In 2020, it is estimated 225, 800 Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with some form of Cancer.
In 1993, in Eastern Russia Altai Mountains, a mummified princess had been found. Along with her mummified body, was a container of dried flower cannabis. Upon research, it was discovered she had suffered from Breast Cancer with Mets to her Lymph Nodes, Osteomyelitis, and other ailments. It is believed that cannabis through inhalation was utilized to assist with pain control of her Cancer.
In a 2014 WebMD poll 82% of Oncologists indicated their belief that patients should have fair access to Cannabis. Ranking the highest among medical specialists for medical cannabis support. There is an ever-growing body of evidence supporting the use of medical cannabis and cannabinoids to manage the side effects of cancer treatment such as nausea, pain, depression/anxiety, and loss of appetite. Insurance companies are jumping on board one-by-one, covering cannabis for those suffering from nausea and vomiting related to Chemo or who are actively receiving palliative care. A 2018 study had shown improvements to fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, and depression for those utilizing cannabis during cancer treatment. 50% felt “good” and some even discontinued narcotics.
November marks the month of Prostate, Lung, Pancreatic, Stomach, Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness.
Pain
At Canada House, pain is one of the top reasons for medical cannabis prescriptions. Those who are suffering from Cancer, experience pain for several reasons. Standard treatment relies heavily on opiate analgesics such as dilaudid, Morphine SR, Fentanyl, etc. Common side effects of these medications can include constipation, mind fog, and drowsiness/tiredness. Cannabis Sativa has demonstrated through many clinical studies to help alleviate pain. Cannabis can work similarly or in correlation with opiates, when treating those who are suffering with cancer pain. Some patients care plans involve both opiates and cannabis. During patient observation it was noted the most successful treatment plan for pain at Canada House consisted of both THC and CBD therapy. There was correlation between higher doses of THC for pain relief compared to a CBD only care plan. 100% of these patients were utilizing oils from a Licensed Producer.
Appetite Stimulation
Lack of appetite and nutrition slows the body’s healing process and reduces a patient’s quality of life. THC is understood to be the single most active compound in the cannabis plant, responsible for appetite stimulation. As a side effect from chemotherapy patients can or may experience a lack of appetite or a change in texture or tastes experience. Increased Leptin levels, caused by most chemo’s are to blame for this side effect. Increased Leptin levels in turn creates suppressed appetite, THC slows Leptin production and helps improve your appetite. THC also stimulates ghrelin hormone; this can also help heighten your senses that have been altered due to chemotherapy. Many patients have high tensions regarding THC dominant care plans, or there is still a strong stigma behind THC usage. It comes with many therapeutic properties to those who are undergoing cancer treatment. CBD should be utilized with caution it has a strong potential to decrease appetite and can interfere with other medications. CBD should not be utilized as a first line of defense for appetite stimulation.
Chemo Induced Nausea/Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy are the most common side effects, 20% of patients opt out of Cancer treatment due to this side effect alone. Once a patient experiences nausea, it generally will follow all treatments moving forward. CB1 and CB2 receptors have been found in areas of the brainstem associated with emetogenic control, demonstrating that both CBD and THC provide purpose in controlling these symptoms. CBD has been proven with randomized controlled trials to be very effective in large doses of hundreds of milligrams, but it has not been actively applied. Smoking and/or vaping dried cannabis with THC has provided the fastest onset of effective relief. Caution is required when you have selected medical cannabis for nausea and vomiting control. We can easily forget about our dosing limits when we are suffering from symptoms for a couple of days or longer. Too much cannabis can ironically trigger a chronic cyclic vomiting syndrome.
End-of-Life Care
End-of-life care is when someone has decided to stop treatment to cure their disease. Comfort and quality of life are the focus in their treatment plans. Patients who have chosen a hospice or hospital setting may not have access to cannabis. Many facilities still lack policies and protocols for medical cannabis implementation. In many cases, it has helped ease the spiritual and existential suffering a patient may be experiencing during their last weeks or days. Cannabis has helped bring enjoyment in-the-moment and can bring an ease of well-being decreasing anxiety and depression. Many patients are prescribed narcotics or analgesics to control high pain levels. When combined with immobility, it can cause constipation, a pain on its own. Cannabis has helped ease the painful constipation from the narcotics.
We know through research the Endocannabinoid System is involved in mood regulation. Anxiety and Depression worsen in Cancer and can be considered the sixth vital sign. CBD appears to activate other receptors outside of the CBD2 receptor, this includes 5HT1A and TRPV1. Both receptors are involved in anxiolytic and the regulation of panic/fear responses to stress. Patients who had dosed with higher levels of CBD (average of 600mg per dose) demonstrated anxiety and depression relief.
Canada House Cancer Program
In our clinics across Canada, we had observed 39 Cancer patients over a period of one year or more. These patients were actively dosing with medical cannabis for Cancer Pain and other symptoms. 41% of these patients discontinued use of pain medications, 17% reported they discontinued antidepressants and anxiety medications. Out of these patients 100% were utilizing Licensed Producer oils, 50% were smoking and/or vaping dried flower, 33% were using THC only. All the information and data collected allowed us to develop one of the first of many standardized care plans at Canada House.
We have formed a Cancer Program specifically designated to those who may be suffering from several ailments from Cancer or treatment. These treatment plans have been actively applied to our attending patients and demonstrating excellent promise on efficacy. Our team of Nurses and Practitioners have worked together on the development of such a program. This includes the ability to potentially obtain cannabis coverage from their medical insurance companies.
Our patients who have actively participated in the Cancer Program were recommended standard products and dosing, including education and follow-up for safe application. During a patient’s intake appointment at Canada House, they receive one-on-one time with one of the members in our medical team. A thorough health history is conducted to ensure medical cannabis qualification. The appointment will review diagnoses, symptoms, medications, and more. Treatment plans are personalized to a patient’s lifestyle and goals. All care plans are overlooked by one of our Physicians or Nurse Practitioners who specialize in Cannabinoid Therapy. Patients receive follow-up at 2-, 4-weeks and again at 3-months. Adjustments are made as necessary along the way to symptom control, each Cancer Program patient is provided with a designated staff member for any questions or concerns.
Not all patients are successful with cannabis therapy, selecting a cannabis clinic paves a pathway to stronger success. If you are looking to introduce cannabis during active Cancer treatment or while taking other pharmaceuticals, it should be initiated with caution and guidance. Patients need to be open with their healthcare team if deciding this is an alternative route for medication they would like to take. Our belief is Cannabinoid therapy along with the 4 pillars of healing is an excellent option when conventional therapy has led to inadequate results.
If you or someone you know may benefit from the Canada House Cancer Program, reach out to a clinic nearest you. For more information on patient referrals or registration visit our website canadahouseclinics.ca