Mesothelioma Patients Turn to Cannabis – AlterNet

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People have inhaled cannabinoidsfor many generations, from the Scythians through its banby the federal U.S. government, and beyond.

Now we find that patients suffering from mesothelioma cancer can use medicinal marijuana as a means to reduce their troublesome symptoms. Many are beginning to personally explore the helpful aspects of this natural medicine as researchers continue their quest toward a cancer cure.

Mesotheliomaiscancerof the mesothelium, a protective lining found onmost of the bodys internal organs. Three out of every four cases cases of mesothelioma disease begin in the pleural mesothelium of the chest cavity. Mesothelioma can also begin in the abdominal cavity and around theheart.

Some common signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma include coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, weight loss and poor respiratory function. Most early-stage patients are not aware that they are carrying the cancer or have developed Mesothelioma because its symptoms overlap with many other health conditions.

Increasing appetite

According to theAmerican Cancer Society, marijuana improves a cancer patients appetite. Although the cellular function is still vague, this plant seems to trigger neurons that deal with taste and hunger.

Mesothelioma and other cancer patients need to eat during their treatment because the nutrients boost their fight against the ailment. However, treatment procedures typically cause nausea and a strong feeling to avoid food. Medicinal cannabis can be the answer to an upset stomach.

Reducing overall pain

Some cancer patients report a lot of pain in their bodies both during and after chemotherapy. Pain is incredibly debilitating, and it can have ill effects on a patients prognosis. Cannabis is known to dull the pain in the body, which helps anypatient with cancer. Researchers believe that the plant works at the cellular level to block pain signals across the axons. Depending on the cannabiss potency, a patient can feel relaxed for an hour or more with just a little bit of the plant in the body system.

Lifting the mood

When a person fights cancer, a negative mindset can be detrimental to the treatment. Cannabis is known to lift the spirits of anyone taking the substance. The subsequent high allows the person to feel good for an hour or longer. If the person continues to take the substance, this high and positive feeling can be extended. Good moods benefit the person so that they can fight off any more cancer tumors.

Possible ailment relief

TheNational Cancer Institutereports that laboratory test results reflect the direct relationship between declining cancer cells and cannabis use. Although more studies must be conducted, its possible that patients might have some cure to their ailment through this common weed. Patients simply need to inhale or consume the substance in order to see these possible results. Researchers are still concluding whether smoking or eating the cannabis is the best choice. The body must metabolize the substance in different ways, and its possible that eating or smoking it is better or worse for a condition.

Although the federal government still deems this plant as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, many states have medicinal laws that override this rule.Cancer patientsmay want to explore their options with this medicine in order to ease their symptoms. Dealing with cancer is difficult, but it can be tolerable with a natural substance offered through legal pathways.

You can contactVirgil Anderson at[emailprotected]

Virgil Anderson is a mesothelioma patient who blogs about his battle with the disease.

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Mesothelioma Patients Turn to Cannabis - AlterNet

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