Yo, what up everyone? My name’s Dan and I’m here to talk to you about something that affects a lot of people – cancer. It’s a scary thing to think about, but unfortunately, it’s a reality for many of us. And if that wasn’t bad enough, the side effects from treatments like chemotherapy can be just as tough to handle.
But don’t worry, there’s hope. Did you know that over two-thirds of American states now have medical marijuana programs? And cancer is often listed as a qualifying condition. While marijuana may not be able to cure cancer, it can potentially make dealing with the diagnosis and treatment much easier.
So, in this article, we’re gonna focus on the best marijuana strains for chemotherapy side effects. Keep reading to find out more about how they could help.
How Can Cannabis Help with Chemo Side Effects?
When doctors use chemotherapy, they’re trying to destroy cancer cells and stop them from spreading throughout your body. Unfortunately, chemotherapy can also damage healthy cells and lead to a long list of side effects. These can include things like:
– Loss of appetite
– Nausea and vomiting
– Constipation or diarrhea
– Anemia
– Bleeding or bruising easily
– Sleep problems
– Fatigue
– Flu-like symptoms
– Increased risk of infections
– Edema
– Bladder problems
– Sexual dysfunction and fertility problems
– Hair loss
– Pain
Dealing with all these issues, on top of the uncertainty of having cancer, can cause a lot of stress, anxiety, and depression. But don’t worry, because the cannabinoids in marijuana – like THC and CBD – might be able to help.
For example, THC might be able to suppress nausea and stimulate your appetite, help you sleep better, and relieve pain. CBD can also reduce pain and inflammation while reducing anxiety and helping you sleep better. Plus, there are over 100 other cannabinoids in cannabis that all have their own potential benefits.
Terpenes are another group of compounds in cannabis that affect the smell and taste of different strains. They also influence whether a strain is primarily relaxing or uplifting in its effects.
The FDA has already approved two cannabinoid-based medicines – Dronabinol (Marinol) and Nabilone (Cesamet) – to treat chemotherapy side effects. However, these drugs are made in a lab and don’t contain the full range of compounds found in natural marijuana.
That’s why many people prefer using natural marijuana to deal with chemo side effects. But with so many strains out there, it can be hard to know which one will work best for you.
So, if you’re wondering which cannabis strains to use for chemotherapy side effects, keep reading. We’ve put together a list of the top 5 strains that might be able to help.
Top 5 Marijuana Strains for Chemotherapy Side Effects
Chemotherapy can cause different side effects for different people, so finding the right strain for you might take some trial and error. Some strains are more uplifting and energizing (known as sativas), while others are more physical and relaxing (known as indicas).
Both types of strains can help with things like nausea and appetite loss, but some may be better than others depending on your individual symptoms. Here are our top 5 cannabis strains for chemo side effects:
1. Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a classic strain that has been around for a while. It’s an indica-dominant strain (around 90%) that was created by crossing Afghani and Thai landrace strains.
This strain has a THC content of around 15–22% and its CBD content is usually under 1%. Patients often use Northern Lights to relieve symptoms such as nausea, appetite loss, insomnia, and depression.
2. Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple – sometimes known as Granddaddy Purps – is another good strain for relieving chemo side effects. It’s an indica-dominant strain (around 80%) that was created by crossing the Big Bud and Purple Urkle strains.
It has a generous THC content of 17–24%, and less than 1% CBD. One of the most common reasons people choose Granddaddy Purple is to increase appetite as it is well-known for causing ‘the munchies.’ It may also help with pain, insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
3. ACDC
ACDC is a bit different from the other strains on this list because it has very little THC (0.5–1.2%) but a high CBD content (16–24%). This means that it’s ideal for people who want to experience the benefits of cannabis without getting high.
This strain is actually a sativa-dominant phenotype of another popular medical strain called Cannatonic. Patients often use it to relieve symptoms such as pain (including nerve pain), stress, depression, and insomnia.
4. Cannatonic
Cannatonic is another strain that’s great for relieving chemotherapy side effects. It’s a hybrid of both indica and sativa genetics (50/50) and has a THC content of 6–17%. Its CBD content is usually higher, ranging from 6–17%.
This strain is often used to treat symptoms such as fatigue, chronic pain, and depression. Its uplifting effects may also provide some relief from stress and anxiety.
5. Harlequin
Harlequin is an ideal strain for those who want to avoid the all-too-common ‘couch-lock’ feeling from many indicas. This strain is actually sativa-dominant (around 75%) and has a THC content of 8–16% and a CBD content of 8–16%.
It’s a great strain for relieving muscle tension, headaches, and inflammation. It may also be a good option for those looking for an uplifting experience without feeling too ‘high.’
Final Thoughts on Marijuana Strains for Chemo Side Effects
If you’re dealing with chemotherapy side effects, you may find that marijuana can offer some relief. While it’s important to speak to your doctor before trying cannabis, it’s worth looking into if you’re struggling with any of the issues mentioned above.
Remember, there are many different marijuana strains out there and each one has its own unique effects. We hope this article gave you a better idea of which strains might be best for chemo side effects. Just remember to start low and go slow – that way you can figure out which strain works best for you. Stay safe and stay high!