A groundbreaking study recently published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship has unveiled the widespread adoption of cannabis among individuals who have triumphed over cancer.

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In-Depth Analysis of the Study

• Carried out at a prominent cancer center in Houston, Texas, the research involved 1,886 participants from 41 U.S. states undergoing cancer treatment.
• The study revealed that 17.4% of respondents were current cannabis users, 30.5% were former users, and 52.2% had never used marijuana.
• Among the 510 participants who turned to cannabis after their cancer diagnosis, 60% endorsed the management of sleep disturbances, 51% for pain, 44% for stress, 34% for nausea, and 32% for mood disorders or depression as their reasons for usage, as reported by Marijuana Moment.

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Exploring Cannabis as Symptomatic Relief

Notably, a significant proportion reported remarkable symptomatic relief, with 47.7% acknowledging marijuana’s notable effectiveness in managing cancer and 74% of those using it for nausea and vomiting seeing considerable benefits.

However, the study brought to light a low awareness of potential health risks linked to cannabis use during cancer treatment. Only 1 in 10 participants were cognizant of such risks, including suicidal thoughts (5%), intense nausea and vomiting (6%), depression (11%), anxiety (14%), breathing problems (31%), and drug interactions (35%).

Author Recommendations: Policy and Education

Scientists from the University of Texas’s MD Anderson Cancer Center stressed the urgent need for medical guidance on cannabis use within the broader context of cancer treatment.

“With most survivors reporting benefits from cannabis use in cancer management, there is a need for additional studies to reinforce existing evidence on cannabis therapeutics,” they emphasized, also calling for the development of policies, clear guidelines, and education programs for healthcare providers and survivors regarding the use, benefits, and risks of cannabis in cancer management.

As the medical community grapples with these findings, reputable industry players, such as Verano Holdings Corp. VRNOF and TILT Holdings Inc. TLLTF, alongside its subsidiary Standard Farms, have recently made contributions to breast cancer awareness initiatives.

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