Cannabis Oil For Lung Cancer: What Are The Benefits?
CBD and Cannabis oil are slowly but surely being accepted by mainstream society as alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs. It's come to a point where people are using them for treating symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatments.
In Canada, lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths, making up more than 1/4 of all cancer deaths. It was estimated that 21,000 Canadians have died from lung cancer in 2019 alone. That means that around 60 Canadians die each day because of this disease last year.
What Causes Lung Cancer?
Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. This is due to the carcinogens found in cigarette smoke. As such, smokers are the most in danger of lung cancer, but non-smokers can also be at risk if they are always exposed to secondhand smoke. The more you smoke and the longer you keep the habit, the higher your chances of getting lung cancer.
Being exposed to toxic substances like asbestos, benzene, and arsenic also increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer. The disease can also be hereditary.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
What makes lung cancer extra dangerous is that it usually doesn't show any symptoms until it has already spread. It's important to be diagnosed as soon as you notice these symptoms:
- Chronic coughing that progressively gets worse
- Chest, back, or shoulder pain when taking deep breaths, or laughing
- Blood appears when you cough
- Persistent or recurrent respiratory problems like bronchitis
- Chronic fatigue and headaches
- Lack of appetite and sudden weight loss
- Wheezing and shortness of breath even after doing non-strenuous activities
Lung cancer is generally harder and often nearly impossible to cure once it has spread to other organs. If you are experiencing any of the following, please visit your doctor as soon as possible:
- If cancer has spread to your bones, you may feel pain in the hips or your back
- Cancer that has spread to your liver leads to signs of jaundice
- Lung cancer that has reached the brain can result in limb numbness, light-headedness, or seizures
How Cannabis Oil Can Help with Lung Cancer
Cannabis contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which interact with our endocannabinoid system or ECS. The ECS has receptors that help the body send out signals like pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory effects. Cannabis has more than 100 cannabinoids, but the most recognized ones are THC and CBD. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is known for the "high" that it induces. CBD or cannabidiol, on the other hand, is a popular substance for pain management.
Medical cannabis oil usually has a measured concentration of CBD and THC. This makes it easier to prescribe proper dosages. While further studies need to be made on whether it can actually cure cancer, cannabis oil is commonly used for dealing with symptoms and treatment side effects.
These are common uses for cannabis oil among lung cancer patients:
- Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief- Cannabis is often used as a substitute for opioids to help manage any pain they feel from cancer treatments or cancer itself. It can also be used to treat any inflammation that the patient has.
- Nerve damage relief - Certain lung cancers can sometimes grow tumors that cause neuropathy. Nerve damage can also be a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy. Cannabis helps relieve the patient from burning or numbing sensations in their limbs.
- Improving the appetite - Sudden weight loss isn't unusual among cancer patients. This can be due to a lack of appetite as well as the body simply failing to function properly due to the disease. One of cannabis' abilities is boosting your appetite to have you eat more, which can aid with your nutrition and improve your mood.
- Treat nausea - One of the most common side effects of cancer treatments is nausea. If you don't want to take pharmaceuticals to deal will nausea or vomiting, cannabis can be your second option.
There has also been a study that shows cannabis' potential in inhibiting the growth of cancerous lung tumors, thanks to the presence of CBD. This can be helpful for cancer patients who don't want to undergo chemotherapy or are still recovering in a cancerrehab Center.
Feeling of anxiety and depression is a common phenomenon in cancer patients. This can be amplified if they are also undergoing chemotherapy. Taking cannabis oil can help you calm down, manage your stress, and improve your sleep quality.
Conclusion
Medical cannabis oil can be a viable option for relieving treatment side effects and cancer symptoms. However, it should be used in moderation. Excessive use of cannabis, especially when self-medicating, can make certain symptoms worse, particularly nausea and vomiting. It may also interact negatively with ongoing medications that you’re taking. Ask your doctor for advice first if you're interested in including cannabis oil in your treatments.
Author Bio: Eliza Brooks, an avid blogger and advocate of the legalization of cannabis, loves to write about health, fitness and travel. She is currently working with Apollo cannabis, a leading cannabis clinic and research organization, which helps thousands of Canadians gain access to medical cannabis.
