{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/cancer/4","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_1924-markdown","title":"Methods of Administering Medical Marijuana","slug":"methods-of-administering-medical-marijuana","content":"The number of methods of administration for cannabis can be daunting to patients who are new to the medication, but the availability of various methods of administration helps set medical marijuana apart from traditional pharmaceuticals.  Each administration method can be used for different condition or desired effect. \r\n\r\nSmoking\r\n-------------\r\nSmoking is the traditional method of marijuana administration.  Different strains can be chosen based on the desired outcome, but all products, when smoked, provide an almost immediate effect.  Due to the quick onset, it is easy to control the dosing when marijuana is smoked because the patients are able to feel the effect quickly and adjust dosing accordingly.  There are some concerns that have been sparked about smoking, due to the potential negative effects on the respiratory system when any product is smoked.  This concern can be decreased when patients use high potency products so less smoking is necessary to get the desired benefits of the medication. \r\n\r\nVaporization\r\n-----------------\r\nVaporization has quickly gained traction as a healthy alternative to smoking marijuana.  Vaporizing is less harmful than smoking because there are less byproducts due to the lower temperature used in the vaporizer. Vaporization provides the same quick relief as smoking because the product can enter the blood stream quickly. Vaporization is similar to the administration of an inhaler.  Both smoking and vaporization are good options for patients who need instant relief from issues such as pain from PMS, chronic pain, Fibromyalgia, and many other conditions.\r\n\r\nCannabis Oil/Tinctures\r\n------------------------------\r\nCannabis oils and tinctures are concentrates of marijuana that can either be added to products, such as food or drink, or be consumed on their own. Some oils are added to pill capsules and are swallowed like traditional medication.  Quality is very important in concentrates, particularly in oils. Until recently, methods for oil extraction often contaminated the oils with harmful products.  Now the cleanest method of oil extraction uses CO2, which results in a pure cannabis oil product.  Oils tend to be the method used to give high CBD medications to people with conditions like epilepsy because they can be very accurately dosed if they are properly made.  Tinctures, a concentration made with an alcohol base, tends to be slightly less potent than oils.  Tinctures and oils can be helpful for quick relief, accurate dosing, and to get the medication more directly to the gastrointestinal tract without consuming an edible. \r\n\r\nEdibles \r\n--------------------\r\nEdibles can be a tricky method of administration for medical cannabis.  It can be as long as one to two hours after consumption for the effects of a edible to be felt. Due to the slow onset time, and inaccurate labeling of products, edibles can be very hard to dose.  Most edibles do not contain the percentage of THC/CDB that is listed on the package, so edibles should be dosed in small amounts and patients should be cautious about consuming more of the edible if they do not feel effects as rapidly as they expect. Edibles, however, do tend to have longer lasting effects than other administration methods.  Edibles are often used for people with loss of appetite in Cancer, Anorexia, or AIDS to promote appetite. \r\n\r\nTopical\r\n-------------------\r\nTopicals are one of the lesser known forms of medical marijuana on the market, but they are very helpful for people with inflammation and pain.  Topicals are absolutely free from any physco-active properties, making them a great choice for first time users.  Topical products allow people to experience the pain relief from cannabis without the potential side effects of ingesting too much of a cannabis product. Topicals are particular helpful for people who have Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, or similar pain issues.  \r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/46434953@N07/8617919882/in/photolist-e8x6ky-4fQ6Jq-92P4iu-948wrL-tCmafT-aYS9JR-9cWQdE-fs5xq-7ZrYJi-5qyoom-pXUKSd-jSDaqu-5QVWPQ-fsA5BG-nXTjv9-hiiggS-p5Su1e-9jjEYG-b6C4ZR-4ntqiQ-gVfpJw-fQwnYj-mckKnT-dNgyA5-oaQebG-9Bcfce-6ysF1-nQMNQC-7LFiK8-t1QbRT-sG4B-67Jrva-agXYLE-aRuzG-8WGDYA-4AZ1nY-auuTZD-agXYPL-baSgkD-4HbUS-8t8jA4-qEW2J7-ox93kw-iYrqbE-6kTS1G-cs8HdL-sVb1u-4dzSTz-mtVXTR-b1DMqP)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/14b42/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.jpg","srcSet":"/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/f836f/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.jpg 200w,\n/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/2244e/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.jpg 400w,\n/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/14b42/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.jpg 800w,\n/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/47498/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/58556/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/61e93/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.webp 200w,\n/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/1f5c5/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.webp 400w,\n/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/58556/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.webp 800w,\n/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/99238/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1876-markdown","title":"Loss of Appetite from Cancer","slug":"loss-of-appetite-from-cancer","content":"Loss of appetite is a common problem for cancer patients. Appetite loss\r\ncan lead to malnutrition, loss of muscle mass, weight loss, and\r\nweakness. Wasting--a combination of weight loss and loss of muscle--is a\r\nserious complication of cancer and cancer treatment.\r\n\r\nCauses of Loss of Appetite\r\n--------------------------\r\n\r\nThere are a multitude of reasons cancer patients may lose their\r\nappetites. Some cancers, particularly ovarian, stomach, and pancreatic\r\ncancers, effect metabolism. Cancer symptoms, such as an enlarged spleen\r\nor buildup of fluid in the abdomen, can put pressure on the stomach,\r\ncausing the patient to feel full even though they're not. Cancer\r\nmedications themselves can also cause loss of appetite. Chemotherapy can\r\nalter perceptions of taste, and it is not uncommon for cancer patients\r\nto lose their sense of taste completely, making eating a chore.\r\nChemotherapy patients commonly experience nausea and vomiting.\r\n\r\nMedical Marijuana Stimulates Appetite and May Restore Sense of Taste\r\n--------------------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nWith the growing support for medical marijuana laws, researchers have\r\nbegun exploring how and why cannabis aids cancer patients. Although the\r\nexact mechanism is still unknown, numerous studies over the past decade\r\nhave supported its effectiveness. A 2011 study published in \"The Annals\r\nof Oncology\", found that [64 percent of\r\npatients](http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110222192830.htm)\r\ntaking a THC pill--THC is one of the active compounds in medical\r\nmarijuana--reported increased appetite. Patients also reported that food\r\ntasted better while taking THC.\r\n\r\nCannabis' Long-Term Relationship With Cancer Treatment\r\n------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana has been successfully used to treat loss of appetite,\r\nand wasting, in cancer patients for over 20 years. It's so effective in\r\ncombating the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy as well\r\nthat synthetic THC, under the brand name Marinol, has been on the market\r\nsince 1985. Marinol is also approved to treat weight loss and poor\r\nappetite in AIDS patients. The American Cancer Society itself agrees\r\nthat medical marijuana [can be\r\nbeneficial](http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/chemotherapyeffects/marijuana-and-cancer),\r\nboth in alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea and stimulating appetite\r\nand promotes further research into the area.\r\n\r\nLow THC concentrations have been found to be more stimulating than\r\nhigher concentrated, more psychoactive mixtures. Oral administration may\r\nbe the most effective form of delivery for cannabis products intended to\r\nstimulate the appetite. It provides a faster means of delivery since\r\nit's rapidly absorbed through the tissues of the mouth, and edible\r\nproducts such as cannabis-infused lollipops can be the easiest means of\r\nadministration for those who have difficulty ingesting solid food.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/pahowho/9401173233/in/photolist-fjKtgF-fjKv9t-fjKv7D-fjZDus-fjKv2B-fjZDoY-fjZDm5-fjKuSD-fjZBGu-6P5Bsc-fjKuNH-fjZDdC-fjKuGP-fjKuEF-fjKuCB-fjKuAg-cCzWso-cCg5Rj-cCfMd5-cCfyaA-cCfsp7-cCfoUq-cCfdtW-fjKtPc-fjKtLt-fjKtJi-fjKtCT-fjZC73-fjZC4N-fjKtur-7dAhGT-6H298z-cCfZN7-cCfSfm-cCfBXu-cCfwjy-cCfuow-7Xutv2-6Z3phn-a4wGca-a4wGDg-cChwx5-cCgGKy-cCfUjG-cCfjC1-cCfhCU-cCfbuj-cCf7zj-ba9b6v-rUSygo)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/14b42/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/f836f/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.jpg 200w,\n/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/2244e/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.jpg 400w,\n/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/14b42/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.jpg 800w,\n/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/16310/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/58556/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/61e93/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.webp 200w,\n/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/1f5c5/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.webp 400w,\n/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/58556/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.webp 800w,\n/static/8a1e56fa4f28efd93733191203059154/cc834/09f0558d216e8c3553302b82d45259ff.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1893-markdown","title":"Has Cachexia Met Its Match in Medical Marijuana?","slug":"has-cachexia-met-its-match-in-medical-marijuana","content":"What is Cachexia?\r\n-----------------\r\n\r\nCachexia is a condition characterized by extreme, unintentional weight\r\nloss combined with loss of muscle mass that cannot be completely\r\nexplained by lowered intake of calories. Often, increasing food intake\r\nhas no effect, and anorexia is commonly seen in conjunction with this\r\ncondition.\r\n\r\nCachexia is primarily associated with cancer and HIV/AIDS, but may also\r\nbe seen in cases of congestive heart failure, tuberculosis, COPD,\r\nrheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic diseases. It may also occur in\r\nthe elderly without any accompanying disease.\r\n\r\nFifty percent to 80 percent of cancer patients will develop cachexia,\r\nusually but not always during the final stages. Whatever the cause,\r\npatients suffering cachexia have a higher mortality rate than those\r\nwithout.\r\n\r\nSynthetic Cannabis Derivatives for Cachexia are FDA Approved\r\n------------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nBack in 1985, the FDA approved\r\n[Dronabinol](http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a607054.html),\r\na synthetic THC derivative, to help treat wasting associated with\r\nHIV/AIDS. In studies, oral intake of 5 mg twice daily did increase the\r\nappetite of patients, leading to increased weight gain. Dronabinol,\r\nunder the brand name Marinol, has since been prescribed to combat\r\nchemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients with some\r\nsuccess. However, Dronabinol is prohibitively expensive to most patients.\r\n\r\nIngested Medical Marijuana for Cachexia\r\n---------------------------------------\r\n\r\nA 2007 [study by researchers at Columbia\r\nUniversity](http://journals.lww.com/jaids/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2007&issue=08150&article=00009&type=abstract),\r\nfound that orally administered medical marijuana significantly\r\nstimulated the appetite of AIDS patients suffering from cachexia,\r\nincreasing calorie intake and promoting weight gain. A second study in\r\n2011 found that ingested THC increased appetite in cancer patients by 64\r\npercent. THC-dominant varieties of marijuana are the most successful in\r\ntreating cachexia, and research suggests that THC itself may be the\r\neffective compound. The evidence is clear that cannabis has a beneficial\r\neffect for patients suffering from cachexia.\r\n\r\nOral and sublingual preparations appear to be the most effective route\r\nfor administration. Today there are many different types of ingestible\r\ncannabis-infused products that are very effective, including lozenges and\r\neven lollipops for patients who may have difficulty with solid foods.\r\nSublingual drops or sprays are also an option. For those with no other\r\nserious health issues, vaporizing or smoking may be a possibility, but\r\nthe other side effects of smoked marijuana make edibles a more\r\nattractive option.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/perspective/7628109884/in/photolist-cC54iW-nr2pe3-ueAoWT-mXpmLh-bmaBLF-cC5CKY-cC5eEJ-cC55ZC-cC51mu-cC4NRh-cC5Bx7-cC5zXN-cC65Dq-cC5yeN-cC5wG5-cC5v7Y-cC53od-cC52iC-mXndMg-7T8sQn-67n8kC-mXnstc-dFeBaW-nKiyWp-KofQ6-sgQ2XZ-nr2vAw-h6Dp61-ffTXYb-ffTeEJ-nHugvo-78VnUD-cC5du9-mXpfrd-mXncuM-ffU5UC-ffU4fL-f7Z9QU-f7JUv2-nFtrA9-nFtqCs-rXuYAr-kUuFXt-drtDdi-e5iYKQ-rzXydS-kZDUBD-dGruMr-ftN7ov-rp46yL)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMBAgT/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAP/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABh+dwsKEf/8QAHBAAAQQDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEQABAgMSEyEy/9oACAEBAAEFAntkKoYLaU9nZeQw/8QAFREBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD/2gAIAQMBAT8BJ//EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABD/2gAIAQIBAT8BP//EAB0QAAIBBAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEQIhMXEyUaH/2gAIAQEABj8CjM2M36OdPopSsPQtH//EABkQAAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERACFBMf/aAAgBAQABPyE+8YkoViBwMQdmwdxbsVKXnXZlx//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQEO//xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABABH/2gAIAQMBAT8QAmWX/8QAFxEBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARIf/aAAgBAgEBPxAR7bf/xAAcEAEAAwACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABABEhMVFhccH/2gAIAQEAAT8QtAOgavs3Y0Qqgt9mEHlOSnyLcGBTe4dSOnlk2QaHQn//2Q==","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/14b42/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.jpg","srcSet":"/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/f836f/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.jpg 200w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/2244e/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.jpg 400w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/14b42/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.jpg 800w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/47498/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.jpg 1200w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/a6974/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.jpg 1536w","srcWebp":"/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/58556/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/61e93/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.webp 200w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/1f5c5/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.webp 400w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/58556/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.webp 800w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/99238/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.webp 1200w,\n/static/64a071821b88811c5863f574168c78ff/d5052/32a074726b2a8277ea23c7b058143fdd.webp 1536w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1858-markdown","title":"Marijuana Shows Promise As a Treatment for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea","slug":"marijuana-shows-promise-as-a-treatment-for-chemotherapy-induced-nausea","content":"[Nausea](http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/nauseaandvomiting/nauseaandvomiting/nausea-and-vomiting-causes)\r\nis a common side effect of cancer and its treatments, affecting up to 70\r\npercent of patients getting treated for the disease. Many different\r\ntypes of medications can help to prevent or control nausea in these\r\npatients. However, two undesirable effects often occur when they're\r\nused: side effects -- such as headaches, tiredness and constipation --\r\nand resistance to treatment, where efforts to control nausea fail. Thus,\r\nthere's a need for new treatments that relieve nausea with as few side\r\neffects as possible.\r\n\r\nMedical Marijuana Offers Hope\r\n-----------------------------\r\n\r\nMarijuana, also known as cannabis, may bring hope to patients who suffer\r\nnausea during chemotherapy. A native of Central Asia, this plant has [a\r\nlong history of\r\nuse](http://www.maps.org/research-archive/mmj/grinspoon_history_cannabis_medicine.pdf)\r\nas a nausea treatment. However, the\r\n[mechanism](https://www.wsma.org/doc_library/LegalResourceCenter/MedicalCannabis/Med%20Mar%20-%20Pharmacologic%20and%20Clinical%20Effects.pdf)\r\nby which it exerts its effects had, until recently, remained a mystery.\r\nResearch carried out in the 1960s revealed that marijuana contains\r\nchemical compounds called cannabinoids, which are responsible for its\r\nphysical and psychological effects. Of these cannabinoids, the most\r\nimportant are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) and cannabidiol\r\n(CBD).\r\n\r\nScientists Hone Synthetic Drugs\r\n-------------------------------\r\n\r\nWith the discovery of cannabinoids, scientists were able to create\r\nsynthetic cannabinoids -- chemicals made to mimic the effects of the\r\nnatural cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant. Two synthetic\r\ncannabinoids,\r\n[dronabinol](http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a607054.html)\r\nand\r\n[nabilone](http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a607048.html),\r\nwere later approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for\r\nchemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. These drugs are usually\r\nprescribed to patients who have tried other anti-nausea medications\r\nwithout success, and are taken by via oral capsule several times a day\r\nduring a chemotherapy cycle.\r\n\r\nStudies Reveal Benefits of Medical Marijuana\r\n--------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nDespite the FDA's approval of dronabinol and nabilone as treatment for\r\nchemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, research into the benefits\r\nthat the actual marijuana plant can confer is progressing.\r\n[Research](http://www.aahs.org/medstaff/wp-content/uploads/CannabinoidsNEJM201506.pdf)\r\ncommissioned by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, and published\r\nin the *Journal of the American Medical Association* in June 2015,\r\nsupports using cannabinoids as a treatment for nausea from chemotherapy.\r\nResearchers analyzed data from 28 studies, and found that patients using\r\ncannabinoids were more likely to report reductions in nausea and\r\nvomiting than those given a placebo. Science is yet to show the exact\r\nmechanism for all the cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant, but\r\nevidence suggests that cannabinoids work better together than in\r\nisolation: a discovery that has been termed the [entourage\r\neffect](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x/pdf).\r\n\r\nResearchers Push Boundaries\r\n---------------------------\r\n\r\nThere's a growing interest among researchers in treating children with\r\nnausea and other cancer symptoms with medical marijuana, although the\r\nstudies are limited. In a\r\n[paper](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7776837) titled, \"An\r\nEfficient New Cannabinoid Antiemetic in Pediatric Oncology,\" and\r\npublished in the journal *Life Sciences* in 1995, researchers in\r\nJerusalem, Israel, revealed that delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol\r\n(delta-8-THC), a cannabinoid with fewer mood-altering effects than the\r\nmain marijuana cannabinoid, delta-9-THC, successfully treated\r\nchemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children with negligible\r\nside effects. The study involved eight children aged 3 to 13 who had\r\nvarious blood cancers and had been treated with different anticancer\r\ndrugs for up to eight months. Each of the children were given\r\ndelta-8-THC two hours before chemotherapy and every six hours afterward\r\nfor 24 hours.\r\n\r\nSupport Grows for Medical Marijuana\r\n-----------------------------------\r\n\r\nNausea affects a significant number of cancer patients, and standard\r\ntreatments often fall short of patients' needs. Medical marijuana is\r\npotentially more effective than existing treatments and may have fewer\r\nside effects.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/10770768@N08/16673157868)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/694a4e6f6349a18b5bd156c1f8b4023d/14b42/2ed3ab90bdd9e03b3e7bb1835c46c665.jpg","srcSet":"/static/694a4e6f6349a18b5bd156c1f8b4023d/f836f/2ed3ab90bdd9e03b3e7bb1835c46c665.jpg 200w,\n/static/694a4e6f6349a18b5bd156c1f8b4023d/2244e/2ed3ab90bdd9e03b3e7bb1835c46c665.jpg 400w,\n/static/694a4e6f6349a18b5bd156c1f8b4023d/14b42/2ed3ab90bdd9e03b3e7bb1835c46c665.jpg 800w,\n/static/694a4e6f6349a18b5bd156c1f8b4023d/16310/2ed3ab90bdd9e03b3e7bb1835c46c665.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/694a4e6f6349a18b5bd156c1f8b4023d/58556/2ed3ab90bdd9e03b3e7bb1835c46c665.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/694a4e6f6349a18b5bd156c1f8b4023d/61e93/2ed3ab90bdd9e03b3e7bb1835c46c665.webp 200w,\n/static/694a4e6f6349a18b5bd156c1f8b4023d/1f5c5/2ed3ab90bdd9e03b3e7bb1835c46c665.webp 400w,\n/static/694a4e6f6349a18b5bd156c1f8b4023d/58556/2ed3ab90bdd9e03b3e7bb1835c46c665.webp 800w,\n/static/694a4e6f6349a18b5bd156c1f8b4023d/cc834/2ed3ab90bdd9e03b3e7bb1835c46c665.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1923-markdown","title":"Cancer Pain has Met its Match: Medical Marijuana","slug":"cancer-pain-has-met-its-match-medical-marijuana","content":"Each year, around [14\r\nmillion](http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/) people are\r\ndiagnosed with cancer globally, a figure that is expected to rise to 22\r\nmillion within the next two decades. Over\r\n[one-third](http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/564770) of people with\r\ncancer, and around three-quarters of those with advanced cancer,\r\nexperience chronic pain. Most [cancer\r\npain](http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping-with-cancer/coping-physically/pain/types-and-causes-of-cancer-pain)\r\nis caused by tumors pressing on nerves, bones or organs, or it may be\r\nrelated to the cancer treatments themselves, such as chemotherapy and\r\nradiotherapy. Other factors such as depression, fear, anxiety and a lack\r\nof sleep can also affect pain perception. Treating the pain that crops\r\nup as a result of cancer or its treatments is thus an important part of\r\nall clinical responses to the disease.\r\n\r\nStudy Findings Show Promise\r\n---------------------------\r\n\r\nAccording to researchers at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom,\r\nmarijuana may provide some benefits for people with cancer-related pain.\r\nIn a\r\n[paper](http://www.aahs.org/medstaff/wp-content/uploads/CannabinoidsNEJM201506.pdf)\r\npublished in the *Journal of the American Medical Association* in June\r\n2015, researchers analyzed information from eight studies that looked at\r\nthe effects cannabinoids had on patients with nerve and cancer pain. It\r\nrevealed that patients using cannabinoids were about 40 percent more\r\nlikely to report a reduction in their pain. Patients who smoked\r\nmarijuana reported the greatest levels of pain relief.\r\n\r\nCurrent Treatments Fall Short\r\n-----------------------------\r\n\r\nCurrently,\r\n[opioids](http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/opioids/what-are-opioids)\r\nare the principal medications employed in the management of cancer pain.\r\nHowever, like all medications, opioid use can come at a cost. Short-term\r\nuse of opioids can cause [side\r\neffects](https://www.painedu.org/articles_timely.asp?ArticleNumber=10)\r\nsuch as constipation, drowsiness and nausea, while long-term use is\r\nassociated with high tolerance, dependence and addiction. Thus, there is\r\na clear and urgent need for treatments that bring pain relief with fewer\r\nside effects.\r\n\r\nCombined Approach Offers Hope\r\n-----------------------------\r\n\r\nA study by researchers at the University of California San Francisco,\r\nfound that patients may experience greater relief of pain through the\r\ncombined use of cannabinoids and opioids. In a\r\n[paper](http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2011/12/11077/ucsf-study-finds-medical-marijuana-could-help-patients-reduce-pain-opiates)\r\npublished in December 2011 in *Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics*,\r\nresearchers found that patients using cannabinoids and opioids were more\r\nlikely than patients using opioids alone to report a reduction in pain.\r\nThe researchers also revealed that a combined approach could result in\r\nreduced opioid dosages.\r\n\r\nMarijuana Moves Towards Greater Acceptance\r\n------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nPain is one of the main side effects of cancer and its treatments, and\r\nconventional medications often offer little relief. Medical marijuana\r\nprovides an alternative, and may ease pain more effectively than\r\nstandard treatment.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/3021193208/in/photolist-5AYpu5-8ANvar-6nVeVG-6yYVAK-4Ua3dM-pLgzWT-9t9B1E-8e7kek-8m7gnf-ahr9Hf-5bPBLP-fMvjLK-bXb3Ln-rhyZBJ-gAHok1-7QuP6u-97VgKb-qLmxQ-buCKFf-7225VS-rhxX59-4rQU9y-5wWPGJ-x2FPQ-6z41Ws-uNbt2f-bqfFHB-bgae5T-9H4c1A-rfn1h4-8yJgxE-apjV7y-6QeGEz-4stzX1-bmz4S3-6e6cnH-oVyMrX-rxJPzd-cGRr2s-oZEt8a-pS8mUi-4rLPYM-4rLQ8F-4rQUkA-4rQU1h-bu4WxB-7vJdaX-hNHAnY-avuhb9-bu4WxM)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/4ad5d73d61d42d3f2a717cc93667ec42/f422e/24a36998ac438bcba9ed30162d97a977.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4ad5d73d61d42d3f2a717cc93667ec42/f836f/24a36998ac438bcba9ed30162d97a977.jpg 200w,\n/static/4ad5d73d61d42d3f2a717cc93667ec42/2244e/24a36998ac438bcba9ed30162d97a977.jpg 400w,\n/static/4ad5d73d61d42d3f2a717cc93667ec42/f422e/24a36998ac438bcba9ed30162d97a977.jpg 640w","srcWebp":"/static/4ad5d73d61d42d3f2a717cc93667ec42/991d2/24a36998ac438bcba9ed30162d97a977.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4ad5d73d61d42d3f2a717cc93667ec42/61e93/24a36998ac438bcba9ed30162d97a977.webp 200w,\n/static/4ad5d73d61d42d3f2a717cc93667ec42/1f5c5/24a36998ac438bcba9ed30162d97a977.webp 400w,\n/static/4ad5d73d61d42d3f2a717cc93667ec42/991d2/24a36998ac438bcba9ed30162d97a977.webp 640w","sizes":"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1880-markdown","title":"Kicking Cancer and Chemotherapy Symptoms with Cannabis","slug":"kicking-cancer-and-chemotherapy-symptoms-with-cannabis","content":"How does marijuana help with cancer?\r\n-------------------------\r\n\r\nCannabis is often associated with cancer patients due to the natural properties that help to alleviate some of the most uncomfortable symptoms associated with the disease.  The Israeli researcher Raphel Mechoulam first found the cannabinoid compounds in cannabis in the 1960s. Mechoulam identified that all human cells had receptors that were designed to react with cannabis. The first studies showing the connection between cannabis and the shrinkage of tumors were done in the United States in the 1970s. The Medical College of Virginia set out to test the affects of THC on the immune system and found slowed growth of tumors in mice that experienced three different kinds of cancer. Yet, at the time, no major news outlets reported the findings. These findings, however, did lead to the wave of synthetic THC-like products created by pharmaceutical companies in attempt to achieve the same affects of cannabis on the rats that had been tested in the trials.\r\n\r\nIn 2000 Manuel Guzman, a Spanish researcher, saw negative cell growth in cancer cells. The cancer cells shrunk and died with no adverse affects towards the patients. When THC connects to receptors on the cancer cell, it causes an increase in ceramide synthesis. Essentially, the THC takes away the ability of the mitochondria to produce energy to power the cancer cell, leading to death of the cell. Though there has been promising research between the links of cancer cell shrinkage, the most common use of cannabis in connection with pain relief is in conjunction with chemotherapy. Most cannabis treatments related to cancer relief are high in THC. Though THC can have physco-active properties, it aids tremendously in relieving the side affects associated with chemotherapy which may include nausea, loss of apetite, general feelings of malaise as well as general inflammation.\r\n\r\nTHC has been found to be helpful in reducing the inflammation caused by chemotherapy. Swelling and inflammation of areas of the body, such as the gut, are common. Cannabis can help quell some of the symptoms and make them more bearable to cancer patients. The other well known and common symptom of chemotherapy is lack of appetite. Cannabis activates the CB1 receptor on the body’s cells. CB1 activation prompts the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) nerve cell that promotes the appetite. The symptom of recreational marijuana use known as the “munchies” is extremely beneficial in helping fight a common cancer symptom. THC is also helpful in relieving overall pain and nausea caused by chemotherapy.\r\n\r\nThe anti-emetic (vomiting) properties of cannabis have also proved very beneficial for cancer sufferers. GW pharmaceuticals did a study of 768 cancer patients that found an 88% relief rate of nausea and vomiting while smoking cannabis. There are also new findings that cannabis can help with the treatment of neuropathic, damaged nerve, pain.\r\n\r\nCurrently, in US states where medical marijuana is not yet legal, there are synthetic drugs based on cannabis that have been approved for medical use. Dronabinol is a synthetic THC capsule that has been approved by the FDA to treat nausea, vomiting, and weight loss/ poor appetite caused by chemotherapy. Nabilone is synthetic cannabinoid much like THC which is taken to cure nausea and vomiting during chemotheraphy when other drugs do not work for patients. In other countries, such as Canada and parts of Europe, Nabiximols is a spray made from whole cannabis extracts (THC and CBD) to treat pain linked to cancer that has proved successful.  Medicinal marijuana products, such as Nabiximols, which have been made available in other countries, have proved very successful against cancer symptoms. Due to the success of cannabis, the American Cancer Society greatly supports more scientific research. The American Cancer Society sees a lack of adequate treatments for cancer patients and sees promising studies and results in the use of marijuana.\r\n\r\nSo, if cannabis is so useful in the treatment of cancer, then how are people using it? There is a misconception that all people who use marijuana are smoking it. While there certainly are a lot of people who may choose to smoke their medicine, there is an ever increasing number of cannabis products available that are not smoked. \r\n\r\nWhen you think of cancer patients ingesting medical marijuana do you think of someone lighting up a joint? If you do, perhaps it is time to rethink how people are using medical marijuana, specifically patients with cancer. Though most studies involving cannabis and cancer have been preformed with people smoking marijuana, many people who use medical marijuana choose alternative methods of ingestion such as tinctures, marijuana infused foods, or cannabis oils. Smoking cannabis, the most well known form of consumption, is incredibly harsh on the already weak immune system of someone who suffers from cancer.\r\n\r\nCannabis oils provide easy, smoke-free relief\r\n-------------------------\r\n\r\nAn alternative to smoking your medicine is the use of cannabis oils. Cannabis oils have shown anecdotally to provide cancer patients with the most success because they are not only potent but are also very easy to take.  The use of cannabis oil to treat ailments, such as cancer, is attributed to Rick Simpson. Rick Simpson is a Canadian marijuana guru who was known for his “miracle oil”. Across the Internet there are also various homemade recipes available to make your own cannabis oil.  Cannabis oil can be made with different blends of cannabis strains for different desired effects. Cannabis oil can be blended for different levels of THC and CBD. All cannabis oils, however, are essential oil distilled from the cannabis plant. Cannabis oils are most often consumed by using an oral syringe to put the desired dosage into pill capsules, the capsules are then taken like a normal pill. Or the cannabis oil can simply be taken as an oral sublingual drop.\r\n\r\nA company emerged has in Northern California called Constance Pure Botanical Extracts. Constance Finley, an east bay marijuana grower, created a specialized cannabis oil for medical uses. Her concentrated cannabis oil is a blend of 72% THC and 11% CBD. The cannabis oil from Constance Pure Botanical Extracts is created using only bud flowers from the marijuana plant to produce the oil with no added fillers. Finley became known for her cannabis oils after her extreme success rates with cancer patients. She received 26 referrals of patients with stage 4 cancer. The cannabis oil, used in association with traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, claimed a 96% survival rate. If compared to formal clinical trials, a 96% survival rate is unseen at such an advanced stage of cancer.\r\n\r\nSome cannabis distributers create cannabis oils specifically for the alleviation of cancer symptoms, rather than ones which have just had success with it. The Wo/Men’s Alliance for Medical Marijuana (WAMM), an organization in Santa Cruz, has created their Milagro Oil which was targeted toward cancer symptoms. The oil from WAMM is made with a blend of organic marijuana varieties utilizing all parts of the marijuana plant, each for a different purpose. Due to the sensitivity of cancer patients, WAMM has documents which outline their whole creation process in order to create transparency for patients.\r\n\r\nMost people do not look towards medical marijuana right away when suffering from cancer. Though there are a lot of contrasting opinions on the successfulness of medical marijuana in relation to cancer, people who have used it to treat their symptoms have seen many great results. The use of cannabis oils in the alleviation of pain related to cancer has been increasing with medical marijuana legalization in various states across the United States. People have also begun to recognize the benefit of combining medical marijuana with traditional medications to help cancer patients. As studies continue to find new information about the benefits of cannabis to both the shrinkage of tumors and the decrease of pain. Cancer sufferers can reach find a natural alternative to helping their pain by reaching out to medical marijuana suppliers to find relief with specialized products.\r\n\r\nReferences:\r\nhttp://www.sfweekly.com/sanfrancisco/miracle-cannabis-oil-may-treat-cancer-but-money-and-the-law-stand-in-the-way-of-finding-out/Content?oid=2825695\r\n\r\nhttp://www.cbdfarm.org/about/testimonials.html","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":2.127659574468085,"src":"/static/96e2f70b5d3945ea35a9e401b4f3b223/7d509/e5e45ec36178b4a30c271ed066fabf2c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/96e2f70b5d3945ea35a9e401b4f3b223/f836f/e5e45ec36178b4a30c271ed066fabf2c.jpg 200w,\n/static/96e2f70b5d3945ea35a9e401b4f3b223/2244e/e5e45ec36178b4a30c271ed066fabf2c.jpg 400w,\n/static/96e2f70b5d3945ea35a9e401b4f3b223/7d509/e5e45ec36178b4a30c271ed066fabf2c.jpg 720w","srcWebp":"/static/96e2f70b5d3945ea35a9e401b4f3b223/2aa8d/e5e45ec36178b4a30c271ed066fabf2c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/96e2f70b5d3945ea35a9e401b4f3b223/61e93/e5e45ec36178b4a30c271ed066fabf2c.webp 200w,\n/static/96e2f70b5d3945ea35a9e401b4f3b223/1f5c5/e5e45ec36178b4a30c271ed066fabf2c.webp 400w,\n/static/96e2f70b5d3945ea35a9e401b4f3b223/2aa8d/e5e45ec36178b4a30c271ed066fabf2c.webp 720w","sizes":"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1851-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana Sweeps the Country: How Does the Public Feel?","slug":"medical-marijuana-sweeps-the-country-how-does-the-public-feel","content":"Two of the most conservative states in the United States, Texas and Georgia, recently passed medical marijuana legislation allowing very limited use of medical marijuana for a set number of conditions.  Texas has legalized the use medical marijuana in one case and form, cannabis oil that is high in CBD and low in THC for patients with intractable epilepsy. In order for patients to qualify they must have tried at least two traditional epilepsy treatments and found them ineffective.  Then their doctors may approve the use of medical marijuana. The doctors, however, cannot prescribe medical marijuana.  They simply may suggest the use of it under their right of the first amendment for free speech. \r\n\r\nIn Georgia, a short list of conditions was recently deemed as legal uses for medical marijuana.  This legislation was prompted after over 20 families from Georgia moved to Colorado temporarily to provide their children with medical marijuana products to aid in the decrease of seizures associated with epilepsies.  In addition to epilepsies, the law in Georgia allows access for patients with end-stage ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and cancer.  \r\n\r\nIn both these states, obtaining medical marijuana is still a difficult process.  Both of these conservative states have sent the message that marijuana is medicine, but they limit the conditions which it should be used for.  Both of these states are recognizing the benefit of medical marijuana, even thought the roll out is slow and there is still some widespread resistance.  The wave of changing ideas in the United States cannot be denied, but there is still widespread worry about the implications of medical marijuana coming into communities all over the country in larger amounts.  Of course, there are added concerns because marijuana is still a federally illegal substance. \r\n\r\nAcross the United States 78% of the population is in favor of medical marijuana.  Despite the continuing lack of medical studies conducted within the United States, testimonies across the United States have provided the US population with encouragement to be in favor of medical marijuana. Only 43% of the US population, however, is in favor of recreational marijuana. An impressive 90% of the US population believes that people should be educated by a knowledgable doctor before purchasing medical marijuana.  In states, however, where medical marijuana is new, access to educated primary doctors can be difficult. Many of the opposition that still exists to medical marijuana regards the unknowns of medical marijuana and how it can effect the youth population. \r\n\r\nA momentous study was released recently showing no increase in teen marijuana smoking in the 21 states which have passed medical marijuana laws.  The study was conducted between 1991 and 2014.  A survey of 1 million students in the 8th, 10th, and 12th grade were asked about their medical marijuana usage each year.  Overall cannabis usage of 8th graders decreased since the pass of the laws.  The reason for this is thought to be that young students view marijuana as medical rather than recreational.  Marijuana use of high school students has remained stagnant between 2011 and 2013 when many of the medical marijuana bills were implemented.  \r\n\r\nViews and opinions of medical marijuana have changed drastically in the past few years, from states passing medical marijuana bills from being the outcasts to the norms.  The most important factor in this change among the american public is the recognition of marijuana as a medicine for a myriad of conditions.  Medical marijuana, though not nationally legal, has become recognized for its medicinal qualities, especially in pain and seizure relief. Medical marijuana has been legitimized and with that there have been positive affects. Patients are able to access the cannabis they need to aid with medical conditions and has changed the way younger patients view marijuana, no longer as a recreational drug but a medical drug. Though more states are allowing access to medical marijuana, access is still limited in some places.  Places like Texas, Georgia, and Illinois still must find proper ways to roll out their program, as well as expand their programs to assist as many patients as possible. Even though it is legal in some states, patients struggle to obtain the products they need.  Each step in the progress of medical marijuana legitimization is positive, but much more can be done in bringing people the medical assistance they need.  \r\n\r\n[photo source](https://www.flickr.com/photos/gigaboss/902459209/in/photolist-2nKkFx-f8YDHj-8z3JFq-8Ct96m-eyLv4e-9wfMAo-61ZSGe-a7A86D-a7A7Yc-at3Mi3-avvBdx-avvBkg-7JcaBQ-d7Wrtu-cfT4S9-a7CZUU-dCnR4x-aiEZS5-aiF11L-atSngn-9sWCe4-9sWFu6-9sWDPZ-9sWCNz-9sZxyG-9sWEWP-9sZDbs-9sZyGN-9sWy4T-9sZEfW-eyPRzC-eyMf7T-eyLPM6-eyQ96U-eyMwfV-eyPJyd-eyPBeq-eyQgt3-eyQbHS-eyPZKQ-eyQrtY-eyLL1D-eyMmzB-eyQjWN-eyPFrE-eyM4Tc-eyLHwa-eyPJib-eyQt4h-eyLJ3e)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/14b42/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/f836f/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.jpg 200w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/2244e/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.jpg 400w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/14b42/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.jpg 800w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/47498/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.jpg 1200w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/ef4cc/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.jpg 1354w","srcWebp":"/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/58556/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/61e93/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.webp 200w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/1f5c5/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.webp 400w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/58556/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.webp 800w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/99238/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.webp 1200w,\n/static/239c1205452954b993246d2728e50d75/4a390/4ab854f43d916bb9d9c75d38b11a6db1.webp 1354w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1873-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana Roll Out Flops in Illinois, is the Problem Interest or Access?","slug":"medical-marijuana-roll-out-flops-in-illinois-is-the-problem-interest-or-access","content":"A bill to allow medical marijuana was signed in the state of Illinois in 2013.  Though the program is not yet operational in the state, problems have been piling up for the medical marijuana market in Illinois.  Over 40 conditions qualify under the Illinois state law, including Cancer, Crohn's Disease, and Alzheimer's, and patients who qualify are allowed to buy up to two and a half ounces of cannabis for every 14 days. In the first 9 months of roll out, only 2,500 patients have applied and been accepted for medical marijuana cards.  There was an initial estimate of about 75,000 people expected to be signed up for the program within the first year.  Illinois has a particularly extensive process to get approved for medical marijuana cards including fees, background checks, doctors visits, finger printing, and a paper application.  No online alternatives or applications are available in Illinois for the medical marijuana industry.  One immediate assumption for the lack of customers in the medical marijuana industry in Illinois is the delayed ability of people to be able to receive medical marijuana in state.  \r\n\r\nToday, in 2015, patients who have fought so hard to gain the ability to access medical marijuana for their conditions are still not able to access their medicine. 18 cultivation and 52 dispensary licenses, however, were handed out in February.  The limited number left many people eager to be a part of the new industry out in the dust, but the most pressing issue is the lack of medical marijuana available in the state to date. Illinois residents, who have already been approved for the medical marijuana plan, still are not able to bring medical marijuana in from other states either.  Many of the businesses are worried about being able to open successfully, now that the amount of customers is still so low. The lack of patients may lead to a delay or thinning in the roll out of actual dispensaries in the area. \r\n\r\nIllinois, unlike many other states who offer medical marijuana, requires people to qualify under a specific condition, rather than being allowed to use medical marijuana for ailments such as chronic pain or generalized anxiety.  Both pain and anxiety are two of the oldest uses for medical marijuana.  Medical marijuana has been used across the Middle East and Asia to, “destroy anxiety and bring joy”.  Marijuana was also the earliest general anesthetic used during surgical procedures and was used to relieve general pain.  The Illinois restrictions which do not allow people to be prescribed for general issues cuts off access for some of the people who could greatly benefit from the use of medical marijuana.  In the case of many conditions, medical marijuana provides an alternative to harsh pharmaceuticals.  Many traditional prescription medications such as opioids and medications used to treat mental disorders can have harsh side effects, including particular medications with high levels of dependence and addictive qualities. In states where medical marijuana has been approved, there has be a 25% decrease in overdoses on opioids. There has been talk, however, of expanding the list of qualifying medical conditions. \r\n\r\nSince the medical marijuana industry is new across the country, and particularly in the state of Illinois, there are also trepidations by patients and doctors to prescribe and take medical marijuana.  In Illinois, people must receive a prescription from their regular treatment doctor.  In many other states, people can seek medical marijuana licenses from any doctor.  Many physicians in Illinois are not comfortable with prescribing medical marijuana because they do not know much about it.  Some patients, also, do not feel comfortable requesting it from their doctors due to stigma or judgement.  Due to some doctors inclinations against medical marijuana in Illinois, patients do not always feel as if they have a safe space to express their ideas of trying medical marijuana to help with their ailments.  The stigma against medical marijuana is decreasing, but many people want a safe space to feel like they can express their desires to try it. \r\n\r\nSome people, whether restricted by resources, stigma, or mobility, may not have the ability to schedule doctors office visits.  Programs running in other states, like HelloMD in California, allow patients to speak to doctors online from the comfort of their own home.  These doctors are also more well versed in the uses and products in the medical marijuana industry, so they are great resources for patients who are new to using medical marijuana.  HelloMD, and programs like it, give all patients the tools they need to be able to fully access the benefits of medical marijuana.  \r\n\r\nOne of the largest issues that patients face in the medical marijuana roll out is access to the products they need. States, in large numbers, are recognizing marijuana’s medical purpose in helping treat a wide range of conditions. In Illinois, patients fought hard to gain the access to medical marijuana, but still are not able to get it the products they need. It is important that as states move foreword with medical marijuana, they recognize all of the steps that are needed to implement a successful medical cannabis program within their borders.  Producers must be established in the state and distribution plans should be put in to place so when patients are granted access to medical marijuana, they are actually able to use it. The restriction on qualifying conditions also leaves many people who could benefit from medical marijuana from accessing it.  The quick expansion of medical marijuana across the United States has begun to open the door for access, but much can be done to provide people with the medical products they really need.\r\n\r\n[photo source](https://www.flickr.com/photos/francisco_osorio/8228710532/in/photolist-dx9hXw-cc59Sw-6y5h3e-cJxAEY-9zPHvt-9866ZQ-cJorC1-8VENMy-d2Tn1f-2KwNTS-h1P3a4-9biVkj-hjj2fD-7bEsuE-e3vXtG-4rhCSh-d9LUFW-xXdZu-7x6Sq6-5SVGHV-xXebu-e6ozvb-79J7Eb-aBnCE3-e2UGzB-pcuLz-d2TmHm-cJorDA-79EgEe-aioWPk-mBvTwd-9eC7PJ-mBuKpn-5q6Suw-q6bu3C-7xaEZb-7x6SsM-8uKeGF-9tZy8P-aiqKtD-hj6tRi-kpRPx1-dMheMz-oFEZpJ-dMnNxS-qggAwL-AKC4i-bA3eBS-dzXg6p-dA3JXs)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b8a88d97e3d968f8b102b815e40aa436/14b42/0cab0b367f63b895b20b6a9058986245.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b8a88d97e3d968f8b102b815e40aa436/f836f/0cab0b367f63b895b20b6a9058986245.jpg 200w,\n/static/b8a88d97e3d968f8b102b815e40aa436/2244e/0cab0b367f63b895b20b6a9058986245.jpg 400w,\n/static/b8a88d97e3d968f8b102b815e40aa436/14b42/0cab0b367f63b895b20b6a9058986245.jpg 800w,\n/static/b8a88d97e3d968f8b102b815e40aa436/16310/0cab0b367f63b895b20b6a9058986245.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/b8a88d97e3d968f8b102b815e40aa436/58556/0cab0b367f63b895b20b6a9058986245.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b8a88d97e3d968f8b102b815e40aa436/61e93/0cab0b367f63b895b20b6a9058986245.webp 200w,\n/static/b8a88d97e3d968f8b102b815e40aa436/1f5c5/0cab0b367f63b895b20b6a9058986245.webp 400w,\n/static/b8a88d97e3d968f8b102b815e40aa436/58556/0cab0b367f63b895b20b6a9058986245.webp 800w,\n/static/b8a88d97e3d968f8b102b815e40aa436/cc834/0cab0b367f63b895b20b6a9058986245.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":36,"numPages":4,"currentPage":4,"id":5042,"name":"Cancer","slug":"cancer","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}