medical marijuana card los angeles – Cannabis is classified as Schedule I controlled substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) till date, making them illegal to possess, buy, or sell. The use of cannabis as a palliative medicine to ease the adverse effects of medications used to treat a variety of medical problems has been permitted or is being considered in several countries throughout the world, despite the absence of strong evidence, and is presumed to be safe.
Nevertheless, cancer patients use marijuana every now and then especially in states which have allowed medical and recreational use of marijuana to ease their symptoms and the negative effects of their treatments. Cannabis has immunomodulatory effects, but because of its potential immune system impacts, use by cancer patients needs to be carefully examined.
Can Marijuana Really Treat Cancer?
A researcher at St. George’s University of London named Wai Lu, Senior has discovered six cannabinoids that can inhibit or even eradicate cancer cells. THC, the most well-known cannabinoid in marijuana, has been proven in earlier research to have strong anti-cancer qualities; nevertheless, because of its euphoric effects, it is not a good choice for this usage.
Lu discovered several cannabinoids that have the power to either kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. Also, they’ve shown that mixing the two varieties of cannabis increases its potency compared to doing so separately.
A Cancer Survivor’s Experience
Just graduated from Cornell University and stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor Stacey Blansky used medical marijuana to treat a variety of cancer-related illnesses. She was initially lured to medical marijuana because she saw it as “natural” and holistic and as a method to take control of her symptoms instead of turning to the medical establishment.
Despite the paucity of randomized clinical trials, cannabis is frequently used as a palliative medication in oncology to ease cancer symptoms such nausea, anorexia, and pain. The secondary impact of cannabis on the immune system has not yet been fully understood, despite the fact that the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis and phytocannabinoids have long been known.
How Can Marijuana Affect Symptoms of Cancer?
Smoked cannabis has been shown to be effective in alleviating nausea and vomiting brought on by cancer chemotherapy in a number of minor studies. According to a number of studies, cannabis can be used to relieve neuropathic pain when smoked or vaporized (pain caused by damaged nerves).
Studies have shown that smoking marijuana increases food intake in HIV patients. Research investigating the impact of cannabis or marijuana oil on humans does not exist. Research has long demonstrated that participants in clinical studies who consumed marijuana extracts tended to use fewer painkillers.
Medical Marijuana: Subject For Racial Discrimination
It’s crucial to note that using medical marijuana is not inherently exclusive. Nonetheless, there have been occasions where specific racial groups have been disproportionately affected by the implementation and enforcement of medical marijuana regulations in the United States.
Although marijuana usage for medical reasons is permitted in several states of the US, it is still prohibited under federal law. Despite this murky legal landscape, numerous states have passed legislation that permits the use of medical marijuana when a doctor recommends it.
However, there have been instances where medical marijuana dispensaries in primarily minority communities have been singled out and closed while the same establishments in primarily white districts are permitted to continue operating. People in minority communities who may need medicinal marijuana to address a number of medical conditions may have less exposure to it due to this kind of racial prejudice.
Additionally, some states have put limitations on who is eligible to use medical marijuana, such as having a “bona fide” doctor-patient relationship or disqualifying people with certain criminal backgrounds. Minority communities may be disproportionately affected by these restrictions as they may encounter more difficulties getting access to healthcare and building connections with clinicians.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, we definitely need more research in the area to come up with scientific evidence that the use of ‘medical cannabis can help with cancer’. The studies done so far have only been in favor that medical cannabis can help reduce symptoms of cancer, including nausea and vomiting. Despite the fact that legalizing medicinal marijuana does not inherently harm any particular racial group, there have been occasions in which doing so has. Policymakers and law enforcement personnel must make sure that medical marijuana regulations are applied consistently and fairly in all locations. If you want a medical marijuana card in Los Angeles to get access to medicinal marijuana, then you have to contact a licensed MMJ doctor.
References:
https://academic.oup.com/jncimono/article/2021/58/68/6446214
https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/OP.22.00080
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7563978/