Medical marijuana for Myeloma

Overview
Medical marijuana, also known as medical cannabis, is widely used to treat chronic pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and insomnia, all common symptoms of myeloma or side effects of its treatment. Ongoing research indicates that active compounds found in cannabis may improve the effectiveness of cancer-killing drugs when administered in tandem.

It is vital to inform your doctor of all treatments you incorporate, including medical marijuana, so that they can warn you about any potential interactions and correctly interpret any side effects.

What does it involve?
Medical cannabis is currently legal in 33 states, several territories, and the District of Columbia. Bills legalizing marijuana for medical usage are pending in several other states.

Medical cannabis comes in a wide variety of strains, each with different chemical compositions. Medical cannabis contains many active compounds – known as cannabinoids – that produce different effects. Although delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol, or THC, is best known for producing recreational mental effects, it can also have anti-inflammatory and appetite stimulating effects. Cannabidiol, or CBD, can reduce pain, treat convulsions, act as a sedative, and also reduce the mental effects of medical cannabis. Cannabichromene, or CBC, is a painkiller, while cannabigerol, or CBG, has anti-inflammatory properties. Different strains contain various levels of each of these compounds. Depending on your symptoms, one strain of medical cannabis may provide more benefit than another.

In places where marijuana products are legally sold, they are often available in a wide variety of formats. Cannabinoids may be purchased as lozenges, sprays, edible products, and topical ointments, as well as products that may be smoked or vaporized and inhaled.

Ask your doctor for dosage and administration directions.

Results
In a large number of clinical trials, cannabis has been shown to provide significant relief for pain, nausea, and insomnia.

Evidence that cannabinoids may increase the effectiveness of anti-cancer medications in some cases of cancer continues to grow. Recently, a laboratory study showed that the combination of THC and CBD was even more effective than either compound alone at killing myeloma cells in tandem with Kyprolis (Carfilzomib).

Constraints
Medical cannabis may not be legal where you live. If it is legal, it may not be covered by your health insurance. Medical marijuana may be expensive to purchase out-of-pocket.

Medical cannabis can have side effects including nausea, dry mouth, red eyes, vomiting, problems with heart or blood pressure, depression, anxiety, depression, dizziness, sleepiness, and sexual dysfunction.

Medical marijuana has not been proven to cure or effectively treat cancer. More research is needed to understand how cannabinoids may be used to improve cancer treatment.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Medical Marijuana for Treatment of Chronic Pain and Other Medical and Psychiatric Problems: A Clinical Review. – PubMed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26103031

How Medical Marijuana Works – United Patients Group
http://www.unitedpatientsgroup.com/resources/ho...

Cannabinoids synergize with carfilzomib, reducing multiple myeloma cells viability and migration – Oncotarget https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC53...

Cannabis for Cancer: An Uncertain Future – Cancer Therapy Advisor
https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/general-on...

Marijuana and Cancer – American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and...

Cannabis oil and cancer – Macmillan Cancer Support
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-su...