Once upon a time, marijuana had a very bad reputation. It was demonized and largely dismissed. More recently, medical cannabis has seen a massive surge in popularity, and many states have made it legal and crafted careful regulations regarding its use. For many cancer patients, medical marijuana is a fantastic option compared to other medications and provides numerous benefits. Your local cannabis dispensary near Bannockburn, IL, could offer long-lasting relief and support.
Medical vs. Recreational Marijuana
Recreational marijuana and medical cannabis aren’t at all interchangeable. If you’re considering medical marijuana, the recreational variety is neither safe nor effective as an alternative. There are several reasons for this. First and foremost, cannabidiol (CBD) is the compound medical cannabis is grown to produce. It may have trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), since it occurs naturally in the plant. However, CBD seems to be the compound that’s most helpful and effective for cancer patients. THC is the compound that’s psychoactive and responsible for the “high” that people experience.
Medical cannabis isn’t produced for recreational use, but it’s grown, bred, distributed, and processed with adherence to strict guidelines. This ensures its purity for patients. When it comes to recreational marijuana, it almost guaranteed to be higher in THC and significantly lower in CBD. Additionally, it may contain contaminants. Some of those contaminants could be harmful. If you’re intending to use medical cannabis to assist you with pain or other health-related issues, you should avoid recreational marijuana.
Safety of Marijuana
When compared to alcohol or opiates, medical cannabis is significantly safer. All initial research indicates that medical cannabis has minimal side effects. The most common ones are increased appetite or drowsiness. These side effects also don’t seem to last long, and there are no known side effects that persist after discontinued use. If you’re looking for a safe alternative to opiates, medical marijuana is easily one of the better and safer options.
Multiple Benefits
The most common reason that medical cannabis is used is to help control pain. If this is all it delivered, it would still be worth considering. Fortunately, medical marijuana provides even more benefits that can be incredibly valuable for cancer patients. As noted above, it increases appetite, and it may help you sleep. It also reduces inflammation and can control nausea and vomiting. With a whole host of benefits that cancer patients appreciate, it’s no wonder that medical cannabis is so popular.
Consult Your Doctor
Never begin taking a new medication without alerting your doctor. This is true with medical marijuana as with any other medicine. It may be uncomfortable or a bit embarrassing but have a conversation with your doctor about medical cannabis. Let your doctor know that you’re interested and explain why you think it could be useful for you. Doctors are increasingly open to the idea. Always keep your medical provider informed of changes, especially when it comes to medications.
Consider Blood Counts
As you know, white blood cell counts can dip during chemotherapy. This is a well-known risk. Because this can impair your immune system, it’s usually recommended that you don’t use medical marijuana while undergoing chemotherapy. Marijuana can contain traces of mold, which could tax an already weakened immune system. Obviously, it’s better to be safe.
If you’re interested in using medical marijuana as a safe and effective alternative pain management medication, Bannockburn residents are only four miles from Elevele Medicinal Cannabis Dispensary, and we can help. Contact Elevele at 847-780-3942 if you have any questions or would like assistance.