February is Cancer Prevention Month and with growing numbers of cancer diagnoses in Texas, more treatment options are needed to improve the quality of life for Texans. Several studies support the effectiveness of cannabis and its anti-tumor properties in certain types of cancer. Not only may medical cannabis contain anti-cancer properties, but it may also relieve a wide range of symptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatments. In Texas, cancer is a qualifying condition for medical cannabis. Learn more about medical cannabis for cancer below.
Medical Cannabis and Cancer Research
Several studies have researched the efficacy of cannabinoids and their anti-tumor properties for specific types of cancer. According to recent research, cannabinoids can disrupt tumor cell growth and prevent tumor cells from invading other body parts. Additionally, several studies suggest that medical cannabis helps reduce multiple symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatment.
Pain is a common symptom associated with cancer, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Opioid medications are commonly prescribed to combat pain symptoms, however, patients may experience a new set of unwanted side effects, including respiratory depression, constipation, sedation, nausea, vomiting and addiction.
A cross-sectional study published in 2022 discovered that more than half of participants living with chronic pain reported that medical cannabis enabled them to decrease their use of opioid medications, prescription non-opioid and over-the-counter pain medications. Additionally, a 2020 study found that 64-75% of participants living with pain decreased their opioid dosage with medical cannabis.
How Does Medical Cannabis Help with Cancer Symptoms?
The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids that interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system. THC and CBD are two of the most common cannabinoids used for treating a wide range of conditions and symptoms. These cannabinoids interact with our bodies’ CB1 and CB2 receptors to regulate our mood, pain levels, appetite and more. Cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant can provide patients with relief from many cancer-related symptoms and may lessen the side effects of chemotherapy. Not only is medical cannabis a safe and effective treatment option with zero reported overdose deaths, but it may allow patients to reduce prescription opioid medications.
Research suggests that medical cannabis may reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and reduce:
- Pain
- Opioid use
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Lack of appetite
Can I Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription for Cancer in Texas?
Medical cannabis is available in Texas for over 150 conditions, including all stages and types of cancer. Texas Original’s products range in varying levels of THC, CBD and CBN to appropriately treat a wide range of symptoms of qualifying conditions.
Click below to get a prescription for medical cannabis in Texas.
References:
American Cancer Society. “Marijuana and Cancer.” American Cancer Society, 2022, https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/complementary-and-integrative-medicine/marijuana-and-cancer.html.
Aviram, Joshua, et al. “The Effectiveness and Safety of Medical Cannabis for Treating Cancer Related Symptoms in Oncology Patients.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 25 Apr. 2022, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpain.2022.861037/full.
Bodine M, Kemp AK. Medical Cannabis Use In Oncology. [Updated 2022 Oct 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572067/
Hinz, Burkhard, and Robert Ramer. “Anti-tumor actions of cannabinoids.” British journal of pharmacology vol. 176,10 (2019): 1384-1394. doi:10.1111/bph.14426
Pritchett, Carolyn E et al. “Medical Cannabis Patients Report Improvements in Health Functioning and Reductions in Opiate Use.” Substance use & misuse vol. 57,13 (2022): 1883-1892. doi:10.1080/10826084.2022.2107673
