Improving Quality of Life with Medical Cannabis for Palliative Care

Palliative care focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with serious, life-limiting illnesses by managing distressing symptoms and providing emotional support. Among the various treatment options available, medical cannabis for palliative care has emerged as a promising approach to alleviate symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, and insomnia. These symptoms, often experienced by patients with conditions like cancer or advanced neurological disorders, can significantly diminish well-being. This blog post explores how medical cannabis can address these challenges and highlights how organisations like MARUCANNA are helping patients access this treatment in the UK.

Alleviating nausea with medical cannabis

Nausea is a common and debilitating symptom for palliative care patients, particularly those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy. Medical cannabis, specifically cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), has shown efficacy in reducing nausea. THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, particularly CB1 receptors in the brain, to suppress the vomiting reflex. Studies, including those published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, have demonstrated that cannabis-based medicines can be as effective as traditional antiemetics for chemotherapy-induced nausea.

For patients in palliative care, this means fewer episodes of nausea, allowing them to maintain their dignity and comfort. By reducing this distressing symptom, medical cannabis for palliative care helps patients engage more fully in daily activities, such as spending time with loved ones or enjoying small meals, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life.

Stimulating appetite to combat weight loss

Loss of appetite is another prevalent issue in palliative care, often leading to unintended weight loss and weakness. This problem can be particularly pronounced in patients with cancer or HIV/AIDS, where cachexia (severe weight loss and muscle wasting) is a concern. Medical cannabis has been recognised for its appetite-stimulating properties, often referred to as the “munchies” in recreational contexts. THC activates receptors in the brain that enhance the sense of smell and taste, making food more appealing.

Clinical evidence, such as trials reported in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, suggests that medical cannabis can significantly increase appetite in palliative care patients. For example, dronabinol, a synthetic THC, has been approved for use in the UK to treat appetite loss in specific conditions. By encouraging patients to eat, medical cannabis for palliative care supports their physical strength and energy levels, contributing to a better quality of life.

Addressing insomnia for restful sleep

Insomnia is a frequent complaint among palliative care patients, driven by pain, anxiety, or medication side effects. Poor sleep exacerbates other symptoms, leading to fatigue and reduced emotional resilience. Medical cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD or certain terpenes like myrcene, has sedative properties that can promote restful sleep. CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality by modulating the body’s stress response.

A 2019 study in Palliative Medicine found that patients using medical cannabis reported improved sleep duration and fewer nighttime disturbances. For palliative care patients, better sleep translates to improved mood, reduced irritability, and greater ability to cope with their condition. Medical cannabis for palliative care thus plays a vital role in restoring a sense of normalcy and comfort.

How MARUCANNA supports access to medical cannabis

In the UK, accessing medical cannabis for palliative care is made easier through specialised services like MARUCANNA. We are a leading provider of medical cannabis prescriptions, offering consultations with qualified doctors who assess patients’ eligibility based on their medical history and symptoms. For palliative care patients experiencing nausea, appetite loss, or insomnia, MARUCANNA provides tailored treatment plans, ensuring the right cannabis-based products, such as oils, capsules, or vapourisers, are prescribed.

Our process is a patient-centric, involving thorough assessments to ensure safety and efficacy. They guide patients through the legal framework, which, since November 2018, has allowed specialist doctors in the UK to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) for conditions where other treatments have failed. By offering remote consultations and on-going support, MARUCANNA ensures that palliative care patients across the UK can access medical cannabis conveniently and discreetly, improving their quality of life.

Enhancing well-being through holistic care

The use of medical cannabis for palliative care is not just about symptom relief; it’s about restoring a sense of control and comfort for patients facing life-limiting illnesses. By addressing nausea, stimulating appetite, and promoting sleep, medical cannabis helps patients maintain their physical and emotional well-being. This holistic approach aligns with the goals of palliative care, which prioritises comfort and dignity.

However, medical cannabis is not without challenges. Side effects, such as dizziness or dry mouth, may occur, and not all patients respond equally to treatment. Specialists like MARUCANNA consult with patients to carefully tailor prescriptions to minimise risks and maximise benefits. Additionally, on-going research is needed to further establish optimal dosing and long-term effects in palliative care settings.

Conclusion

Medical cannabis for palliative care offers a valuable tool to enhance the quality of life for patients grappling with nausea, loss of appetite, and insomnia. By alleviating these symptoms, cannabis-based treatments enable patients to find comfort, maintain their strength, and cherish meaningful moments with loved ones. Organisations like MARUCANNA play a crucial role in making these treatments accessible, providing expert guidance and personalised care. As awareness and research into medical cannabis continue to grow, its integration into palliative care holds promise for transforming the patient experience, offering hope and relief in the face of serious illness.