My mother, a conservative woman from Alabama, never imagined she’d turn to cannabis for relief. Growing up, she was the epitome of a pearl-wearing, church-going non-drinker. But when she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, everything changed.
The battle against cancer was intense. After a major surgery, my mother underwent both chemotherapy and radiation. Months into the treatment, she developed “chemo brain,” a condition that made it difficult for her to think clearly. She was considering stopping the treatment, which would have meant giving up on life.
At that time, cannabis was illegal in Florida, but I convinced her to travel to California to try cannabis products. Reluctantly, she agreed, and we spent two weeks there. The results were nothing short of miraculous.
Pain Relief: Cannabis helped my mother manage the constant pain she experienced from her treatments. Studies have shown that cannabis can be an effective pain reliever, especially for chronic pain. Different strains of cannabis, such as OG Kush and Sour Diesel, are known for their pain-relieving properties. OG Kush, for example, is a hybrid strain that offers a balance of both indica and sativa effects, making it suitable for various medicinal uses, including pain management.
Weight Gain: Chemotherapy often causes severe nausea and loss of appetite, leading to significant weight loss. Cannabis helped stimulate her appetite, allowing her to gain weight and regain some of her strength. Strains like OG Kush are known to stimulate appetite and combat nausea, making them beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Sleep: One of the most profound benefits was improved sleep. Cannabis helped her finally get the rest she desperately needed, which is crucial for recovery and overall well-being. Different consumption methods, such as edibles and tinctures, can provide long-lasting effects and help with sleep issues.
Chemotherapy Side Effects: Chemotherapy can cause a range of side effects, including nausea and vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and neuropathy (nerve pain). Cannabis has been shown to help with many of these side effects. For example, CBD-rich strains can help alleviate nausea and vomiting, while THC can help with pain and improve sleep.
After returning home, my mother completed her chemotherapy and has been cancer-free for almost 20 years. Her only regret is that cannabis was not legal in Florida at the time, as she wanted to help other chemotherapy patients she had bonded with during her treatment.
Today, my mother is a strong advocate for the medical use of cannabis. Her journey is a testament to the potential benefits of this plant in managing the side effects of cancer treatment.