Medical marijuana is becoming an increasingly popular treatment option for cancer patients in the United States. From pain relief to nausea reduction, there are a variety of potential benefits that medical marijuana can offer.
But can medical marijuana affect your cancer treatment?
The simple answer is: maybe.
Our understanding of how medical marijuana interacts with cancer treatments is limited. That said, incorporating medical marijuana into your treatment plan could potentially interfere with how well your other treatments work.
Therefore, if you’re considering medical marijuana as a treatment option, it’s important to have an open and honest conversation with your oncologist.
Why Talk to Your Oncologist?
Despite its potential benefits, there is still a lack of scientific research on the effects of medical marijuana on cancer patients. In fact, physicians themselves are often uninformed about medical marijuana. Because of this, many patients use medical marijuana without understanding how it might interact with their cancer treatments, current medications, or what side effects it might cause.
Your oncologist can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of using medical marijuana and help you make sure that your treatment plan is coordinated and safe.
If your oncologist is unfamiliar with medical marijuana, you should ask for a referral to a doctor who is familiar with its use.
What to Expect
Medical marijuana is not a cure for cancer, but it may help with some of the side effects of cancer and cancer treatments. When you talk to your oncologist about your medical marijuana use, be prepared to answer some questions about your symptoms and how medical marijuana has helped you.
Your oncologist may also want to know about your:
- Medical history
- Previous treatment history
- Current medications
And more.
When talking to your doctor, remember to be honest with your oncologist about your medical marijuana use and any other treatments you are considering. This will help them provide you with the best possible care.
Talk to Your Doctor Today
Cancer treatment can be a difficult journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re considering using medical marijuana or already using it, talk to your oncologist to ensure it’s safe for you.
To learn more about how medical marijuana can be used to alleviate cancer symptoms, subscribe to our Youtube Channel to watch our Medwell Unscripted Series today.
Aaron Bloom serves as the CEO, overseeing the mission and growth of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers. Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives comes from his background in health care. For more than 20 years, Aaron owned, operated, and represented traditional healthcare organizations. This experience created a passion for finding improved ways to relieve suffering. His goal as CEO is to work daily to relieve all patients who seek better health and wellness through the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis and evidence-based alternative medicines.
