Out of all types of cancers that exist, which type do you think is one of the hardest to beat? On a worldwide scale, pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer in regards to overall survival rates. Now research has given a small ray of hope for pancreatic cancer and chemo and CBD.
According to the American Cancer Society, amongst the combination of all stages of pancreatic cancer, the survival rate for one-year is 20%, and the survival rate for five years is under seven percent. Although certain cancer treatments are commonly used such as chemotherapy and radiation, in a recent study, it has been found that the combination of chemotherapy and cannabidiol (CBD) treatments have led to significant pancreatic cancer survival rates.
Research Findings on Cannabidiol (CBD) and Chemotherapy Cancer Treatments
In the recent study mentioned above, mice that were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer received CBD administration alongside chemotherapy treatments. As a result of this combination, it was discovered that the mice with CBD and chemotherapy treatments survived close to three times longer than the mice that were only treated with chemotherapy.
In general, this study’s findings provide more valid reasoning for human testing. Although this study hasn’t been conducted on humans yet, the released results demonstrate the need to further investigate and study cannabis compounds, especially CBD.
Grim Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rates
Overall, pancreatic cancer is the twelfth most common cancer on a worldwide scale. Also, the highest occurrence of this type of cancer is in developed countries. Unfortunately, the overall survival rate for pancreatic cancer is quite grim. In particular, Marco Falasca, a lead researcher at Queen Mary University of London stated the following about the life expectancy of pancreatic cancer:
“The life expectancy for pancreatic cancer patients has barely changed in the last 40 years because there are very few, and mostly only palliative care treatments available. Given the five-year survival rate for people with pancreatic cancer is less than seven percent, the discovery of new treatments and therapeutic strategies is urgently needed.”
With this being said, due to the recent results derived from the mice study, there’s a strong need to further examine CBD and its potential in treating different types of cancer, especially pancreatic.
Cannabidiol’s Medicinal and Anti-cancer Properties
When it comes to CBD, thus far, it has been found that it’s an extremely medically beneficial cannabinoid, and it contains both anti-tumoral and neuroprotective properties, which can help those who have been diagnosed with cancer. However, CBD has also demonstrated its anti-nausea and antiemetic (anti-vomiting) properties. These properties have proven to be very effective for those undergoing chemotherapy and other cancer-related therapies. Additionally, Cannabidiol has been found to improve the side effects caused by chemotherapy, especially vomiting, nausea, and pain.
If human testing is conducted on the combined topic of pancreatic cancer, CBD, and chemotherapy treatments, this would build upon past animal research findings. Specifically, one study discovered CBD’s possible anti-cancer properties, and another study found CBD to be a potential anti-cancer drug.
Legality of CBD in the United States and the United Kingdom
Moreover, due to the cannabis legality differences between America and the United Kingdom, it’s likely that the conduction of human trials with a focus on CBD would progress faster in the UK than in the U.S. The reason for this is because currently, the cannabis plant remains a Schedule I illegal substance in the U.S., and CBD is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Whereas, in the UK, CBD has been approved for usage and research purposes.
Therefore, researchers and scientists based in England can legally test this cannabinoid in human clinical trials, according to Dr. Falasca. Nonetheless, the U.S. is progressing slowly but surely, especially because the U.S. FDA recently approved of a CBD-based drug called Epidiolex for the treatment of epilepsy. This specific drug approval was a significant move since it’s the first U.S. FDA-approved drug that contains a cannabinoid derived from cannabis.
Overall, since pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, it would be in the general public’s best interest to have access to a natural form of medicine for cancer treatments such as CBD rather than just chemotherapy and radiation. Due to the noteworthy results that were released from the mice study discussed above, it’s likely that Cannabidiol will be further studied and investigated moving forward, especially for cancer treatment purposes.
Research has also shown that cannabis contains terpenes, aromatic compounds that contribute to its therapeutic effects. For example, myrcene is known for its sedative properties, while limonene may help boost mood and reduce stress. The entourage effect, where these compounds work synergistically with cannabinoids, further enhances the plant’s medicinal potential. Understanding this complex interplay can help you choose cannabis products that best align with your specific wellness goals.
In the midst of today’s fast-paced and chaotic lifestyle, attaining moments of serenity can often seem like a real challenge. However, what if I told you that there is a method to discover inner calmness, even in the whirlwind of everyday life? That is precisely the point where cannabis and mindful living become relevant, extending soothing guidance in managing the challenges and fluctuations of contemporary existence!
Understanding Cannabis
Let’s start by getting to know our green friend a little better. Cannabis, or marijuana, has been around for ages, cherished by different cultures for its healing properties and more. It’s not just a recreational indulgence; it’s been a part of spiritual rituals, medical treatments, and even creative endeavors throughout history.
Brief History And Cultural Significance Of Cannabis
Throughout various cultures across the globe, the history of marijuana has traversed a path that extends from ancient rituals to present-day medical practices. It has been both revered and condemned, with a multitude of perspectives in between. However, one certainty remains – its impact on mankind is profound, spanning generations of exploration and admiration.
Types Of Cannabis Products And Their Uses
In the present day, cannabis is available in a variety of forms – ranging from traditional buds to oils, edibles, and even creams. Each form possesses its own distinct appeal and usefulness. No matter if you desire a momentary boost in spirits or are in search of enduring solace, there is a cannabis product specifically designed to cater to your needs.
The Benefits Of Mindful Living
Imagine a scenario where, rather than succumbing to the overwhelming force of stress and anxiety, you acquire the ability to navigate through life’s challenges with elegance and inner strength.
This is the transformative power that comes with embracing mindful living. It revolves around the act of being completely mindful, wholeheartedly embracing every moment without judgment or preconceived notions. How amazing does that sound?! It certainly gives me hope!
Exploring The Principles Of Mindfulness
Mindfulness does not entail disconnecting from reality; instead, it involves focusing closely on the present moment. It entails fully embracing and appreciating every experience, regardless of whether it is pleasant, unpleasant, or a mix of both. It entails attuning to your thoughts and sensations without being carried away by them – a subtle balance between presence and action.
How Mindfulness Can Enhance Mental And Physical Well-being
The benefits of practicing mindfulness extend beyond the intangible realm of thoughts and emotions; they also have a tangible impact on the physical body. By focusing on the present moment, you provide your body with the valuable gift of relaxation, which leads to a decrease in stress hormones and an enhanced immune system.
Cannabis And Mindfulness
Now, it is time to unite our two allies – cannabis and mindfulness! It is akin to a divine union, with each enhancing the strengths of the other. While cannabis alleviates stress and grants access to the present moment through its connection to our endocannabinoid system, mindfulness serves as a guide for gracefully and purposefully traversing this newly discovered realm.
The Role Of Cannabis In Promoting Relaxation And Stress Relief
Have you ever experienced the sensation of your mind resembling a bustling beehive, with thoughts rapidly maneuvering in various directions? Cannabis can reduce this mental chaos, allowing a tranquil and peaceful state of being to emerge. It resembles a comforting embrace for your overwhelmed nerves, gently guiding you towards a state of calmness, considering, of course, that you use the right amount according to your tolerance.
Many individuals seek guidance from a medical marijuana doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and strain that best suits their needs, ensuring a harmonious balance between relaxation and clarity of mind. Incorporating medical marijuana into a wellness routine under the guidance of a qualified physician can provide targeted relief for stress and anxiety. The cannabinoids in cannabis interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, stress response, and relaxation. By leveraging the therapeutic properties of cannabis mindfully, individuals can harness its potential to promote a sense of calm and alleviate stress.
Moreover, cannabis offers a natural alternative to pharmaceutical interventions for stress relief. It can be integrated into mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga, enhancing the overall experience and deepening relaxation. However, it’s essential to approach cannabis use mindfully, respecting individual tolerance levels, and consulting with a medical professional to ensure safe and effective integration into a mindful lifestyle.
How Cannabis Can Enhance Mindfulness Practices
Imagine yourself immersing into a state of meditation, where your senses become more acute and your thoughts are as transparent as a crystalline mountain brook. This is the enchantment of combining cannabis with mindful awareness. It enhances your consciousness, enabling you to delve further into the current moment and uncover the enigmas of your inner world.
Incorporating Cannabis Into A Mindful Lifestyle
When considering the relationship between cannabis and mindfulness, the key factors to focus on are intention and moderation. Whether you’re preparing a joint or indulging in CBD-infused tea, approach your exploration of cannabis with a mindful mindset. Pay heed to the signals from your body, respect your limits, and fully appreciate each moment with a sense of gratitude.
Finding Balance
Life can be likened to a delicate act of traversing a tightrope, where maintaining a balance between work and leisure, tension, and tranquility is crucial. Cannabis and the practice of mindfulness assist in discovering this equilibrium, leading individuals toward a harmonious life where happiness and serenity coexist.
In summary
Amidst a perpetually fast-paced world, cannabis and the concept of mindful living serve as gentle reminders to pause, inhale deeply, and appreciate the exquisite moments that unfold before us.
Whether one finds solace in unwinding with a rolled cannabis cigarette at day’s end or embarks on a mindful meditation session in the embrace of the morning sunlight, it’s important to acknowledge that the path towards inner tranquility begins with an intentionally taken step, infused with mindfulness and genuine receptiveness.
Even the hesitant becomes curious about medical marijuana when dealing with chemotherapy. Studies have shown medical marijuana in the right dose can help relieve some of the side effects of chemotherapy. Nearly 25% of cancer patients receive chemotherapy during a given year. And the exhaustion is real and could last months even when the treatments are over.
Data demonstrates you can take cannabis with chemo and radiation, but it is wise to have a conversation with your oncologists as you consider blending it in to your regimen. Cancer is a life-threatening illness which knows no boundaries. The medical community is now open and researching on how to use the benefits of medical marijuana for healing parts of cancer. Here is what to know about chemotherapy and cannabis.
During chemotherapy, cancer patients experience a range of side effects. If you’re on a strong chemo regimen, usually the day after is when you’ll experience the worst symptoms and symptoms range from dizziness to nausea and vomiting. Patients need chemotherapy because it is a powerful treatment that kills the body’s growing cancerous cells, however, these side effects often make it a gruesome experience.
Aside from the fact that cannabis helps to mitigate some of the symptoms associated with chemotherapy, it also plays a supportive role in helping the body fight back cancerous cell growth when they get into chemotherapy and radiation.
One of the earliest side effects of chemotherapy is feeling nauseous, which is a disrupting factor for cancer patients. Many patients undergoing chemo complain of feeling excessively tired, headaches, high body temperatures and so on. By incorporating cannabis with chemotherapy you can significantly reduce the bulk of these side effects.
Like most medications, medical marijuana works over a period of tine with the right dosage. Taking it once doesn’t always provide the greatest benefits immediately.
A key benefit is it helps with a patients appetite, which is important for body maintenance. Patients complain after chemo they couldn’t eat or feel hungry. With cannabis, often the appetite returns with an increased craving for food and an urge to snack more.
Another side effect of chemotherapy is exhaustion. Coupled with feeling overwhelmed by the process they end up mental and physical challenged to move forward. A sativa “wakes” the body up and helps through the difficult times. CBD and THC posess properties that can keep patients alert and active throughout the chemo treatment process.
Another side effect can be insomnia, despite the exhaustion, they struggle to have a decent sleep. Since chemo patients are given steroids beforehand to help with the side effects, the majority also experience insomnia. Combining cannabis can help patients feel well-rested throughout the day, thus making it easier to sleep.
You may feel exhausted when combining cannabis or any other medication with chemotherapy. It can be an overwhelming experience if it isn’t done right. Here are some pointers to help you derive the best from using cannabis:
Always start low and go slow: don’t take so much cannabis at the same time.
Always consult your doctor or oncologist if you feel like you need to take more or lessen your dosage
Avoid using too many products simultaneously: sometimes, you may not get the best out of cannabis because you are taking too much medicine.
Cannabis is very safe when used with a doctor’s guidance.
Patients are often concerned about the “method of application” of cannabis when they are in chemo: they wonder if they should smoke it, chew it or consume it via other means. The easiest is through a tincture or oil. Under the tongue and it acts quickly without having to put stress or the lungs and it doesn’t have to be swallowed if there is nausea. If there is no nausea a gummy or maybe a cannabis beverage can be absorbed, but it may take time. The last way to consume is either through a vape or smoking. It is important to discuss this method with your health professional to avoid aggravation of the respiratory system.