An Introduction to Cannabis in Cancer Care How It's Helping Patients.pdf

Learn how cannabis is transforming cancer care by easing pain, managing chemotherapy side effects, and stimulating appetite. Discover more at the Oncorix Knowledge Hub:
www.oncorix.com/knowledge-hub

1. AN INTRODUCTION
TO CANNABIS IN
CANCER CARE:
HOW IT'S HELPING
PATIENTS
An exploration of how medical cannabis is transforming cancer
treatment, providing relief for patients through pain
management, appetite stimulation, and reducing chemotherapy
side effects.

2. THE RISING ROLE OF CANNABIS IN CANCER CARE
Evolving Cancer Care
Patients are seeking more than just conventional
treatments to ease the burden of cancer symptoms.
The Promise of Medical Cannabis
One of the most intriguing and promising options
available today is the use of medical cannabis in
cancer care.
As cancer care continues to evolve, medical cannabis is emerging as a powerful complementary
therapy to help patients manage a wide range of symptoms and improve their quality of life.

3. HOW CANNABIS IS EASING CANCER-RELATED PAIN
Pain is a Common Symptom
Pain is one of the most common and often most
difficult symptoms to manage during cancer treatment.
Opioids Come with Risks
Traditionally, opioids have been prescribed to control
cancer pain, but they come with significant risks,
including addiction.
Cannabinoids Offer Pain Relief
Studies have shown that cannabinoids, the active
compounds in cannabis, can offer pain relief without
many of the side effects associated with opioids.

4. WHICH CANNABIS STRAINS HELP WITH CANCER PAIN?
Strain Type Effectiveness for Pain Relief
THC-Dominant Strains More Effective for Moderate to Severe Cancer Pain
CBD-Dominant Strains May Help Provide Pain Relief Without Psychoactive Effects
*Journal of Pain Research

5. “RESEARCH SHOWS THAT CANNABIS
MAY BE MORE EFFECTIVE THAN
TRADITIONAL ANTIEMETIC
MEDICATIONS IN CONTROLLING
CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED NAUSEA.”
NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE

6. HOW TO USE CANNABIS TO COMBAT
CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS
Use Edibles
Edibles can provide long-lasting relief for nausea by
delivering cannabinoids over an extended period.
Try Oils
Cannabis oils can also be an effective way to
manage nausea, with the ability to control the
dosage precisely.
Time it Right
Take edibles or oils before or after your
chemotherapy sessions to ensure the relief
coincides with when you need it most.
Consult Your Oncologist
Always discuss your cannabis use with your
oncologist to find the best dosing and delivery
method for your individual needs.
By using edibles, oils, and timing your cannabis consumption wisely, you can effectively combat
the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. But be sure to work closely with your
oncologist to ensure your cannabis use is safe and effective for your specific treatment plan.

7. Many cancer patients struggle with loss of appetite during
treatment, especially while undergoing chemotherapy.
Fortunately, the compound THC found in cannabis has been
shown to stimulate appetite by interacting with the body's
endocannabinoid system.
HOW CANNABIS HELPS
CANCER PATIENTS
MAINTAIN APPETITE

8. HOW DO YOU USE CANNABIS TO IMPROVE APPETITE?
Take Edibles or Capsules Before Meals
Coordinate Consumption with Mealtimes
Monitor Dosage for Optimal
Hunger Increase
Allow Extra Time for Effects to Kick In

9. CAN CANNABIS ACTUALLY CURE CANCER?
Integrative Approach
Cannabis can play an important role in an integrative
oncology approach, but should not replace conventional
cancer treatments.
Role in Symptom Management
Currently, cannabis is more proven to help manage
cancer symptoms and side effects, rather than cure the
disease itself.
Promising but
Inconclusive
While these early results are
exciting, more research is needed
before we can confirm cannabis's
potential to cure cancer in humans.
Early Laboratory Findings
Some early studies have shown that
cannabis compounds like THC and
CBD may slow the growth of cancer
cells in the lab.
The Short Answer
The short answer is: not yet. More
research is needed to confirm
cannabis's ability to cure cancer in
humans.

10. HOW SAFE IS CANNABIS FOR CANCER PATIENTS?
Comparison of safety levels between cannabis, chemotherapy, and other medications
90%
Cannabis (under medical
supervision)
75%
Chemotherapy Drugs
85%
Over-the-Counter
Medications
60%
Opioid Painkillers

11. IS CANNABIS LEGAL FOR CANCER TREATMENT IN MY STATE?
2022
The legal status of
cannabis continues to
evolve, with more states
considering medical
and recreational
legalization.
Future
As research continues,
more healthcare
providers may
recommend cannabis as
a complementary
therapy for cancer
patients.
2021
14 states have also
legalized recreational
cannabis use for adults
21 and over.
2020
33 states and
Washington D.C. have
legalized medical
cannabis, including for
cancer patients.
Present
Patients should check
their state's current laws
to determine if they
qualify for a medical
cannabis card for
cancer treatment.

12. CAN CANNABIS CAUSE CANCER? ADDRESSING MYTHS
Cannabis Plants
Cannabis plants, the source of cannabinoids,
have been the subject of extensive research.
Cancer Cells
Some studies suggest that cannabinoids may
have protective effects against certain types of
cancer cells.
Medical Research
Ongoing research is exploring the potential
benefits of cannabinoids in cancer treatment and
prevention.

13. Oncorix is a company that provides educational resources
and information on the use of cannabis and cannabinoids
in cancer care.
Visit our knowledge Hub at:
www.oncorix.com/knowledge-hub
ONCORIX