Exploring the Role of Medical Cannabis in Cancer Treatment

medical cannabis

In recent years, medical cannabis has emerged as a controversial yet promising area of research, particularly in the treatment of cancer. While traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, are often effective in targeting cancer cells, they come with significant side effects that can severely impact patients’ quality of life. As a result, many individuals have turned to alternative therapies, such as cannabis, in an effort to manage symptoms and improve their overall well-being during treatment. This article explores the role of medical cannabis in cancer care, including its benefits, potential drawbacks, and the evidence supporting its use.

The Potential Benefits of Medical Cannabis in Cancer Treatment

One of the most significant reasons patients with cancer turn to medical cannabis is its ability to alleviate symptoms caused by the disease or its conventional treatments. Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, the most well-known of which are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce a variety of therapeutic effects.

Pain Relief: Cancer pain can be severe, especially in advanced stages or after treatments like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Studies have shown that cannabinoids, particularly THC, can help reduce pain by interacting with the brain’s pain receptors. This has made medical cannabis an attractive option for cancer patients looking to manage their pain without relying solely on opioid-based medications, which come with the risk of addiction and other adverse side effects.

See more: How Much Does a Sleep Study Cost in Adelaide?

Nausea and Vomiting Relief: Chemotherapy, while effective in treating cancer, often leads to severe nausea and vomiting, making it difficult for patients to maintain their nutrition and quality of life. Cannabis has long been recognized for its antiemetic (anti-nausea) properties, and several studies have suggested that it can reduce the severity and frequency of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). THC, in particular, has been found to be effective in this regard, and synthetic THC formulations, such as dronabinol, have been approved by the FDA to treat CINV.

Appetite Stimulation: One of the most common and debilitating side effects of cancer treatments is a loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition. Cannabis, particularly THC, has been shown to stimulate appetite and increase food intake, a phenomenon known as “the munchies.” This can be crucial for cancer patients who struggle to maintain their nutrition during treatment.

Mood Improvement and Stress Relief: Cancer patients often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, especially as they face the challenges of diagnosis and treatment. Cannabis has been found to have mood-enhancing effects, helping patients feel more relaxed and less anxious. While further research is needed, many cancer patients report improved emotional well-being when using medical cannabis.

The Drawbacks and Risks of Medical Cannabis in Cancer Treatment

While medical cannabis offers several potential benefits, it is not without its drawbacks and risks. Some of the challenges associated with its use include:

Cognitive Impairment: THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, can impair short-term memory, concentration, and coordination. This may be problematic for cancer patients who need to remain alert and engaged in their care decisions. In addition, high doses of THC can lead to feelings of confusion or paranoia, which could negatively impact a patient’s overall mental state during treatment.

Lack of Standardized Dosage and Formulation: One of the major challenges in using medical cannabis in cancer treatment is the lack of standardized dosing guidelines. The potency of cannabis can vary significantly depending on the strain, method of consumption, and individual patient response. Without standardized formulations, it can be difficult for healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive the correct dose to achieve therapeutic benefits without experiencing unwanted side effects.

medical cannabis

Drug Interactions: Cannabis can interact with other medications, including those used in cancer treatment. For example, cannabis may interfere with the metabolism of chemotherapy drugs or other medications, potentially altering their effectiveness. It is crucial that cancer patients using medical cannabis consult with their oncologists to avoid any potential drug interactions.

Legal and Regulatory Barriers: Despite its growing popularity, medical cannabis remains illegal in many parts of the world. In countries where it is legal, regulations surrounding its use can be complex and vary from state to state or country to country. Patients in regions with restrictive cannabis laws may find it challenging to access medical cannabis, even if they could benefit from its use.

Scientific Evidence and Clinical Research

The scientific evidence supporting the use of cannabis in cancer treatment is still evolving. While many studies have highlighted the potential benefits of cannabinoids in alleviating cancer treatment symptoms, there is still a need for large-scale, rigorous clinical trials to fully understand their efficacy and safety.

Some studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids can have direct anti-cancer effects, inhibiting the growth of certain cancer cells and promoting cancer cell death. However, these studies are still in early stages, and more research is needed to determine how cannabis might be integrated into standard oncology treatment protocols.

Currently, the most robust evidence exists in the area of symptom management, where cannabis has been shown to be effective in reducing pain, nausea, and loss of appetite in cancer patients. However, it is important to note that cannabis should not be seen as a cure for cancer but rather as an adjunctive therapy to help manage the side effects of conventional treatments.

The Legal Landscape and Growing Acceptance

The legal status of medical cannabis varies widely across the globe. In some countries, such as Canada and several U.S. states, medical cannabis is fully legal and can be prescribed by healthcare providers for a range of conditions, including cancer. In other places, medical cannabis remains illegal, creating significant barriers for patients seeking access to this potential treatment.

Despite these legal hurdles, medical cannabis is becoming increasingly accepted within the medical community. Many oncologists and healthcare providers now acknowledge the therapeutic potential of cannabis, particularly in managing symptoms related to cancer treatments. As more research is conducted and the body of evidence grows, it is likely that medical cannabis will play a larger role in cancer care, with healthcare professionals gaining more confidence in its use.

The Future of Medical Cannabis in Cancer Treatment

As research into medical cannabis continues to expand, its role in cancer treatment is expected to evolve. The future of cannabis in oncology lies in the continued exploration of its potential therapeutic benefits, as well as the development of more precise dosing guidelines and delivery methods.

One promising area of research is the development of cannabis-based drugs that target cancer cells directly. This could pave the way for more targeted and effective treatments, reducing the need for traditional chemotherapy and minimizing side effects. Additionally, the growing body of evidence supporting the use of cannabis in symptom management could lead to its broader acceptance as a complementary therapy for cancer patients.

The integration of medical cannabis into mainstream oncology care will require continued collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers. By addressing legal, regulatory, and safety concerns, it is possible that medical cannabis could become a valuable tool in the fight against cancer, offering patients improved quality of life and a better chance at recovery.

Conclusion

Medical cannabis has the potential to play a significant role in cancer treatment, offering relief from the debilitating symptoms of cancer and its traditional treatments. While it is not a cure for cancer, it can provide significant benefits in terms of pain management, nausea reduction, appetite stimulation, and mood improvement. However, its use should be carefully considered, taking into account the potential risks, legal barriers, and the need for further research. As scientific understanding continues to grow and the regulatory landscape evolves, medical cannabis may become a key component in the comprehensive care of cancer patients, helping to improve their overall treatment experience.

The Difference Between CBG Oil and CBD Oil

The Difference Between CBG Oil and CBD Oil

The cannabis sativa plant contains the cannabinoid molecule CBD and CBG. While cannabis contains over 100 distinct cannabinoids, much attention has recently been paid to CBD, a popular supplement.

People often believe that when they use a CBD product from a reputable source like Chronic Therapy, they are only consuming CBD, while in fact they are ingesting a potent mixture of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

For this reason, the term “cannabis extracts” is more appropriate than the original name, which referred to only a portion of the plant. When compared to using an isolated CBD oil, their potency and efficacy are much enhanced. The synergistic impact of cannabis’s many components is maximised when using a broad-spectrum product.

Flavonoids, albeit little understood, provide depth to the colour and taste of cannabis, while cannabinoids affect the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and other qualities. Terpenes contribute flavour and have fascinating effects, such as soothing or mood raising. We also know they reduce inflammation, and they appear to boost cannabis’s overall impact.

Related: The Difference Between CBDa and CBD

The Difference Between CBG Oil and CBD Oil

What You Need to Know About CBG?

Both CBG and CBD are non-psychoactive cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant. It will not show up on doping tests, it won’t make you high, and you may use it safely while driving or operating heavy machinery. Chronic Therapy guarantees this for all of our products.

As a side note, CBG actually predated THC and CBD, the cannabinoids responsible for inducing euphoria. CBG is the ‘stem cell’ from which all other cannabinoids are derived, thus it seems sense that this would be the case.

As the cannabis plant develops, some of the CBG is converted into CBD and other cannabinoids, therefore the highest concentration of CBG is found early in the plant’s life cycle.

Therefore, in order to increase the likelihood of successfully collecting sufficient quantities of CBG, it is essential that cannabis be harvested at an early stage. It’s a finely balanced game that the farmers have to play to ensure they harvest at the optimal moment to maximise their CBG yields. CBG is notoriously pricey due to its limited supply and the fact that it is typically extracted too early in the growing season.

What’s the Difference Between CBG Oil and CBD Oil?

One of the ways in which CBG affects the body is through changing how other chemicals work. It follows that its effects are distinct from those of CBD. It has been hypothesised that CBG might help soothe the body and the nerves. There are medical nomenclature for these alterations (such as suppression of the sympathetic nervous system), but it’s simpler to just think of CBG as having a soothing effect.

CBG oil seems to offer individuals happy dreams, and those who suffer from night terrors or nightmares may want to give it a try if it helps them sleep better.

It indicates that CBG also raises concentrations of anandamide, a naturally occuring cannabinoid in the human body. A wonderful endogenous cannabinoid that has the simple effect of making us happy. Positive emotions, quality sleep, and a healthy appetite are all aided by this. A gene variant that prevents the breakdown of anandamide in the body is associated with a longer period of happiness in those who inherit it.

Unlike exogenous cannabinoids, which we get through ingesting cannabis-based products, endogenous cannabinoids are created naturally within the body. Additionally, anandamide is enhanced by CBD’s effects, suggesting that CBD and CBG together might be quite beneficial.

The Difference Between CBG Oil and CBD Oil

How Is CBG Oil Beneficial?

In general, CBG seems to have pleasant relaxing effects, and early laboratory investigations indicate promising promise.

We may experience a reduction in intraocular eye pressure in addition to its potential benefits of muscle relaxation, mood elevation, hunger enhancement, and nerve protection. While several studies have shown promise, they are still in their infancy and much more work has to be done before we can be certain of determining CBG’s complete significance.

However, using CBD and CBG appears to be a relatively low-risk method because to their excellent safety profile. Compared to the hazards associated with using typical OTC drugs like Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS), there are none associated with trying a CBG or CBD-based product.

Is it Safe to Combine CBG with CBD Oil?

YES! In fact, doing so is highly recommended, as the synergistic “entourage effect” is what makes cannabis-based supplements so potent. Pharmaceutical medications are often manufactured by extracting a single active component from a plant (indeed, the vast majority of today’s pharmaceuticals were originally derived from plants) and then purifying and concentrating it for use in human medicine. The high concentration of effective components in a single pill makes it an extremely potent medication.

These cutting-edge pharmaceuticals can be highly effective, but they also frequently cause a slew of unwanted side effects. You need just peruse the informational insert that comes with any drug to realise that some of them have a terrifyingly extensive list of side effects.

An intriguing case in point is the paradoxical effects of hypertension medications, such as those that reduce blood pressure but also cause potassium loss and their associated side effects.

However, the plant from which this medicine was created contains potassium, which may be used to replenish depleted stores. However, a pharmaceutical firm may patent an individual active chemical from a plant despite nature being vastly more intelligent than humans. Unfortunately, healthcare is being run by the bottom line.

This means that we must rule out the possibility of taking cannabis alone when doing our research. The whole idea of going back to nature is to follow its lead, not pick and choose what we like and don’t like. This is why our CBG mixture contains more than simply CBG.

In conclusion, CBG seems to be the dynamic CBD’s soothing counterpart, with mood-lifting and relaxing capabilities that shouldn’t be disregarded.

To know more about where to buy CBD oil in Australia and other CBD oil benefits, you should book a consultation session with a professional from Chronic Therapy today.

The Difference Between CBDa and CBD

The Difference Between CBDa and CBD

As the market has continued to expand and more individuals are researching everything about CBD in greater depth, more questions have arisen regarding additional cannabinoids and the possible applications for them. More things are being unveiled gradually and more knowledge are being furnished to the public about the cannabis plant and especially its cannabinoid component.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, often known as CBD, is a phyto-cannabinoid that can be derived from the cannabis sativa plant, generally referred to as the hemp plant. This is common knowledge among most people.

CBD originates from the same plant family as THC, which is the component responsible for the “high” associated with recreational cannabis use. Unlike THC, however, CBD does not include any psychoactive components, which means that it will not cause you to experience the effects of being high. Learn more about recreational cannabis use.

It does, however, interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of receptors that runs throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. These receptors play a role in the day-to-day management of our bodies and help to keep us in a state of balance through a process known as homoeostasis. Interacting with our ECS causes this interaction to take place.

Since CBD is not a component of our natural diets, it can be taken as a dietary supplement to support our health and wellbeing in the same way that we might take a multivitamin or an iron supplement. Despite the fact that our bodies naturally produce a number of endocannabinoids, CBD is not one of them.

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The Difference Between CBDa and CBD

What exactly is CBDa?

Cannabidiolic Acid, more commonly known as CBDa, has just lately begun to gain attention in tandem with the rise in popularity of CBD. CBDa is quite similar to CBD, and both may be found naturally in hemp plants; however, CBDa does not engage with the endocannabinoid receptors in the body in the same manner that CBD does.

Instead, it is believed that CBDa blocks certain enzymes that are located throughout the body; however, as researchers have only been studying the molecule since 2008, there is still a great deal to understand about how it operates and the real impacts that it has on the human body.

The term “raw” CBD is the most straightforward way to describe CBDa. Cannabidiolic Acid, which is a precursor to a variety of other cannabinoid chemicals, is produced by the hemp plant from CBGa, also known as cannbigerolic acid. The ultimate product, CBD, is produced by a process known as decarboxylation, which means that CBDa is a chemical precursor to the active ingredient CBD.

What exactly is the distinction between CBD and CBDa?

Because CBDa is essentially the “raw” form of CBD, you might argue that the two are rather comparable to one another. During the decarboxylation process, CBDa is converted into CBD by giving up one carbon and two oxygen atoms at the molecular level.

According to the findings of one study, CBDa prevented “toxin- and motion-induced vomiting” in mice. The researchers came to the conclusion that CBDa “shows potential as a treatment for nausea and vomiting,” including anticipatory sickness, for which there is presently no particular medication.

Despite this, there is still a great deal that we do not know about CBDa and the effects that it may have on the human body, and there is a great deal that we do not know about the ways in which CBDa may be useful.

Is CBDa a Superior Option to CBD?

When it comes to cannabinoids such as CBD or CBG, there is not a single component that stands out as being superior to the others or inferior to them. Instead, we are firm believers in taking cues from mother nature, and we think that the most effective method to benefit from the complete hemp plant is to make use of a CBD oil that contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids.

Products that include full-spectrum CBD include all of the cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and other chemicals that are found in the plant in its natural condition.

This makes it possible for the entourage effect to take place, which is when all of the compounds collaborate with one another rather than acting independently to produce the desired effect in the body. This allows the body to experience the full benefits of everything the plant has to offer. Because of this, if you take a look at the lab reports for our CBD oils, you’ll notice that they really include trace levels of CBDa, in addition to over a hundred other compounds that aren’t tested for. This is something that you’ll notice if you look at the reports.

Therefore, if you are interested in using CBDa in your diet, all you need to do to get started is locate a high-quality full-spectrum CBD oil that comes from a reliable source, and you will be all set!

In Conclusion

Even though CBDa is the chemical step that comes before CBD, you may still find it in full-spectrum CBD oils and other products. If you focus just on determining which cannabinoid is superior, you won’t make much headway in the field of cannabis research. Instead, you should try to reap the benefits that the cannabis plant has to give your body and have faith that the natural remedy will provide you with the best benefits.

To know more about where to buy CBD oil in Australia and other CBD oil benefits, you should book a consultation session with a professional from Chronic Therapy today.