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Recent research highlights the increasing use of marijuana among individuals undergoing cancer treatment and the associated implications of this trend. Various studies indicate that approximately 20%-40% of cancer patients turn to cannabinoids or medical marijuana to alleviate side effects such as stress, anxiety, insomnia, pain, and nausea.
The surge in marijuana use among cancer patients aligns with the rise in states that have legalized it for medical purposes. However, research into the safety and efficacy of which marijuana products can be used for managing side effects and symptoms associated with cancer has not kept pace.
In March this year, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) released its first clinical marijuana use guidelines stating that the access and utilization of marijuana and/or cannabinoids by cancer adult patients had outstripped the body of research supporting their clinical applicability.
A significant issue stemming from this gap in scientific knowledge is that many cancer care professionals, including oncologists, feel unprepared to discuss medical marijuana with their cancer patients. One study revealed that while almost 40% of surveyed oncology nurses and oncologists felt comfortable providing advice on marijuana use, just roughly 13% considered themselves knowledgeable about it.
The studies, which were conducted at cancer centers recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and funded by the organization, were published as a group in JNCI Monographs in August.
For many years, cancer patients have turned to marijuana to alleviate various symptoms associated with cancer and other illnesses. However, until recently, such practices were largely illegal in the U.S. Even now, marijuana remains a Schedule I drug, which means it is still federally illegal. Yet, 24 states plus DC have legalized it for both medical and recreational use.
Approximately 75% of Americans now reside in a state where marijuana is legal in some capacity, per a Pew study. Furthermore, access to marijuana has become widespread, with roughly 15,000 dispensaries across the country.
While access to marijuana has grown, questions about its safety remain. One of the primary concerns is the potential interaction between marijuana and cancer treatments. Some small studies suggest that marijuana could reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments. Additionally, marijuana has sedative properties and may amplify the effects of other medications that cause drowsiness, increasing the risk of accidents or falls.
Despite these concerns, many patients believe the marijuana benefits outweigh its risks. This can make it challenging for healthcare providers to discuss the potential harms and the lack of robust scientific evidence with patients who may already have preconceived positive opinions about its use.
Experts advise healthcare providers to review the ASCO guidelines and stay updated on the growing body of research into the physiological and biological effects of marijuana. Furthermore, they recommend that cancer patients inform their oncologists of any supplements they are using, including marijuana products.
Studies, however, indicate that this is not occurring as frequently as it ought to—the JNCI study found that just 20% of marijuana users reported talking to their oncologist about their use.
The marijuana industry, including enterprises like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) would be comfortable when oncologists get ample information about the medicinal use of cannabis by cancer patients so that the best advice can be given by these professionals who are responsible for overseeing the treatment and management of issues arising after a cancer diagnosis.
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