Very few herbal remedies inspire the controversy caused by cannabis. The use of the herb for recreational and medicinal purposes continues to cause division. Some people worry about the risks of legalizing the substance, currently listed as a Schedule 1 drug by the federal government. The detractors believe the possible risks far outweigh the medical benefits. Patients and their loved ones often have a very different opinion.
The medical community, anti-marijuana groups, and law enforcement agencies have all prepared convincing arguments to support their beliefs. Most remain steadfast in what they think or feel regardless of any new information they receive. Supporters of hemp and THC products also refuse to believe anything but what they have experienced on their own or witnessed with others.
Studies on Marijuana and CBD Oil for Cancer Treatment are Still Limited
The effort to legalize the use of this herbal remedy for medical purposes remained delayed for decades reportedly due to the lack of reliable studies. Universities, research firms, and pharmacological companies were hesitant to launch clinical trials that included a federal and state-prohibited substance. The loss of funds and potential legal complications were the possible consequences.
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A loosening of the legal restrictions has led to an increase in study sizes and frequency to validate the claims. Clinical trials proved THC oils were useful for the treatment of seizures in epileptic patients. Other research includes studies for depression, PTSD, glaucoma, and many other medical concerns. The trials, though limited in size, have shown the potential of cannabinoids to aid in the treatment of many debilitating health conditions.
Hesitant Medical Observations
Possibly the most anticipated research has involved cancer patients. Over 100 types of the disease exist. Nearly 1 in 3 Americans will receive this type of diagnosis at some point in their life, and 1 in 5 will die of the disease. The frightening illness is the second leading cause of death in the U.S.
Treatment costs average an astounding $100,000 each year per patient. Many suffer from extreme pain and debilitating nausea throughout treatment. Supporters believe that CBD and THC have the potential to take away the pain and nausea, lower the cost of treating the illness, and may even increase survival rates.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) funded a study in 1974 to show the dangers of the herb. Instead, the tumors implanted in mice began to shrink after 20 consecutive days of treatment with CBN (not CBD) and THC. Rather than continue the study, NIDA cut off funding. A follow-up study conducted in 2004 had the same results.
Other research has shown the potential of the plant to slow or stop tumor growth in a variety of illnesses including melanoma and leukemia, among others. Researchers discovered that the cannabinoids had the ability to stop the blood vessel production in tumors, known as angiogenesis and increase the rate of the programmed death of cells in tumors.
Traditionally, any positive results of medical trials are kept low-key by the government and the medical community. The National Institutes of Health has only recently begun to discuss cannabis on their website and has remained very reserved in their response to the clinical trials they reference. The ACS has taken a similar approach but does include information about trials that showed the plant did help to slow the growth of tumors.
Plenty of Anecdotal Evidence
Many people have taken charge of their own health care, and the stories related to miracle recoveries from terminal illnesses with the use of marijuana abound. The Internet contains an endless stream of these types of anecdotes. Unfortunately, verification of most claims becomes almost impossible. Reports of people that were fully healed turn tragic when people research and discover the individual later died from the disease. Even verification that there was ever an actual diagnosis of the disease seems impossible in some cases.
Medical Community Slow to Adopt Medical Marijuana and CBD Oil
State governments have shown an acceptance of the potential of cannabinoids for medical purposes and the medical community has also followed with the approval of several THC-based drugs for patients undergoing chemotherapy. The prescription medications are used for the control of the side effects of the disease rather than to treat the issue itself. Available today are drugs that can help to reduce anxiety and depression, stop nausea and control pain. The use of the medications can help patients to maintain a more positive outlook and to retain their physical strength- both of which are important to beating any life-threatening disease.
Confronted with so many mixed messages, what should a patient believe? There does seem to have been some habit of hiding the results of studies that show cannabinoids in a positive light. However, none of the hushed research reveals the potential of marijuana to lead to the life-changing results stated online in unverifiable personal claims. CBD and THC retailers have a personal reason to want everyone to believe their products can help people to overcome anything. Likewise, the pro-cannabis crowd could claim the medical community dislikes the idea of people forgoing their expensive cures for a plant anyone can grow in a sunny windowsill.
Cannabis or CBD Oil For Cancer Treatment is A Personal Choice
People should be cautious of using marijuana and CBD oil for cancer treatment, regardless of their personal beliefs. To ignore the potential pain relief and other proven abilities of CBD oil and THC products could prevent people from getting the help they need. The willingness to toss all other medications aside and rely solely on this one item for treatment could have tragic consequences.
The other risks of a marijuana-friendly society could include the misunderstanding of the potential risks of the plant. The use of the drug by teenagers can lead to social and school-related problems, cause risky behaviors and lead to mood swings. Marijuana can interact with other medications and lead to impaired driving. There are risks when cannabis use is not done responsibly.
The use of THC or CBD oil is a personal choice. Some people find an amazing amount of relief from the products and feel the remedy is a lifesaver. In instances where someone faces a diagnosis of a terminal illness, it seems almost cruel to restrict them from anything that could offer some relief and potentially extend their life. Those that are uncomfortable with the use of THC for any purpose should never feel obligated to try the product. They should also never be made to feel guilty if a diagnosis causes them to change their mind.
Disclaimer
This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author. This content has not been paid for by any advertiser nor does WhipCancer.org recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. WhipCancer.org does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and information contained on this site is intended for informational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or other professional healthcare provider with any questions you may have.
