Cannabis has always been known for medicinal qualities, beginning with Vikings and Medieval Germans who used the botanical to relieve pain. It wasn't until 1937 with the passing of the Marijuana Tax Act that this medicinal plant became illegal in the United States. In current years, however, Americans have been rediscovering the medicinal properties long associated with cannabis use, and scientists have performed many studies to ascertain the alleged benefits. Their findings, as they pertain to cancer patients, are, as of yet, incomplete by FDA standards. However, the studies do show that there are a plethora of positive benefits to be gained from the use of cannabidiol (CBD), a derivative of Cannabis sativa L. (also known as hemp), which contains low amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive portion of cannabis. Benefits include reduced pain and nausea as well as increased appetite.
Pain Relief
A 2010 U.S. study found that patients who used a combination of both CBD and THC extract had an overall decrease in pain, with 30% of patients showing around a 50% decrease from the placebo group's 1% decrease. All patients in the study had moderately severe, or worse, cancer-related pain and were prescribed a minimal dose of 20 mg of CBD extract per day taken orally. From these findings, it can be concluded that ingesting a high CBD content oil can reduce cancer-related pain as well as some opioids, such as codeine and other narcotics which have a high risk for addiction and dependency as compared to CBD oil which is non-addictive.
Combat Nausea From Chemotherapy
A 2014 Israeli study found that the use of cannabis, specifically the Cannabis sativa L. strain, resulted in a decrease nausea in cancer patients with most reporting up to a 50% change in nausea levels during the first six months with an additional 43% at the year mark. Side effects were minimal and mild, primarily consisting of fatigue and dizziness. However, these side effects may be preferable to the persistent discomfort and nausea typically induced by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While most patients in the Israeli study administered cannabis through smoking, 8.7% used alternative methods of ingestion which also resulted in a significant reduction in nausea. This leads us to believe that it is possible to reduce nausea with a high CBD content extract taken orally.
Increase Appetite
The same Israeli study found that cancer patients who used cannabis with a high concentration of CBD noticed a 47.8% increase in appetite during a six month period and 52% within a year. Most patients even began feeling more of an appetite after the first month of administration. This is significant as most cancer treatments result in a loss of appetite which is counterproductive in regards to overall well being. Using a CBD extract can help with regaining appetite as well as gaining weight.
Conclusion
As most patients within the studies mentioned above saw significant increases in overall well being from the ingestion of cannabis and high CBD content oils, using a CBD oil to self-medicate is definitely a reasonable course of action. If you find that your life has been taken over by the side effects of cancer treatments, taking a full spectrum phytocannabinoid can help with the management of pain, nausea, and appetite loss and will help you to get back to living your life. For more information and help to find appropriate dosing levels, contact VitaLeaf Naturals to get started with a non-addictive supplement to manage all of your cancer treatment side effects.
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