Tragically, cancer rates are such that the lives of just about everyone have been touched by the disease, whether it has afflicted you, someone in your family, or a friend of a friend. February 4 is World Cancer Day, which is led by the Union for International Cancer Control. At Access Marijuana RX, we fervently support the UICC’s vision to “reimagine a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equal for all – no matter who you are or where you live.”
Medical marijuana for cancer may be beneficial if you are experiencing the adverse side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, medication, or the pain of the disease itself. To learn more about how to get your marijuana ID card in Florida, please call Access Marijuana RX at 727-209-5470.
How Medical Marijuana Intersects with the Cancer Treatment Process
It’s important to be clear about the potential of marijuana to alleviate certain side effects of cancer treatment and the symptoms of the disease itself. A fair amount of research as well as a wealth of anecdotal evidence shows that various uses of cannabis can reduce a wide array of side effects. Far less supported is the idea that marijuana can directly target the cancer cells. According to the American Cancer Society, scientists have found some success in slowing the growth of or killing certain types of cancer cells using THC and other cannabinoids applied to cancer cells in a lab dish. There have been similar findings in limited animal studies. Studies involving humans are very limited. This frontier of medical marijuana research is exciting for the potential benefit it holds for future cancer patients, but in the meantime, our practice and physicians are focusing on what benefits medical marijuana can provide to our patients here and now.
The medical community has a good understanding of the ways in which marijuana helps with the pain and anguish that accompanies cancer treatment. Medical marijuana may be recommended to:
- Alleviate nausea
- Stimulate appetite
- Reduce pain
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Improve sleep
The American Cancer Society says that studies have long shown that people taking marijuana extracts tend to need less pain medicine. That’s been the case for some of our patients as well, although we want to work closely with you and your doctor before you make any changes to your medication. Don’t stop taking those meds before speaking to your doctor. But in cases where marijuana does allow a patient to need less pain medication, it helps them avoid the side effects of various pharmaceutical drugs.
Will There be Side Effects?
Like any drug, medical marijuana dosage and type may need to be fine-tuned to be the most effective for you. Most people tolerate medical marijuana quite well. In fact, it is often preferred over painkillers by our patients because it eliminates the side effects they’ve experienced when using those medications. That being said, some marijuana users experience dizziness, unwanted sleepiness, nausea or other ill effects. In such circumstances, we work with the patient to determine if modifying the dosage or type of cannabis will prevent these side effects.
At Access Marijuana RX, our physicians want to make sure their marijuana recommendations work well for the individual patient. Medical marijuana comes in various strains and forms. You can choose from products with various concentrations of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids, which will influence whether you feel high and which symptoms will be alleviated. Our team of experienced physicians will guide you through all of these options, finding a combination that works for you.
Arrange a Consultation and Evaluation in the Tampa Area
The next step in getting your cannabis card and discussing whether marijuana will alleviate the cancer treatment side effects you are experiencing is to schedule a consultation with our physicians in St. Petersburg. To schedule an appointment, please call our staff at 727-209-5470.