How Medical Marijuana Helps Cancer Patients
Medical marijuana has been proven to provide effective treatment for a wide range of diseases and health conditions, including many different types of cancer. According to many studies into medical marijuana cancer treatment, it has been shown that as an alternative or used in combination with other therapies, it can treat the symptoms associated with the disease and with the different forms of treatment, such as fatigue, nausea, and pain. There are even studies that suggest medical marijuana could fight against cancer by killing the disease’s cells.
Perhaps you have recently been diagnosed with cancer or are just interested in understanding alternatives that may be available when South Carolina legalizes the use of medical marijuana. In the following article, we will discuss the different ways that medical marijuana cancer treatment can be helpful.
What is Cancer?
Before we go any further, it’s worth discussing more about cancer. Cancer is a term that we are all familiar with – it’s used in the news, entertainment, and other forms of media, including social media. However, many people know cancer because of its effects and the fact that it is very dangerous and life-threatening. What actually is this disease? Cancer is the name given to a group of life-threatening diseases identified through the development of abnormal or mutant cells that divide and can infiltrate and then destroy healthy body tissue. Cancer can often spread through the body and is the world’s second leading cause of death.
There are more than 100 different types of cancer that have been identified, including:
- Sarcoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Melanoma
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Carcinoma
Cancer treatment typically involves several different therapies used in combination, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, stem cell transplants, precision medicine, and hormone therapy.
Symptoms of Cancer
With cancer, like many other diseases and health conditions, there is a list of potential symptoms that you may experience. It is essential to understand that not everyone has the same experience when diagnosed with cancer. Some early symptoms of cancer include:
- Unusual discharge and bleeding
- Changes to skin, such as skin texture changes, lumps or thickening under or on the skin, changes to existing moles or new moles
- Slow healing
- Night sweats
- Cough or hoarseness that does not clear
- Fatigue
- Urination and bowel movement changes
- Problem eating and changes in appetite
- Abdominal pain
Some side effects can occur due to traditional cancer treatment, therapies, or meditation, such as:
- Sleeping issues
- Pain and nerve problems
- Vomiting and nausea
- Concentration or memory issues
- Appetite loss
- Fatigue
- Bruising and bleeding
How Can Medical Marijuana Cancer Treatment Help?
There is a lot of evidence to support the fact that medical marijuana helps cancer patients and is effective for many different types of diseases. However, a recent survey showed that of more than 900 cancer patients interviewed, less than 15% were given information regarding medical marijuana treatment by their nurse, physician, or general practitioner. Even though the National Cancer Institute has acknowledged that medical marijuana treatment can effectively treat various symptoms of the diseases and has even been shown to target and kill off rogue cancer cells.
There are some specific benefits of medical marijuana cancer treatment, including helping alleviate the following symptoms of cancer and different treatment types:
- Neuropathy or nerve damage and pain
- Vomiting and nausea
- Appetite loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
Additionally, there has been research that shows that medical marijuana cancer treatment could have anti-cancer effects, including the following:
- Inhibiting tumor invasion
- Modulation of cell-signaling pathways
- Cell death
A 2011 study involving cannabidiol, or CBD, found that the CBD could kill off breast cancer cells through a process of inhibiting cell-signaling and inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress. Furthermore, studies into colon cancer treatments showed that CBD could be effective as it has cancer-protective effects and decreases the proliferation of cancer cells.
Can I Get Medical Marijuana Cancer Treatment in South Carolina
The quick and simple answer is no. There is no legal medical marijuana treatment for cancer or other diseases. This is because, at present, South Carolina has yet to legalize medical marijuana cancer treatment. However, this will likely change in the next year or so due to landmark movements in the Senate.
When medical marijuana cancer treatment does become available, you will need to ensure you have a South Carolina medical marijuana card to qualify for buying medical marijuana products from a state-controlled and authorized dispensary.
At South Carolina Medical Marijuana Doctors, we are passionate about making sure people are aware of the added help and effective treatment that medical marijuana can provide to a variety of health conditions and diseases, including cancer. When it does become available, we will be booking appointments and will be able to help you obtain approval so you can get the necessary MMC for South Carolina.
Why Come to South Carolina Medical Marijuana Doctors
You may wonder why you should choose South Carolina Medical Marijuana Doctors over others in the state. For one thing, as we have highlighted, it is not just work for us – medical marijuana treatment is our passion, and we want to ensure people can have access to it when it is legally available. We have many years of experience in medical marijuana research and keep updated on new developments and legislation.
The process of obtaining a medical marijuana card, when that is possible, is likely to be similar to how it is in other states in the country, which is complicated for many people. We can help make it quicker, simpler, and less stressful by guiding you through the application process. One of our highly trained doctors will assess you and provide you with written confirmation of your illness and symptoms that qualify for medical marijuana treatment.
Contact South Carolina Medical Marijuana Doctors
Once medical marijuana cancer treatment becomes legally available in South Carolina, you need to contact our team here at South Carolina Medical Marijuana Doctors to book an appointment for an official assessment. If you have any questions or concerns, we are here to help, too. Don’t hesitate to contact us.