All you need to know about Cannabis and Breast Cancer!

Breast cancer is among the deadliest forms of cancer. The statistics on the number of women who lose their lives to this disease are horrible.

However, the past few years have seen a notable decline in deaths caused by breast cancer.

The reason behind this decline is mainly because of increased awareness, earlier diagnosis and advanced treatment methods.

Another reason why there is more hope for those who have breast cancer today is the discovery of cannabis reform treatment.

Breast cancer treatments have have advanced significantly, where they include surgical treatment, chemical and radiology.

However, the effects of these are almost unbearable. There is also the worry of recurrence of tumour cells even after a tedious treatment period.

With these ideas in mind finding an effective solution for breast cancer with the least side effects would be a joyous moment for the medicine world.

The good news is there is hope for breast cancer patients because there could actually exist a cure and management method in the name of Cannabis.

Reliable evidence shows that cannabis can hinder the ability of cancer cells to bind onto blood vessels for growth purposes.

Cannabinoids compounds also prevent them from moving through the body thus hastening their death

What is Medical Cannabis?

Before we get to the core of how Cannabis relates to the treatment and management of breast cancer, you need to understand the medical value of marijuana.

Medical marijuana refers to the use of chemicals found in the cannabis plant to manage or cure diseases or conditions. The cannabis plant contains over 100 chemical components known as cannabinoids.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-9-tetrahydro cannabidiol (THC) are the major compounds in cannabis plants, and each produces a different effect on the body.

THC is responsible for the high feel usually associated with recreational marijuana.

Can Cannabis Treat Breast Cancer?

Cannabis introduction to the western medication was done by W.B O’Shaughnessy in 1839. He discovered the plants’ medicinal values while he was in India, working at the British East India Company.

The plant adoption as a sedative, analgesic, anti-convulsing and anti-inflammatory effect was immediate.

Since then, and into the 1990s, pieces of research have put forward many claims on the ability of Cannabis to work against cancer cells.

However, the big moment in studies on breast cancer was by Dr Sean McAllister in 2007. He discovered that CBD helps turn off the ID-1 gene permanently.

A study carried out in 2011 also found that CBD helped in programmed death of cells (apoptosis) and regeneration of damaged cells (autophagy).

These cancer-fighting properties found in Cannabis, meaning that they help kill cancerous cells, clean away the damaged cells and go a step further to replace them with new healthy cells.

Similarly, there are astounding results where they discovered that THC in high doses reduced the size of the tumours caused by breast cancer in mice.

According to the findings, Cannabis and more so THC activates specific cannabinoid receptors found in the body.

These anti-cancer effects are potent as they cause the death of cancer cells through autophagy. The two cannabis compounds help keep the cell cycle of life and death regular.

The most alarming and dangerous thing about cancer is the fact that it can spread within the body. Cancer cells target lymph nodes, tissues and organs nearby and will even go further to other areas of the body.

This development is what we refer to as metastasis or advanced breast cancer. In addition to the other effects, Cannabis also prevents the occurrence of metastasis in breast cancer cells.

Metastatic cancer develops as a result of one particular gene known as the ID-1 gene. This ferocious gene is ideally only active in embryos and turns off once it develops into a fetus.

Unfortunately, for one reason or another, this gene may rise later in life, causing the massive and deadly tumours. Through a study done in 2012, scientists claim that CBD inhibits the ID-1 gene and leads to a reduction of aggressive cancer cells.

When the power of Cannabis, more specifically, THC and CBD intermingle, it becomes one of the most acclaimed methods for getting rid of breast cancer cells.

The combined effect of these cannabis components works in a unique way to block and eliminate tumour pathways.

Benefits of using Cannabis in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Marijuana not only helps patients affected by breast cancer deal with this severe disease, but it also helps them face the lengthy traditional treatment procedure by easing some of their side effects.

The effects of standard treatment methods in breast cancer treatment include nausea, depression, appetite loss and insomnia.

The following benefits associated with the use of Cannabinoids are the first step towards making the bold and essential choice to use marijuana to treat and manage this health challenge.

Provides pain relieve by reducing inflammation

• Increases appetite.
• Reduces nausea and vomiting that comes as a result of chemotherapy treatment.
• Reduces anxiety.
• Helps one relax by eliminating insomnia.
• Reduces and slows down cancer cells.

Where to buy Cannabis

You can buy weed online from the numerous online stores that stock quality cannabis-based products. Hemp oil and pure CBD concentrate, which are cannabis products, are available in the cannabis store.

On the other hand, some doctors may give you a prescription for medical Cannabis, especially if you experience severe side effects from chemotherapy such as vomiting, nausea or epilepsy.

How to take Cannabis

• Solution inhaled through a vaping device.
• Smoking dried leaves.
• Take it with your edibles such as cookies, brownies or lollipop.
• Use creams or lotions.
• Drops of the cannabis concentrate placed under the tongue.

Conclusion

The increased research on Cannabis and its ability to treat and it’s potential to reduce some of the side effects of chemotherapy is remarkably positive.

If you are a breast cancer patient and interested in trying out Cannabis to treat or relieve chemotherapy side effects, this article on all you need to know about Cannabis and breast cancer will guide you in making an informed decision on whether to try it or not.