Get a Cannabis Prescription for Cancer

Cancer pain can be severe and complex, making it difficult to manage with traditional treatments alone. A cannabis prescription for cancer pain may offer additional relief by reducing inflammation, easing pain, and improving overall well-being. Cannabis may also help with related symptoms, such as nausea and loss of appetite, providing a more comprehensive approach to managing pain for cancer patients.

Many cancer patients endure pain as a result of their therapy or the disease itself. Most malignancies can result in cancer-related pain that ranges from moderate to severe, occurs frequently, and can affect practically any region of the body. Cancer pain can also be induced by cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation, which have unpleasant side effects that can persist for days, weeks, or even months.

What is the Source of Cancer-Related Pain?

Chronic pain can happen when nerves are affected. This might be due to cancer pressing on nerves or chemicals released by a tumor. Cancer treatments can also change nerves, leading to pain. Chronic pain can be mild or intense and can continue long after the injury or treatment is over. It might be constant.

Pain can sometimes happen suddenly, like when you change a dressing or move around. This is called incidental pain.

Adverse Consequences of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can have unpleasant side effects, but many of them can be controlled or avoided, and the majority will go away after your treatment is over.

It is impossible to foresee the side effects you will experience.
Many of the typical adverse effects are listed below, but you are unlikely to experience all of them.

  • Diarrhoea and constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Infections
  • Emotional issues
  • Tiredness
  • Anaemia
  • Bruising and bleeding
  • Sore mouth
  • Sleep problems
  • Feeling and being sick
  • Skin and nail changes
  • Memory and concentration problems
  • Fertility issues
  • Hair loss

Negative Consequences of Radiotherapy

Radiation not only kills or inhibits the development of cancer cells, but it can also harm healthy cells nearby. Damage to healthy cells might have unintended consequences. The side effects of this kind of treatment depend on which part of the body is being treated. A list of the side effects based on the area of the body can be found below:

Brain

  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Memory or concentration problems
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Skin changes
  • Headache
  • Blurry vision

Breast

  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Skin changes
  • Swelling (oedema)
  • Tenderness

Chest

  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Skin changes
  • Throat problems, such as trouble swallowing
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Head and neck

  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Mouth problems
  • Skin changes
  • Taste changes
  • Throat problems, such as trouble swallowing
  • Less active thyroid gland

Pelvis

  • Diarrhoea
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sexual problems (men)
  • Fertility problems (men)
  • Sexual problems (women)
  • Fertility problems (women)
  • Skin changes
  • Urinary and bladder problems

Rectum

  • Diarrhoea
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Sexual problems (men)
  • Fertility problems (men)
  • Sexual problems (women)
  • Fertility problems (women)
  • Skin changes
  • Urinary and bladder problems

Stomach and Abdomen

  • Diarrhoea
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Skin changes
  • Urinary and bladder problems

The Common Types of Cancer Pain

The sort of pain you feel is determined by various factors, including the stage of the disease, its location, and the type of cancer you have.

Pain in the Nerves

Cancer patients often experience nerve discomfort due to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathic pain, also known as nerve pain, can arise when a malignant tumour exerts pressure on and damages nerves. The intensity and sensation of nerve pain may vary depending on the cancer’s stage and location, ranging from a mild tingling to a severe burning sensation.

Bone Pain

Patients diagnosed with primary bone cancer, as well as individuals whose cancer has metastasized to the bone, commonly experience bone pain. The majority of cancers have the potential to spread to the bone (known as bone metastases), occurring when malignant cells detach from the tumour and travel through the bloodstream to the bone. Bone pain is often characterised as a distressing or throbbing sensation, resembling muscle pain but with greater intensity. Although managing bone pain during the healing process can be challenging, there are therapeutic approaches to assist individuals in coping with this discomfort.

Soft-Tissue Pain

Numerous individuals diagnosed with cancer experience soft tissue pain, also known as visceral pain. This type of pain is felt within the body’s internal organs or muscles. The specific location of the discomfort depends on the organ or muscle responsible for generating it. Visceral pain is typically described as a profound sensation of hurting or pressure resulting from the activation of pain receptors.

Cancer-Related Pain Relief

A comprehensive approach is often necessary to effectively manage cancer pain. Along with medications, physiotherapy, modifications to the work and home environment, and psychiatric treatments play significant roles in patient care. Medical therapy focuses on addressing the root cause of pain, which is a crucial aspect of treatment.
Initial treatment typically involves the use of simple pain relievers, while stronger pain relievers such as codeine, tramadol, and morphine are employed in combination for severe pain. Depending on the specific cause of pain, personalised therapies may be beneficial for certain individuals.

CBD for Cancer Pain: An Alternative Option

CBD (cannabidiol) has gained attention as an alternative option for managing cancer-related pain. While it is not a cure for cancer, CBD’s analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties may provide relief to cancer patients, making it a viable supplement alongside conventional treatments. Many cancer patients experience chronic pain, inflammation, and discomfort due to the disease or its treatment (such as chemotherapy), and CBD may help improve their quality of life.

Pain From Cancer and Medicinal Cannabis

Limited research has been conducted regarding the impact of medical cannabis on cancer pain.Since the legalisation of medicinal cannabis in 2018, there has been a rise in individuals seeking this form of treatment. In cases where initial medications prove ineffective in alleviating symptoms, medicinal marijuana may be explored as a potential alternative for managing cancer-related discomfort.

One of our physicians will examine your application and let you know if you may move forward with an appointment.

MARUCANNA Private Assessment for Cannabis Eligibility

Get a private cannabis assessment with MARUCANNA. The process is simple: start with a free eligibility check, fill out a short questionnaire, and get an instant decision. A virtual consultation with the medical team completes the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes pain to feel worse?

Other bodily factors can influence how we perceive pain. Pain, for example, may feel worse when we are weary.

Our personal, social, and professional lives can all have an impact on our pain levels. For example, not being able to meet friends or go to work may exacerbate suffering. Anxiety and sadness, for example, can exacerbate pain. However, if pain is not treated, people may acquire these issues.

Is the discomfort a sign that my cancer has progressed?

More pain does not always indicate that the cancer is worse or more advanced.

You may be in pain for a variety of reasons. Cancer therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can cause tissue and nerve damage, resulting in pain. These are the physical reasons. Emotions can also influence pain levels. Anxiety or sadness, for example, might aggravate pain. Social or occupational demands might also aggravate discomfort.

How can I obtain financial assistance when I'm unable to work due to pain?

If you have been told that your disease cannot be treated or if you are caring for someone who has advanced cancer, you may be eligible for benefits or other financial assistance.

Most people who require care at the end of their lives are eligible for disability benefits. These are some examples:

  • If you are between the ages of 16 and state pension age, you may be eligible for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
  • If you are over the age of 65, you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance (AA).

If you are terminally sick, you can apply for various benefits through a special regulatory process. The regulations vary based on where you reside in the United Kingdom and the benefit you are seeking. If your doctor or cancer nurse fills out a paper stating that you have a terminal disease, you can ask for special rules.

What is the strongest pain relief for cancer patients?

The strongest pain relief for cancer patients often includes opioids like morphine, fentanyl, or oxycodone. People commonly use these powerful medications when their pain becomes severe. In addition to opioids, some patients benefit from alternative treatments like medical cannabis for cancer pain, which has shown potential in reducing discomfort, particularly when traditional painkillers are not enough. Doctors may also combine these options with nerve blocks, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants, depending on the type and source of pain. The goal is to create a balanced approach that provides the best relief while minimising side effects.

Does cannabis help with cancer pain?

Yes, medical cannabis can help with cancer pain. Many patients find relief from pain, nausea, and discomfort when using medical cannabis alongside traditional treatments. Its compounds, such as THC and CBD, interact with the body’s pain receptors, potentially reducing pain levels and improving overall quality of life. While it may not replace conventional pain medications, medical cannabis can be an effective addition for managing cancer-related pain, especially when other treatments fall short. Always consult a doctor to see if marijuana the right option for your care plan or treatment diagnosis.

Can cannabis treat cancer?

Cannabis can help manage cancer symptoms and side effects of cancer treatments, such as pain, nausea, and loss of appetite, but it is not considered a treatment for cancer itself. Research is ongoing into its potential therapeutic uses, but as of now, it is primarily used to alleviate discomfort.

Does cannabis cure cancer?

No, cannabis does not cure cancer. While there are some studies that suggest cannabis compounds like THC and CBD may have anti-cancer effects in laboratory settings, there is no conclusive evidence that it can cure cancer in humans.

Does marijuana kill cancer cells?

Some laboratory studies have shown that cannabinoids (the active compounds in marijuana) can kill cancer cells in petri dishes and slow tumour growth in animal models. However, this has not been proven in human clinical trials, and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in people.

Can cannabis prevent cancer?

There is no evidence that cannabis can prevent cancer. In fact, smoking cannabis may pose risks similar to tobacco smoking, including increasing the risk of lung issues. More research is needed to explore any potential preventive properties of cannabinoids.

How does cannabis help cancer patients?

Cannabis helps cancer patients by managing symptoms such as chronic pain, nausea, and vomiting, especially those caused by chemotherapy. It may also improve appetite and quality of life, but its use should be discussed with a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and effective in each individual case.

Should Cancer Patients Take CBD?

Cancer patients can consider taking CBD as part of their pain management regimen, but they should always consult with their healthcare provider first. While CBD has shown potential benefits for managing cancer-related symptoms like pain, nausea, and anxiety, it can interact with certain medications, including those used in chemotherapy. A doctor can help determine the appropriate dosage and ensure that it won’t interfere with any current treatments.

Can CBD Gummies Help with Cancer Pain?

Yes, CBD gummies may help with cancer pain, though they might take longer to take effect compared to other forms of CBD like oils or tinctures. Gummies offer a pre-measured dose of CBD, making them a convenient and consistent option for managing chronic pain over time. However, because gummies need to be digested, they take longer to work, usually 30 minutes to 2 hours. They might be best for long-term pain relief, while faster-acting forms of CBD may be more suitable for acute pain.

What are the benefits of THC for cancer patients?

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, can offer several benefits for cancer patients managing acute pain and other symptoms. By interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, particularly CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system, THC can help alleviate acute pain caused by cancer or its treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery. It may reduce pain intensity and improve patients’ ability to cope with discomfort. Additionally, THC is known to stimulate appetite, which can be beneficial for those experiencing weight loss or reduced appetite due to cancer or treatments like chemotherapy. It may also help manage nausea and vomiting, common side effects of chemotherapy, improving overall quality of life. Furthermore, THC’s calming effects may reduce anxiety and promote sleep, aiding patients with cancer-related distress or insomnia. However, the effectiveness varies between individuals, and side effects such as dizziness, confusion, or increased heart rate may occur. Patients should consult their healthcare provider to ensure THC is safe and suitable for their specific condition, and to discuss appropriate dosage and administration methods.

Is it possible to use cannabis to relieve cancer pain?

In the UK, doctors can prescribe cannabis for cancer pain relief if standard pain treatments prove ineffective. Specialist doctors prescribe cannabis on a case-by-case basis to manage chronic pain and other cancer-related symptoms.

Does cannabis-based medicine reduce cancer pain?

Cannabis-based medicines may reduce cancer-related pain, especially for those who have not found relief with traditional painkillers. A cannabis prescription can provide additional options for managing persistent pain, although its effectiveness can vary between individuals.

Is sativa or indica better for cancer pain?

When it comes to using medical cannabis for cancer pain, both sativa and indica strains offer benefits, but their effectiveness often depends on the individual’s symptoms and needs. People generally prefer indica strains for pain management due to their relaxing, sedative effects. These strains are known for providing full-body pain relief, easing muscle tension, and helping with sleep, which can be especially beneficial for those dealing with severe or chronic cancer-related discomfort.

Sativa strains, on the other hand, may be more uplifting and energizing. Despite their less common use for pain management alone, sativa strains can improve mood, stimulate appetite, and combat fatigue, making them useful for some cancer patients who want to stay active during the day while still addressing pain in a milder form.

When exploring medical cannabis strains for cancer pain, many patients find a hybrid blend of sativa and indica to be effective, offering a balance of pain relief and mental clarity without overwhelming sedation. Ultimately, the best approach is to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable strain based on the patient’s unique needs and symptoms.

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