Cancer Patients Use Less Marijuana than General Public

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer accounts for a considerable number of total world deaths. Due to the high number of deaths resulting from cancer, a large chunk of time and resources have been expended in a medical study to find a cure-all to no avail.

While no cure exists for cancer, different treatment regimens have been developed to manage the disease. Depending on the type of cancer affecting a patient’s health, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or a combination may be recommended as a treatment plan.

However, the common factor with cancer treatments is the number of side effects accompanying them. Many cancer patients are ridden with anemia, fatigue, hair loss, infections, nausea and vomiting, neuropathy, and constipation, often leaving the patients in a degenerated physical and mental condition. Many patients resort to cannabis, also known as marijuana, to deal with its side effects. So the big question is, why cannabis?

Cannabis has been studied and found to contain active components called cannabinoids. The most studied chemical components of cannabis are the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBD), which revealed that cannabis reduces pain, nausea, and vomiting and may likely reduce the growth process of cancer cells.

The THC and CBD chemicals contribute today to the distinction between the recreational use and medical use of cannabis. Recreational cannabis is cannabis taken in any form without a medical prescription. It contains a high amount of THC, which gives users the “high” feeling of taking marijuana. You can get this in a legalized recreational dispensary. On the other hand, medical marijuana is prescribed by health professionals to alleviate several diseases, including cancer. In terms of substance, it has a higher level of CBD and a lower level of THC.

While cannabis offers relief to a cancer patient, access remains a major challenge, as today, many countries, including the United States of America, have restrictions on substance use. Although by federal law in the United States, cannabis ( whether used for recreation or medical purposes) is a prohibited substance according to the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, many states have enacted laws decriminalizing the use of cannabis. di such as Alabama, Arizona, Michigan, California, and Massachusetts allow for medical use of cannabis with different scope and regulations for dispensaries. They are some of the first states to dispense their law. On the other hand, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and Wyoming do not allow medical Marijuana, let alone recreational cannabis.

According to a sample survey put together in Washington in 2016, where medical and recreational cannabis has been legalized, 24 percent of the patients are active users of cannabis. However, regardless of the access patients have to get cannabis, there is little information on the downside and benefits of cannabis for the management of cancer, owing to the various regulations put in place by the federal government. Also, only a few cancer survivors have openly attested to the use of marijuana.

Cancer Patients Use Less Cannabis than the General Public

According to a research publication released by the Virginia Commonwealth University, Massey Cancer Center, the data of over 20,000 people were analyzed within the time frame of four years. From the data analysis, it was recorded that there was an increase in the use of marijuana by 9 percent among cancer patients. In comparison, it increased by 14 percent among those without cancer. From this evaluation, it is obvious that the use of cannabis is still nowhere near the amount consumed by the general public.

From this statistic, recreational marijuana has increased, and many cancer patients are yet to fully embrace the use of medical cannabis during their chemotherapy. As a result of this increase, recreational marijuana became legalized by many states across the country. However, another reason a cancer patient cannot fully embrace cannabis like the general public is the health implications attached to the use of such substances. As a result, most patients are skeptical. They are unsure whether it will be helpful or have adverse effects on their health.

According to studies carried out, it is believed that people suffering from excruciating pain are more open to the use of marijuana. At the same time, there is a low rate of marijuana consumption among those with better medical health, women, high-income earners, and aged people.

Cannabis Strain

It should be mentioned that the cannabis experience of everyone differs from another. It is based on their prior experience with the product, while for others, it is based on physiology. This is why it is one of the most difficult choices to choose a strain that would fit your body system. You should note that the effect of cannabis strains are not often accurate. Therefore, if you can get a strain that works for you, do well to research its components. Check for the THC ratio to CBD, the terpenes present in it, and other cannabinoids such as CBN or CBG.

The three most widely used products you will find in cannabis dispensaries are:

•   Sativa
•   Indica
•   hybrid

The Indica strain is the most popular strain usually recommended for relieving pains, although your history with cannabis also plays a crucial role in reacting to the product. The following are the effects that are usually gotten from cannabis Indica:

Pain-relief

Indica strains have been said to alleviate pain, and it is recommendable for cancer patients suffering from excruciating pain.

Appetite

Cancer patients who have a loss of appetite due to chemotherapy or other medical treatment will find this strain helpful in regaining the lost appetite.

Relaxing

Cancer patients will find this strain quite helpful in relaxing their muscles and other tensed nerves.

Nausea-soothing

Due to the nature of chemotherapy most cancer patients pass through, they always have a heightened state of nausea. Indica strain would be handy in helping them suppress their nauseous feeling and help in keeping food down.

Sedating

Another way of gaining relief from pain is through quality sleep. However, most cancer patients struggle with sleep which usually leads to serious complications. Indica strain can function as a sedative for someone battling insomnia.

Strain For Pain Relief

Here are some strains you would find helpful for cancer patients dealing with serious pains.

GMO Cookies/ Garlic Cookies

This cookie is rich in THC Strain. It contains both THC and CBD properties, with a 25-35 percent THC and a CBD of less than one percent. In addition, it contains a mixture of GSC and Chemdawg.

Do-Si-Dos

If you have chronic nerve pain, this Indica strain is of outstanding help relieving you of such pain. It contains 20- 30 percent THC and CBD less than 1 percent.

L.A Confidential

This strain is usually recommended to those new to cannabis because of its low THC level. In addition, it is usually prescribed for its relaxation and sedative effect.

Final thought

Marijuana legalization in most states, and medical cannabis has been helpful for cancer patients. Most people are concerned about smoking; however, there are edible cannabis products that are easier to consume.

Before delving into the use of cannabis products, particularly if it is your first time using cannabis, you should take your time to study the composition of the product.