Marijuana oil has been gaining traction in recent years, as more states legalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. One of the major potential benefits of marijuana oil is its potential for treating cancer. This article will discuss the potential of marijuana oil as a cancer treatment, examining the research that has been done on this topic, as well as the potential risks and side effects associated with its use. We will also look at the current state of research and what the future may hold for marijuana oil as a cancer treatment.
What are the current medical studies on the effects of marijuana oil on cancer?
Recent medical studies have shown that marijuana oil has potential to reduce the size of certain types of cancers, as well as reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. There have also been some studies that suggest marijuana oil may be beneficial in treating certain types of cancer, such as glioblastoma and lung cancer. However, more research is needed in order to determine the efficacy of marijuana oil in treating cancer.
Is marijuana oil a proven treatment for cancer patients?
While there is some evidence to suggest that marijuana oil may have a beneficial effect on cancer patients, further research is needed to confirm it as a proven treatment. Studies conducted on mice have shown that certain cannabinoids found in marijuana oil can help to reduce tumor growth and inflammation, however, it is not yet clear if these effects translate to humans.
What are the potential side effects of using marijuana oil to treat cancer?
Some potential side effects of using marijuana oil to treat cancer may include fatigue, changes in appetite, nausea and vomiting, and dry mouth. Additionally, marijuana oil can interact with other medications, so it is important to discuss any other medications and supplements one is taking with their doctor before using marijuana oil. Additionally, because marijuana oil is not regulated by the FDA, it is important to purchase it from a reliable source.
Are there any known interactions between marijuana oil and other cancer treatments?
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Yes, there are known interactions between marijuana oil and other cancer treatments. Marijuana oil can interact with certain chemotherapy drugs, as well as other medications used to treat cancer. Additionally, marijuana oil can interfere with the metabolism of drugs used to treat cancer, making them less effective or even dangerous. Therefore, it is important to speak with a doctor before using marijuana oil alongside any other cancer treatments.
How can marijuana oil be safely administered to cancer patients?
Marijuana oil can be safely administered to cancer patients through a tincture, vaporizer, or topical application. Tinctures are easy to use, as they can be added directly to food or placed under the tongue for fast absorption. Vaporizers are also an effective form of inhalation because they allow for the active components of the marijuana to be inhaled directly into the lungs. Topical applications of marijuana oil can be applied directly to the affected area and provide localized relief. Patients should always consult their doctor before using marijuana oil, as it may interact with other medications.
Marijuana is the name given to the dried buds and leaves of varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant, which can grow wild in warm and tropical climates throughout the world and be cultivated commercially. It goes by many names, including pot, grass, cannabis, weed, hemp, hash, marihuana, ganja, and dozens of others. Marijuana has been used in herbal remedies for centuries. Scientists have identified many biologically active components in marijuana. These are called cannabinoids. The two best studied components are the chemicals deltatetrahydrocannabinol often referred to as THC , and cannabidiol CBD. Other cannabinoids are being studied. This means that they cannot legally be prescribed, possessed, or sold under federal law. But the use of marijuana to treat some medical conditions is legal under state laws in many states. Dronabinol, a pharmaceutical form of THC, and a man-made cannabinoid drug called nabilone are approved by the FDA to treat some conditions. Different compounds in marijuana have different actions in the human body. For example, deltatetrahydrocannabinol THC seems to cause the high reported by marijuana users, and also can help relieve pain and nausea , reduce inflammation, and can act as an antioxidant. Cannabidiol CBD can help treat seizures, can reduce anxiety and paranoia, and can counteract the high caused by THC. Different cultivars strains or types and even different crops of marijuana plants can have varying amounts of these and other active compounds. This means that marijuana can have different effects based on the strain used. The effects of marijuana also vary depending on how marijuana compounds enter the body. The most common ways to use marijuana are in food edible marijuana and by smoking or vaping it inhaled marijuana . A number of small studies of smoked marijuana found that it can be helpful in treating nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy. A few studies have found that inhaled smoked or vaporized marijuana can be helpful treatment of neuropathic pain pain caused by damaged nerves. Studies have long shown that people who took marijuana extracts in clinical trials tended to need less pain medicine. Some animal studies also suggest certain cannabinoids may slow growth and reduce spread of some forms of cancer. There have been some early clinical trials of cannabinoids in treating cancer in humans and more studies are planned. While the studies so far have shown that cannabinoids can be safe in treating cancer, they do not show that they help control or cure the disease. Relying on marijuana alone as treatment while avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences. Marijuana can also pose some harms to users. Smoked marijuana delivers THC and other cannabinoids to the body, but it also delivers harmful substances to users and those close by, including many of the same substances found in tobacco smoke. The effects can also differ based on how deeply and for how long the user inhales. Likewise, the effects of ingesting marijuana orally can vary between people. Also, some chronic users can develop an unhealthy dependence on marijuana. There are 2 chemically pure drugs based on marijuana compounds that have been approved in the US for medical use. Nabiximols is a cannabinoid drug still under study in the US. Based on a number of studies, dronabinol can be helpful for reducing nausea and vomiting linked to chemotherapy. Dronabinol has also been found to help improve food intake and prevent weight loss in patients with HIV. Research is still being done on this drug. Like many other drugs, the prescription cannabinoids, dronabinol and nabilone, can cause side effects and complications. Some people have trouble with increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure especially when standing up , dizziness or lightheadedness, and fainting. They can also worsen depression, mania, or other mental illness. Some patients taking nabilone in studies reported hallucinations. The drugs may increase some effects of sedatives, sleeping pills, or alcohol, such as sleepiness and poor coordination. Patients have also reported problems with dry mouth and trouble with recent memory. People who have had emotional illnesses, paranoia, or hallucinations may find their symptoms are worse when taking cannabinoid drugs. Talk to your doctor about what you should expect when taking one of these drugs. The American Cancer Society supports the need for more scientific research on cannabinoids for cancer patients, and recognizes the need for better and more effective therapies that can overcome the often debilitating side effects of cancer and its treatment. The Society also believes that the classification of marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance by the US Drug Enforcement Administration imposes numerous conditions on researchers and deters scientific study of cannabinoids.
