What You Can Expect From Medical Marijuana for a Terminal Illness

Millions of Americans have terminal illnesses, such as stage 4 cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other progressive conditions. And if you’re one of them, you’ve likely explored various treatments to help ease symptoms and improve your quality of life.

One therapy growing in popularity is medical marijuana, but how exactly does it benefit people with terminal illnesses? 

At MediCalm, board-certified physician Kimberlee Park, DO, regularly helps terminally ill patients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey access medical marijuana therapy via telehealth. Here, discover how medical marijuana may help, what to expect with dosing, and how to get started with a prescription. 

Medical marijuana may relieve symptoms, but it isn’t a cure

There’s a lot of hype online and in the media about medical marijuana’s healing potential, and it’s important to have realistic expectations. More specifically, remember that medical marijuana can’t cure terminal conditions.

Still, many people with advanced cancer and other life-limiting conditions benefit from this natural, plant-based therapy’s ability to:

• Reduce chronic pain
• Prevent and treat nausea
• Boost appetite
• Ease anxiety and depression
• Promote restful sleep

Despite these benefits, it doesn’t work for everyone. As with prescription medications, medical marijuana affects everyone differently and may cause side effects.

Forms and dosing options

You can consume medical marijuana in various ways, including oils, tinctures, edibles, capsules, vapes, and flower. This versatility makes it a great option for people who may have difficulty swallowing or need to avoid smoking due to their symptoms. 

Different delivery methods may work better for specific symptoms. For example, edibles usually take an hour or two to kick in, but can relieve pain for hours, while vaping oil or smoking flower can stimulate appetite within minutes. 

Because everyone responds to medical marijuana differently, Dr. Park typically prescribes low doses at first and adjusts her recommendations over time.

Talking with a medical professional

Sometimes, people put off talking to their doctor about medical marijuana because of the stigma around the drug. Attitudes toward marijuana have changed significantly in the past 10 years, but some folks still consider it an illicit substance. 

First, know that there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Research shows its therapeutic effects may include pain relief, nausea reduction, increased appetite, and better sleep.

Second, not every doctor is familiar with medical marijuana. Seeing a licensed and experienced medical marijuana provider like Dr. Park ensures that you receive the specialized care this therapy requires.

During your first appointment, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the risks, benefits, or any concerns you have. And because medical marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, receiving a legal cannabis card can provide peace of mind.

Find out if medical marijuana is right for you

If you’re living with a terminal illness and struggling to manage side effects, medical marijuana may provide the relief you’ve been looking for. To learn more about the benefits, request a consultation at MediCalm today. Call 484-440-9494 or book online to schedule your telehealth appointment.