Cancer has touched the lives of nearly every individual living in the U.S. If you have been faced with cancer treatment, or maybe you know a person who is, it is very likely you have wondered about using medical cannabis to ease the pain and symptoms associated with cancer, and/or the symptoms associated with cancer treatments.

How do I incorporate Medical Marijuana in my cancer treatment program?

Medical marijuana is not a substitute for your current medical treatment of cancer, such as hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation. It can, however, be a powerful adjunct to your therapy by alleviating treatment related side effects, and potentially having anti-cancer properties. It is important to involve and inform your primary treating physician/oncologist as you add medical cannabis to your treatment program.

The active phyto-cannabinoids in the cannabis plant interact with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). Your body’s endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating many of your critical biological functions as well as overall homeostasis and well-being. When your endocannabinoid system is not functioning normally due to a disease process, the cannabinoids in the plant may enable your body to progress toward normalcy, which is just one of the reasons cannabis works well for some cancer patients.

It is well known that cannabis if helpful in alleviating treatment related side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. Cannabis is now also being studied for its potential anti-cancer effects and promise for cancer prevention. Different cannabinoids have been shown to destroy cancer cells while sparing normal cells, slow the spread of cancer cells, and slow tumor growth.

Marijuana has biologically active cannabinoids, many of them can have a therapeutic impact on your body. Researchers have identified tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) particularly. Dronabinol, a pharmaceutical form of THC along with a manmade cannabinoid medication, and Nabilone have both been approved by the FDA for the therapy of several conditions. In Canada, Nabiximols/Sativex, which contains both CBD and THC, have been approved for the ease of pain in cancer and multiple sclerosis patients.

The active cannabinoids in the plant mimic your endocannabinoid system (ECS). Your body’s endocannabinoids are responsible for regulating many of your critical biological functions – for instance, soreness, immune system, appetite and insomnia. The cannabinoids in the plant enable your body to recover its sense of balance, which is just one of the reasons cannabis works extremely well for some cancer patients.

Many scientists have centered on THC in the past few years for the study of marijuana and cancer related ailments.

Even still, numerous medical marijuana patients and physicians think that the purified form of THC, or maybe the artificial counterparts of it, is significantly less effective as orally consuming edibles, or tinctures, made with cannabis, or even the smoking of the buds on the marijuana plant.

Cannabinoids are also being studied for their potential as cancer prevention and cancer treatment. Cancer is most obviously identified by the multiplication of mutated somatic cells within the body. The mutated cells have damaged DNA which wasn’t copied properly during cell division. Cancer cells multiply faster compared to normal cells and usually have altered functions as a result of the cells’ mutated genetic code.

Cannabinoids have been found to stimulate the apoptotic pathway in cells, which is the programmed death of a cell when it has acknowledged that it is not longer functioning properly. In this way, marijuana could potentially stop tumor growth by signaling cancerous cells to “commit suicide.”

Cannabis is not FDA approved for the treatment or prevention of cancer. Be careful when browsing the internet and view any claims of treating or curing a particular disease with skepticism. As further research develops, we will know much more.

Best Marijuana Strains for Cancer Patients

Cannabis is available in many strains and some may be better for dealing with specific symptoms. Here, we look at several strains of marijuana and their overall attributes that may help patients with cancer. Remember that the effect can vary from person to person, even if they are trying to treat or help the same condition.

Various strains of cannabis are better for dealing with specific symptoms. Here, we look at several strains of marijuana who have helped cancer patients.

Every strain has the unique properties of its, and what could work for one individual might not be best for you. In general, a few marijuana strains – sativa strains – are actually recognized to be uplifting or euphoric, while others – indica strains – are actually better known for the sedative of theirs and calming effects.

Marijuana strains which are loaded with both THC and CBD have a tendency to operate in synergy to successfully relieve cancer pain. That being said, strains which are loaded with either of these cannabinoids could also meet your needs. You might have to try out a couple different strains and dosages until you find what works best for you.

Marijuana strains which help alleviate pain include:

ACDC: This is a non psychoactive strain that causes you to feel focused, relaxed, uplifted, and happy.

Blackberry Kush: High in THC, Blackberry Kush is especially noted for the intense pain relieving effects of its. It likewise causes you to feel is, euphoric, sleepy, and relaxed best taken at nighttime or even on days you do not have very much to do.

Harlequin: Because of its THC and CBD content, Harlequin kills the pain of yours while keeping you mentally alert. As a result, this is a great choice for daytime use.

Fatigue-reducing strains include:

Strawberry Cough: This scented strain causes you to feel energized and boosted both mentally and physically.

Chocolope: Taking Chocolope when you are wiped out enhances the focus of yours and sensory awareness.

Pineapple Express: This feel good strain has a tropical flavor of papaya, pineapple and mango and also brings you abundant energy when you are feeling weak.

Strains which help decrease depression include:

Pennywise: Loaded with CBD, Pennywise provides you with a relaxed mindset so you are able to think correctly once again.

Chernobyl: Lemon and lime scented, Chernobyl is actually ideal for you in case you have to go out of your great mood fast.

Great Silver Haze: This strain causes you to think happy and creative and possesses strong citrus notes.

Appetite-stimulating strains include:

Bubba Kush: Loaded with THC, this particular strain is going to relax you considerably while providing you with a ravenous appetite.

Granddaddy Purple: Another high THC strain, berry scented aroma and the grape will aid you regain the appetite of yours quickly.

Skywalker OG: Skywalker OG stimulates the appetite of yours while not making you feel fatigued. It is a great choice for day use.

The following strains help stop nausea:

Northern Lights: This powerful strain calms the stomach of yours while relaxing the body of yours.

Blueberry Diesel: An excellent choice in case you want your belly settled and your mood lifted.

Super Lemon Haze: In case you’ve things to do, then this’s the ideal strain for you. It calms the nausea of yours while supplying you with power.