Evidence on cannabis as a cancer cure is sketchy, though more people than ever rely on it for relief. This post from GreenCamp explores what science has to say.
Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world, with the death rate of nearly 65%.
Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for it. There are conventional therapies, but the possibility of cancer coming back always remains.
It can be, for example, taken out surgically or by undergoing chemotherapy, and if it doesn’t come back in the next five years, the patients are considered to be cured. However, there is no medication developed to kill cancer cells, yet.
While I was doing research for this article I found a number of personal testimonies how marijuana oils helped them beat cancer. However, medical experts are still avoiding cannabis as a way of treatment.
So, the question remains: can cannabis really cure cancer?
During the past few years, while researchers have been busy searching for a link between marijuana and cancer, doctors have been recommending the herb in different forms to patients in need.
First of all, a number of cancer patients have found relief in this powerful herb, especially from the tough side-effects of chemotherapy such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Second of all, cannabis has helped patients who suffer fatigue after receiving aggressive radiation treatments.
Let’s see what science has to say about all of this so far…
Scientific Evidence on Marijuana Curing Cancer: Are There Any?
Where there is cannabis, there is hope… At least, the scientists say so.
In fact, marijuana once again showed some promising properties. However, most of the research done so far has been conducted on mice. That means one thing — we can not take the findings for granted.
Mice are not humans.
Again, there will always be this one question hanging in the air… If the herb is powerful in treating all sorts of medical conditions, why are governments around the world avoiding to invest in cannabis research?
We could debate endlessly on this issue, but it’s important not to forget that there have been just one or two clinical trials on humans. For some, we have never seen the findings.
Let’s hope that a change in laws will change the position of cannabis in medicine.
But, here is what science has proven so far…
The endocannabinoid system and its receptors in our body never stop amazing us with what we’re capable of.
The study from 2010 concluded that cannabinoids may prevent spreading or even stop the growth of cancerous cells in the liver, breast and brain.
Also, the chemicals found in marijuana have shown positive results when it comes to the death of tumor cells and stopping blood vessel production to the tumor. (full study)
One of the biggest follow-up studies was the California Men’s Health Study in which 84,000 men took part.
The same number of marijuana users and nonusers were involved in the study, with the variety of age difference, race, and body mass index. After 16 years of following the participants, it was noticed that bladder cancer was 45% less likely to be found in cannabis users than in those who did not use the herb. (full study)
Cannabis as a Relief From Cancer-Related Symptoms
While scientists are looking deeper into the issue of cannabinoids and cancer cells, patients are turning to marijuana as the only solution to their needs.
As I mentioned earlier, cancer treatments are very aggressive to our body. They induce vomiting and nausea. They are painful. Treatment often leads to depression, as well as sleeping disorders.
Marijuana and cannabinoids such as THC and CBD have beneficial effects in treating those side symptoms of cancer and cancer therapies.
Although Food and Drug Administration in the US (FDA) still hasn’t approved marijuana as a safe drug for medical use, it has approved two versions of cannabinoids for chemotherapy treatments. In fact, dronabinol and nabilone are approved for use in treating nausea and vomiting in cancer patients.
Best Strains for Cancer Patients
If you or your loved ones are going through this difficult procedure of chemo or radiation therapy, there are some things you could do to make this process easier on the body.
If you have decided to try and find a relief from the side effects of the cancer therapy, here are some strains which can help you regain your strength and energy, beat the pain and get your appetite back.
Chemo (Best for nausea, vomiting and pain)
Chemo is a Canadian strain developed at the University of British Columbia, specifically to help cancer patients go through chemotherapy. It can be a little bit harsh, especially for people not used to marijuana since it has woody smell and taste. But, it provides a variety of benefits for treating side symptoms of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting and pain.
Remedy (Best for pain)
This is the strain with the highest CBD level. In fact CBD to THC ratio goes up to 15:1. Since the THC here exists only in traces, this strain does not make you high. This makes it perfect for those who are not much experienced with cannabis. It has been used for treating anxiety, inflammation, seizures, but cancer patients can benefit the most from its painkilling properties.
ACDC (Best for pain)
One more strain with much higher levels of CBD than THC, it does not provide an undesirable high effect for patients. It is recommended for daytime use, giving you enough energy to go through the day. It is known the best as a great painkiller.
Harle-Tsu (Best for chronic pain)
Strain with CBD to THC ratio going up to 22:1, perfect for treating conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, headaches or migraines, and muscle spasms.
Super Lemon Haze (best for energy deficit)
Patients on harsh therapies such as radiation tend to suffer from exhaustion and energy deficiency. This is where Super Lemon Haze jumps in. It gives a boost of energy to users in need, making them feel lively once again.
Pineapple Kush (Best for nausea)
This strain is rich with THC (up to 20%) and has a very pleasant sweet fruity taste with multiple effects good for the cancer patient. First of all, it reduces nausea, but also relieves pain and gives an energy boost to exhausted patients.
Bubba Kush (Best for appetite loss)
This Indica strain is very high in THC and this combination will make you feel relaxed, sleepy, but very hungry. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy your healthy snacks while you gain back your appetite.
Strawberry Cough (Best for fatigue)
This fruity and sweet flavored strain gives an enormous boost of energy and happiness — two things that cancer patient need desperately after aggressive therapies. Simply said, Strawberry Cough brings smiles back to patients faces.
Chernobyl (Best for depression)
The long lasting effect of this citrus flavored strain will make patients feel happy again, full of new energy but relaxed at the same time. Depression is very common in cancer patients, that’s why this strain is a perfect choice.
Cookies and Cream (Best for sleeping disorders, nausea and pain)
Cancer patients usually have troubles with sleeping. Cookies and Cream is a strain that makes you sleepy, but has also proved to be an efficient painkiller and a remedy for nausea.
Cancer sucks so I hope that that this article will make it at least a little bit easier for you or your loved one to win this hardest battle of them all.
Just in case, inform your doctor about using cannabis during your conventional treatment.
Source: Truths and Misconceptions: Does Marijuana Actually Cure Cancer?