes even more complicated with federal officials, such as the U.S. Attorney General, advocating for stricter enforcement against marijuana cultivation and distribution.
Dr. Mark Thompson, who operates medical cannabis clinics, succinctly stated, “Many medical institutions remain hesitant to engage with cannabis due to fears about federal prohibitions.”
It appears we are sacrificing the comfort and care of cancer patients due to governmental fear, corporate influence, and outdated misconceptions about marijuana. Growing up, I was taught that cannabis was a “gateway” drug with no redeeming qualities. Those lessons are relics of the past, and it’s high time we leave such misinformation behind as we step into the 21st century regarding medical marijuana.
Moving Forward
Is there more to learn about how cannabis can assist cancer patients? Absolutely. However, should it be challenging for those who are enduring the trials of cancer to find relief through marijuana? Absolutely not.
If you’re a healthcare provider, take the time to educate yourself on how you can safely guide patients in using marijuana for relief. If you’re a caregiver, advocate for your loved ones. And if you’re a patient, don’t hesitate to seek out the relief you deserve. For those supporting loved ones facing cancer, do everything you can to ensure they receive the medical marijuana that could significantly improve their quality of life.
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Summary
Cancer treatment can bring about debilitating side effects, and many patients find that marijuana provides relief where traditional medications fall short. Despite its legalization in many states, access remains a challenge due to confusion over regulations and a lack of medical guidance. It’s essential for healthcare providers to educate themselves on cannabis to support their patients effectively, while patients and caregivers alike should advocate for the relief they desperately need.