A diagnosis of cancer can be devastating, and the side effects of its treatments often increase a patient’s pain and discomfort. At present, Ohio is one of the many states that permits medical marijuana to be prescribed for a list of qualifying medical conditions, of which cancer is one. Here are some reasons to consider medical marijuana to help ease your cancer treatment.
Fighting Nausea
Cancer patients being treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation say medical marijuana helps them tremendously by fighting off the nausea and vomiting which are common side effects of treatment. While there are medications that do these things, medical marijuana may eliminate the need for additional pills and prescriptions.
Specialized Strains
There are certain strains of medical marijuana that are geared towards treating pain, while others are beneficial for appetite stimulation. Still other strains can help with the anxiety and depression that often accompany cancer diagnosis and treatment. When being using medical marijuana to help with cancer treatment, you will be prescribed according to your symptoms.
Stimulates Appetite
Certain cancer treatments have the side effect of curbing or even eliminating one’s appetite. Medical marijuana is being used by tens of thousands of cancer patients to stimulate appetite to eat the foods they want and get the nutrition they need to stay strong while fighting the disease.
Reduces Need for Pain Medications
Medical marijuana is often used to reduce the pain and discomfort that comes with certain cancer treatments; it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the inflammation that leads to pain. Plus, many doctors are turning to medical marijuana to reduce the risk of opioid dependence.
Reduces Symptoms of Neuropathy
Cancer can cause neuropathy – nerve damage typically described as a weakness, numbness, or a tingling or burning sensation in one or more nerves throughout the body – that is a common side effect of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. Medical marijuana has been shown to reduce these symptoms.
Counteracts Cancer-related Cachexia
Cachexia – wasting syndrome – is a phenomenon of unintentional weight loss, specifically, the loss of lean muscle and fat, that results in progressive muscle wasting and loss of appetite. In fact, cachexia is present in at least half of those with advanced-stage cancer. Recent studies show that medical marijuana can help reverse these conditions by stimulating a person’s appetite to help increase or at least reduce the risk of decreasing muscle mass.
Medical Marijuana in Ohio
Cancer is a qualifying condition for medical marijuana treatment in the state of Ohio. And while the Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved medical marijuana to treat cancer itself, it has approved certain types of medical marijuana to treat the nausea and vomiting that cancer patients may experience while undergoing treatment. If are being treated for cancer and experiencing any unpleasant side effects, you may want to investigate whether medical marijuana is right for you. In Ohio, Dr. David Zainey of InteCare Medical Clinic is certified to perform evaluations and make recommendations with regard to integrative medicine and holistic care, as well as if medical marijuana may be right for you. Call Dr. Zainey today at (937) 874-5766 or request an appointment.
