Cancer is the name given to a collection of related diseases where some of the body’s trillions of cells begin to divide continuously, sometimes spreading into surrounding tissues. It can start almost anywhere in the human body.
Normally, cells grow and divide to form new ones as needed. When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new ones take their place. When cancer develops, however, this orderly process fails. As cells become more and more abnormal, old or damaged ones survive when they should die, and new cells form when they are not needed.
These extra cells divide repeatedly to form masses of tissue growth called tumours. They are said to be “malignant” when they are able to spread into or invade other tissues. As they grow, cancerous cells may break off and travel to nearby or distant body regions via the blood or lymphatic system. Consequently, new tumours form far from the original location.
Unlike malignant cancers, “benign” ones do not spread into or invade nearby tissues. These tumours can, however, sometimes become quite large. When removed, they usually do not grow back, whereas malignant ones sometimes do. Unlike many found elsewhere in the body, those in the brain can be life-threatening. While many cancers form solid tumours, cancers of the blood, such as Leukaemias, generally do not.
This treatment guideline focuses on (1) cancer treatment, (2) chemotherapy side-effects, and (3) remission and prevention.
CANCER TREATMENT
When deciding on a treatment plan for cancer, it is important to realise that there are no guarantees with either conventional or natural medicine. The “rule of thumb” recommendation to consume 90 grams in 90 days has become somewhat archaic, with new research and information emerging constantly.
Cannabis has a reputation for being able to assist in the fight against this group of deadly diseases, which are supported to varying extents by both anecdotal reports and limited scientific evidence. However, many misconceptions exist and people have mistakenly come to believe that cannabis is a panacea, a “magic bullet”. It is important to understand clearly that it is not an overnight cure.
There is also no “one-size-fits-all” treatment plan. Different cancer types require different approaches. Scientific research often reflects on the ability of cannabis compounds to kill or limit the growth of several types of cancerous cells in vitro and in vivo. Though these study results must always be applied to humans with great caution.
An approach that combines several cannabinoids may help to, at the very least, improve the quality of life of someone who is plagued by cancer. Remember that it is always best to discuss any treatment plan with your medical practitioner, while the value of a healthy lifestyle and diet should never be discounted.
Contact us for advice about using medical cannabis to aid in the treatment of a specific type of cancer.
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CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE-EFFECTS
While many cancer sufferers opt for treatment that includes chemotherapy, medical cannabis can be an excellent supplement to alleviate the painful and challenging side-effects of chemotherapy. Most people suffer from severe nausea, insomnia, pain (especially ‘neuropathic’ from “chemo” and radiation), skin lesions and depression.
THC or non-psychoactive THCA can alleviate nausea, while THC alone may help to ease the pain. CBD soothes inflammation and may lighten depression (as can THCA). CBN is the preferred tincture to support relaxation and sleep. A topical balm can soothe skin lesions that may occur during treatment.
Contact us for specific dosing advice when seeking to alleviate chemotherapy side-effects.
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REMISSION AND PREVENTION
Many studies have concluded that maintenance dosages of CBD can assist in the recurrence of cancer, once in remission, as well as its prevention.
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Please contact us to begin your medical cannabis journey with specific dosing advice. As each person’s biochemistry, tolerance level and condition at hand are entirely unique, any advice that we give needs to be considerate and appropriate.
Our clients have consistently chosen MCDSA-endorsed cannabis oil over conventional medicines that have let them down. We only advocate highly-concentrated medical-grade products, derived from marijuana plant flowers, which are far superior to over-the-counter, hemp-derived supplements.
Visit our Product Guide for more information about each recommended product and further insight into the various cannabinoids that we recommend for treatment. Cannabis Oil explains everything you need to know about sourcing a high-quality product in South Africa.
Our Knowledge Centre provides a world of information and is a fantastic starting point for educating yourself on all things medical cannabis.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Always speak to your doctor when considering cannabis as a treatment aid. Take great care to safely store products and not expose children or pets unintentionally.
THC products are psychoactive, causing one to become “high”. These are to be used with special caution in children, pets and persons prone to anxiety or stress. Depending on the unique situation, it may be appropriate to substitute THC with non-psychoactive THCA. CBN and 1:1 oils may also cause mild psychoactive effects.
However, if products are used correctly, it may be possible to avoid the psychoactive effect entirely. Should you feel uncomfortable or have any questions at any time, our trained team of staff are on standby to attend to your concerns.
DISCLAIMER
The information on this page applies to cannabis products endorsed by MCDSA only. Any information, advice or recommendations depicted on this page, relating to the usage of products, or medical conditions or symptoms, is subject to medicalcannabisdispensary.co.za’s disclaimer.
