- Researchers say cannabis appears to be able to alleviate pain from cancer as well as diminish chemotherapy side effects.
- In a new study, people with cancer reported that cannabis use them help reduce pain, get better sleep, and think more clearly.
- Experts say federal laws need to be changed so more research can be done on the benefits and effects of cannabis on medical conditions.
People with cancer who use cannabis to reduce symptoms have less pain, get better sleep, and can think more clearly, according to a study completed at the University of Colorado at Boulder and published in the journal Exploration in Medicine.
This is one of the first observational studies to assess how dispensary-purchased cannabis products can affect cancer symptoms and chemotherapy side effects.
Under federal laws in the United States, university researchers cannot possess or distribute cannabis products except government-issued or pharmaceutical-grade cannabis, making research of dispensary products difficult.
However, the University of Colorado researchers came up with an innovative approach. They observed the responses of 25 cancer patients who purchased their products.
The scientists completed a baseline appointment with the patients to assess pain levels, sleep patterns, and cognition.
The participants then went to a dispensary and purchased an edible cannabis product of their choice. They chose a wide variety of products, including:
- Chocolates
- Gummies
- Tinctures
- Pills
- Baked goods
There was also a wide range of THC and CBD potencies.
The researchers used a mobile lab to drive to each person’s home.
Each person was given physical and cognitive assessments in the van, then asked to go into their homes to use the cannabis product they selected.
They underwent another test after using medical marijuana.
The patients indicated that their pain levels improved significantly within an hour of using the products. It also impaired cognition and gave them a “high” feeling. The higher the THC levels,…
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