Cannabis (Medical Marijuana) can be used to help patients deal with nausea and vomiting which are common side effects to chemotherapy. The Federal Government's National Cancer Institute has also acknowledged additional benefits, even including the possibility of anti-tumor effectiveness, in several types of cancer.(a. cancer.gov, b. cancer.gov)
Noting that THC may be appropriate for some cancer patients who have chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting that cannot be controlled by other anti-emetic agents.
The expected side effects of this compound must be weighed against the possible benefits. Dronabinol often causes a “high” (loss of control or sensation of unreality), which is associated with its effectiveness; however, this sensation may be unpleasant for some individuals.
You may be interested in the commentary by activist Rick Simpson,on the Phoenix Tears Website: about the new stance of this Federal Government Agency, pointing out the hypocrisy of what we all know in the unfounded position of the FEDS no medical use of for cannabis stance. ( Phoenix Tears)
END OF LIFE CARE
Let me just talk freely and openly for a second about end of life care. This is a very emotional subject for many people, including me. With that said, I can not think of a better medication than Medical Cannabis for anyone nearing the end of their life. Unfortunately, you won't hear that from many people. Why? Because the federal government, which classifies Cannabis as a useless Schedule One substance, controls and finances the Hospice programs available for those with less than six months to live. One rule with hospice care is that the hospice company who renders the care must pay for everything they suggest as care!
American/US Society has mostly failed to come to terms with death in a meaningful way. Even in the hospice program, the average length of service is only two weeks. In those few weeks, the average patient is eventually put on a host of medications, including morphine. Eventually, the morphine is increased to the point of respiratory depression and death. Is this cruel or merciful? Probably a little of both.
My biggest gripe, however, is that Medical Cannabis, which can't be suggested by hospice people, is probably one of the best medications for end of life care. Again, it does the job of a half dozen pills or injectables. It decreases pain and anxiety, promotes eating and nutrition, and controls nausea and vomiting. It is calming and soothing, relaxing painful and sore muscles. It might even settle down the nerves of everyone in the family during this stressful period, but you did not here that from me. It is just the truth! (I would estimate that more than half of the aggravations of hospice nurses are the complaints of the family). Another big concern for our cities is the DIVERSION of potent opioids from the patient's care to the criminal market by prople taking advantage of the dying persons situation. These opioids have a good chance of killing some person down the line. A few years back, a high schooler died after champing down on a single 80mg OxyContin. One of my own patients witnessed the death of his good freind who did the same thing, mixed with alcohol. My opinion is for the promotion of the safer Medical Cannabis Plant and fewer dangerous opioid pain medications.