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Opioid Reduction in Cancer Patients Using Medical Marijuana

Cancer patients often experience complications that can significantly affect their quality of life. Both cancer and its treatments may cause symptoms such as pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and insomnia. For decades, opioids have been prescribed to help manage cancer-related pain, but they can also cause side effects including nausea, drowsiness, constipation, and carry the risk of dependence. These concerns have contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States.

Medical marijuana has emerged as an alternative treatment option that may help relieve many of the symptoms associated with cancer and cancer therapies.

Medical Marijuana and Reduced Opioid Use

According to a 2020 report released by cannabis consultancy Nucleus One, four of the top 25 U.S. cities for opioid abuse are located in Texas: Texarkana, Amarillo, Odessa, and Longview. Between 2000 and 2018, Texas recorded 19,497 opioid-related deaths. The Texas opioid crisis is also estimated to cost the state approximately $20 billion each year.

The report found a 14.4% reduction in prescribed opioid use in states with medical cannabis programs, with 41% of opioid users reporting reduced opioid consumption after using cannabis. Colorado also reported a 7% decrease in opioid-related mortality.

Several studies have associated legal access to medical cannabis with lower rates of opioid use, opioid-related hospitalizations, opioid misuse, and overdose deaths.

One clinical study involving patients with stage IV cancer examined the use of THC and CBD alongside prescription opioids. Participants completed regular assessments of pain, opioid use, cannabis use, side effects, and overall satisfaction. Many reported reduced opioid consumption and improved pain control while using medical cannabis.

Medical marijuana and cancer treatment

Medical Marijuana for Cancer Symptoms

Medical marijuana has been studied for its ability to reduce symptoms related to both cancer and cancer treatment while improving patients’ quality of life. The Minnesota medical marijuana program routinely collects symptom reports from participating patients.

Cancer patients reported improvements in symptoms including:

Anxiety
Loss of appetite
Depression
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Pain

Patients reported meaningful reductions in symptom severity after using medical cannabis. Many also indicated that treatment was well tolerated and produced lasting improvements. According to Nucleus One, medical marijuana may reduce or replace opioid prescriptions while offering fewer side effects, improved symptom control, and lower withdrawal risk.

Medical cannabis has also gained widespread support as a palliative treatment for cancer. In one study, researchers analyzed patient outcomes after six months of participation in a medical cannabis treatment program. Among those who remained in the study, 95.9% reported improvement in their overall condition.

Is Cancer a Qualifying Condition in the Medical Marijuana Program in Texas?

Yes. All cancer diagnoses qualify for medical marijuana in Texas. To review your eligibility at no cost, complete the Schedule a Free Consultation form below. If approved, you’ll be scheduled for a virtual appointment with a registered physician.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

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Delivery

New Braunfels

North Austin

South Austin

San Antonio

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Nacogdoches

Tyler

Hurst

Fort Worth

Frisco

North Dallas

Plano

Conroe

Houston Heights

Sugar Land

The Woodlands

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