Medical Cannabis & Cancer

Medical cannabis has shown promise in assisting cancer patients in managing symptoms related to chemotherapy. The cannabinoids found in medical cannabis possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate discomfort caused by cancerous growths. Additionally, these compounds have been found to mitigate the adverse effects of chemotherapy. While medical cannabis does not serve as a cure for cancer, it can be an essential component of a comprehensive care plan, supporting patients throughout their treatment journey and enhancing their overall quality of life. Furthermore, medical cannabis has demonstrated potential in managing symptoms associated with skin cancer, such as pain and itching, providing much-needed relief to patients.

A large study from the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that 70% of cancer patients reported an improvement in pain and general well-being after using cannabis.

Cancer is a complex and devastating disease. It occurs when abnormal cells begin to grow and divide at an uncontrollable rate.

Causes of cancer vary drastically and include everything from genetics, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices. Some substances we consume, like aspartame, have been studied in relation to cancer risks. Inflammatory processes within the body can also contribute to cancer development. Notably, smoking, a well-known carcinogen, significantly increases the likelihood of various types of cancer. Our physicians at Apollo never recommend smoking as a consumption method for medical cannabis patients.

Recognizing early signs and getting tested can be a crucial factor in diagnosing and treating cancer in its different stages.

Preclinical lab studies have shown promising results when involving cannabis’s effect on cancer. In certain types of cancer, THC damaged or killed cancer cells or helped block the development of tumours. CBD has also showed similar results in breast cancer cells, while having limited effect on healthy cells.

In addition to these promising details, medical cannabis benefits inflammation, pain relief and can stimulate appetite. The FDA has also approved two cannabinoid drugs for treating nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy.

Options for patients include a wide variety of medicinal product formats including ingestibles (oils, soft gels, and edibles) and topicals (creams, lotions, gels). While smoking is not recommended by our physicians, the safer alternative of using a vaporizer can be beneficial for the relief of quick-onset pain and other symptoms. We offer Health Canada-approved vaporizers for our patients.

While not an extensive list, we see patients for all different types of cancers including breast cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, and colorectal cancer. While these all affect the body in drastically different ways, medical cannabis has the ability to help alleviate coinciding symptoms such as pain, sleep troubles, anxiety, and more.