Cancer Research UK main site

Medical marijuana use: query

L_sue_1
Offline

I strongly suspect a much-loved relative is going to get a cancer diagnosis on Momday and I want to go into the clinic with the request for medical marijuana use for this gynaecological cancer.
Can anyone, please, give me advice on what specific cannabinol extract to ask for, its name, its maker, etc?

So far, my knowledge only comes from (a) Wikipedia, (b) DoctorsForMarijuana or some such USA website which promotes and explains mendical marijuana use a little and (c) two YouTube videos from medical practitioners who have used medical marijuana.

Wikipedia lists several generic cannabinol extracts and brand names from those extracts. They also list current possible uses.

Thank you.

 

  • Offline

    Hi Sue

    Hopefully you will get good news about your relatives test results on Monday that it is not cancer. Either way listen carefully to what the medical team have to say about a treatment plan. Given that medical marijuana is used for pain releif, it cannot cure cancer, how would your relative feel about taking it? There are side effects from its use, many people do not like its narcotic effect, being unable to think clearly, some people find it makes them feel too introverted and dwell upon their illness too much, whilst other people may feel paranoid or even psychotic. Lethargy and tiredness are also side effects, which are the last things you need when you are already feeling fatigue from cancer. Some points to consider before you rush into medication before diagnosis, also discuss this with the medical team. Kim

  • Offline in reply to kimchoson

    Hello Kim,

    Thank you for the guidance and information about possible side effects. Of course, conventional cancer treatment (radiography, chemotherapy) etc. also have side effects and often far worse than those you describe. Given my relative's age and health, I feel that any form of surgery would be prohibited. Quite likely, the radiography and chemo might be too. This is one reason why I watn to learn a little more about medical marijuana. So far, I only know what I have read via Wikipedia, DoctorsForMarijuana (or some such name - a web site in the USA) and a couple of YouTube videos.

    I really do appreciate the time you have taken to respond to my query.

    Thank you,

    Sue

  • Offline in reply to L_sue_1

    Hi Sue, 

    At the risk of sounding negative, please be aware that there are a lot of charlatans online who prey on desperate people. There is also a real risk of prosecution if you're not careful.

    Not my thing, but this website has some potentially useful information and might name the product you're looking for medicalmarijuana.co.uk/.../ as does this one  www.leafly.com/.../

    I would dispute any claims that marijuana can cure cancer, I've yet to see any scientifically peer reviewed evidence of this and believe me I've read an awful lot on the subject since I was diagnosed in 2013. There is some evidence that THC can shrink tumours in a test tube and maybe in the near future there'll be a THC-based chemotherapy. Ironic as many cannabinoid advocates are so negative about chemo without thinking of where these chemotherapies originated. The most aggressive chemo I had (with lousy side effects) was originally based on an extract from an exotic fungus. It also probably saved my life.

    Best wishes

    Dave

     

  • Offline in reply to davek

    Thank you very much, Dave. I really appreciate your reply and the links you have guided me to. I wouldn't do anything illegal and I have no interest in illicit drugs. It is just that I know there is a separation under the United Nations legislation between marijuana and the cannabinoid extracts that are used medicinally in manŷ countries now worldwide. But I know so little about this whole area. And you? A fungus said your life. Wow. The wonders of nature. I hope you are getting better and stronger as th days go on. All the best, Sue

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.