Medical Marijuana

[radiantquest]

I am not a smoker and I do not condone pot smoking, but since my DH''s recent health issues he is ill almost all of the time. Other people that I know that have been treated with chemotherapy say that marijuana is the only thing that got them through. I am wondering if this is an avenue we should venture down. I have read that many prominent people use marijuana for medical uses. The one that surprised me the most was Montel Williams. He does not strike me as a stoner so that makes me think that maybe it is not all bad.

What is your opinion and/or experience with a similar situation?

 

[brooklyngirl]

If there is a chance that marijuana can help your DH through chemotherapy, and results in his having a better quality of life, I'm all for it! Perhaps you should try to find a doctor who would prescribe it, and see if it helps.

I don't smoke, but I know several people who do, and they certainly wouldn't strike anyone as "stoners." Every person reacts to things differently, and any substance can be abused if that is something the person using it prone to doing.

If it's something that can help your DH, I hope you pursue it, and to h3ll with the stigma.

 

[LaurenThePartier]

Date: 8/19/2009 8:24:33 PM
Author: brooklyngirl
If there is a chance that marijuana can help your DH through chemotherapy, and results in his having a better quality of life, I'm all for it! Perhaps you should try to find a doctor who would prescribe it, and see if it helps.

I don't smoke, but I know several people who do, and they certainly wouldn't strike anyone as 'stoners.' Every person reacts to things differently, and any substance can be abused if that is something the person using it prone to doing.

If it's something that can help your DH, I hope you pursue it, and to h3ll with the stigma.

Ditto.

Radiantquest, I have also heard friends and colleagues sing the praises of medicinal marijuana and that it is all that helped them deal with chronic pain from pancreatitis, or the effects of chemotherapy. For many of them, there was a mental leap to getting past the inherent illegality and stigma of it, but once they did, the quality of their lives improved dramatically. If you're worried about the "smoking" aspect of it all, you can also ingest medicinal marijuana in the form of cookies/brownies, or through a vaporizer, so "smoking" is no longer the issue. I learned all of this while my former boss in CA was going through breast cancer. She's a 4 year survivor now.

I wish your husband continued healing and am sending dust your way.

 

[atroop711]

I''m all for the use of medical marijuana esp if it helps the person cope with what they are going through. I would look into this

 

[BeachRunner]

Medical marijuana has plenty of benefits for people on chemotherapy. Marijuana can increase appetite, reduce nausea, etc. People have many stereotypes of people who smoke, which are ridiculous, IMO. I think if marijuana will reduce the negative symptoms that go along with chemotherapy for your DH, then by all means, use it!

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 8/19/2009 9:25:48 PM
Author: atroop711
I''m all for the use of medical marijuana esp if it helps the person cope with what they are going through. I would look into this

Ditto. If it helps, then why not?? I think it''s helped many, so am all for it.

 

[movie zombie]

use it. life is too short to be miserable. the fear of addiction to this herb is overstated.

mz

 

[Lynnie]

I agree with the others- if it helps, use it. I'm a nurse, and have given out Marinol to cancer patients - it's an FDA approved pill that contains synthetic THC (the active ingredient in marijuana).

A blip from the US DEA website:
Medical marijuana already exists. It's called Marinol.
A pharmaceutical product, Marinol, is widely available through prescription. It comes in the form of a pill and is also being studied by researchers for suitability via other delivery methods, such as an inhaler or patch. The active ingredient of Marinol is synthetic THC, which has been found to relieve the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy for cancer patients and to assist with loss of appetite with AIDS patients.
Unlike smoked marijuana--which contains more than 400 different chemicals, including most of the hazardous chemicals found in tobacco smoke-Marinol has been studied and approved by the medical community and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the nation's watchdog over unsafe and harmful food and drug products. Since the passage of the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act, any drug that is marketed in the United States must undergo rigorous scientific testing. The approval process mandated by this act ensures that claims of safety and therapeutic value are supported by clinical evidence and keeps unsafe, ineffective and dangerous drugs off the market.
There are no FDA-approved medications that are smoked. For one thing, smoking is generally a poor way to deliver medicine. It is difficult to administer safe, regulated dosages of medicines in smoked form. Secondly, the harmful chemicals and carcinogens that are byproducts of smoking create entirely new health problems. There are four times the level of tar in a marijuana cigarette, for example, than in a tobacco cigarette

I had a patient who had lost a ton of weight from chemo, and she swore that it was the only thing that got her through, and kept her eating.
Good luck to you and your DH, I'll be keeping you guys in my thoughts.

ETA: This may be a better option for your DH to try, if he is not a smoker, or if you or any of your family have asthma or allegeries to smoke in general. But the smoked form works just as well, and is just as valid an option.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/20/2009 12:27:29 AM
Author: movie zombie
use it. life is too short to be miserable. the fear of addiction to this herb is overstated.

mz

Totally. And there''s just real a "stigma" to it, for some reason. I blame Cheech and Chong.

I saw an interview not long ago with Melissa Etheridge, she uses it. And interestingly enough, she said she doesn''t even actually get "high" from it. She didn''t say why not, if she knew, just that it made her feel so much better/normal. I''m wondering if it is because one feels so wretched, it just takes that away, without any other "affects"? (Lynnie, maybe you know) Not sure, but at any rate, I''m all for it, and the Marinol.

There are SO many other "legal" drugs on the market that are FAR more addictive/dangerous. Crazy.



RQ, I hope you find something to make your DH feel better.

 

[LilyKat]

If your husband has any history or family history of mental health problems, I wouldn't touch it. It might be the field I work in, but I've just seen too much drug-induced psychosis (even with small amounts).

Otherwise, just make sure you research it carefully first and think about who/what your source will be.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

My friend has multiple sclerosis and MM helps her. She is ultra thin - 5' 8" and under 110 and needs anything that can help increase her appetite. She's been sick for a long time. DX at age 18 and is 36 now. I'm not sure how long she's had her prescription, but she does have one and it's legal for medical use where we live.

FWIW, she's been on just about every medication known, so it was after years and years she tried out pot and she says it's helped her more than everything. ETA - she will actually call me excited if she is able to finish her whole breakfast on her own - that's how reliant she is on anything that will increase her appitite..

Often when we talk on the phone, she drops it because her hands are numb. She can't even get out of bed to walk to the bathroom since she is so sick, so I'm not going to judge her about what does help her feel a bit better. Screw those who do.

 

[House Cat]

Date: 8/20/2009 9:11:22 AM
Author: Lynnie

I agree with the others- if it helps, use it. I''m a nurse, and have given out Marinol to cancer patients - it''s an FDA approved pill that contains synthetic THC (the active ingredient in marijuana).

A blip from the US DEA website:
Medical marijuana already exists. It''s called Marinol.
A pharmaceutical product, Marinol, is widely available through prescription. It comes in the form of a pill and is also being studied by researchers for suitability via other delivery methods, such as an inhaler or patch. The active ingredient of Marinol is synthetic THC, which has been found to relieve the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy for cancer patients and to assist with loss of appetite with AIDS patients.
Unlike smoked marijuana--which contains more than 400 different chemicals, including most of the hazardous chemicals found in tobacco smoke-Marinol has been studied and approved by the medical community and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the nation''s watchdog over unsafe and harmful food and drug products. Since the passage of the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act, any drug that is marketed in the United States must undergo rigorous scientific testing. The approval process mandated by this act ensures that claims of safety and therapeutic value are supported by clinical evidence and keeps unsafe, ineffective and dangerous drugs off the market.
There are no FDA-approved medications that are smoked. For one thing, smoking is generally a poor way to deliver medicine. It is difficult to administer safe, regulated dosages of medicines in smoked form. Secondly, the harmful chemicals and carcinogens that are byproducts of smoking create entirely new health problems. There are four times the level of tar in a marijuana cigarette, for example, than in a tobacco cigarette

I had a patient who had lost a ton of weight from chemo, and she swore that it was the only thing that got her through, and kept her eating.
Good luck to you and your DH, I''ll be keeping you guys in my thoughts.

ETA: This may be a better option for your DH to try, if he is not a smoker, or if you or any of your family have asthma or allegeries to smoke in general. But the smoked form works just as well, and is just as valid an option.

Lynnie,

I have always heard that Marinol is addictive. Have you seen this in any of your patients?

Taken from Drugs.com http://www.drugs.com/cdi/marinol.html

"Some people who use Marinol for a long time may develop a need to continue taking it. People who take high doses are also at risk. This is known as DEPENDENCE or addiction. If you stop taking Marinol suddenly, you may have WITHDRAWAL symptoms. These may include hiccups, "hot flashes," loose stools, loss of appetite, runny nose, and sweating."
This would deter me from Marinol and encourage me to use the real thing. If smoking is a problem, you can always use a vaporizer. There is no smoke involved, and it takes the harmful effects of the smoking factor out of using marijuana. If you have a prescription for Marijuana, you will most likely buy from a vendor who will also sell various paraphernalia for using it. They will have vaporizers there. Also, they will sell candy bars, popsicles, cookies, etc with marijuana in them. Smoking isn''t the only way.

If you haven''t already gathered, I''m pro medical marijuana, especially for patients undergoing chemo.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 8/20/2009 12:47:51 PM
Author: House Cat


Lynnie,

I have always heard that Marinol is addictive. Have you seen this in any of your patients?

Housecat - my friend said the real thing works, whereas the pill version (not sure if she said marinol - must have been) didn''t help her. She does use a vaporizer.

About a year back, she went to a pain clinic, and believe it or not, she was given an RX for Methadone! For Multiple Sclerosis!!! Somehow, they saw that as more beneficial than a natural herb. Very disturbing. Of couse, it made her sick!

 

[LGK]

Unless Marinol contains something other than just THC, it''s probably classified as psychologically addictive but not physically addictive. (But, chocolate or nail biting can be psychologically addictive.)

THC does *not* cause physical withdrawal. Ever had the fun of seeing a heroin addict kick? I have. That''s physical addiction. If you stop using marijuana, you may have some mental cravings for it but you''re not going to be wishing you were dead due to physical withdrawal symptoms. The mental aspect tends to lighten up after about a week at most from what I''ve seen.

I would hope your DH doesn''t feel judged or stigmatized if he finds relief from marijuana. Frankly it''s safer than alcohol or tobacco. The only caveat I''d say is if he has any history of schizophrenia or family predisposition for it, to be very very careful. Good luck to you guys.

(No, I don''t smoke it. Ever. Panic attacks aren''t fun. But, unfortunately, I''ve known plenty of users of all kinds of substances over the years.)

 

[kenny]

How do people function, as in drive a car, or work if they are under the influence of marijuana?
Or is this for people who are so ill they are bedridden?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 8/20/2009 4:38:12 PM
Author: kenny
How do people function, as in drive a car, or work if they are under the influence of marijuana?
Or is this for people who are so ill they are bedridden?

My friend cannot drive because she is so sick, so to answer your question, SHE is dependant upon others to drive her around (so she's not getting high and buzzing about town). I cannot imagine any person sick from chemo and barely able to stand up, taking a hit off a joint, then hopping in their car and heading to the mall food court.

Getting a RX for med. marjuana isn't easy. It's not handed out left and right. To get an RX, the patient has to have proven that no other alternatives have been successful.

 

[kenny]

Thanks MC.

 

[Lynnie]

Date: 8/20/2009 12:47:51 PM
Author: House Cat


Lynnie,

I have always heard that Marinol is addictive. Have you seen this in any of your patients?

Taken from Drugs.com http://www.drugs.com/cdi/marinol.html

''Some people who use Marinol for a long time may develop a need to continue taking it. People who take high doses are also at risk. This is known as DEPENDENCE or addiction. If you stop taking Marinol suddenly, you may have WITHDRAWAL symptoms. These may include hiccups, ''hot flashes,'' loose stools, loss of appetite, runny nose, and sweating.''

This would deter me from Marinol and encourage me to use the real thing. If smoking is a problem, you can always use a vaporizer. There is no smoke involved, and it takes the harmful effects of the smoking factor out of using marijuana. If you have a prescription for Marijuana, you will most likely buy from a vendor who will also sell various paraphernalia for using it. They will have vaporizers there. Also, they will sell candy bars, popsicles, cookies, etc with marijuana in them. Smoking isn''t the only way.

If you haven''t already gathered, I''m pro medical marijuana, especially for patients undergoing chemo.

I haven''t heard of this...I am by no means a Marinol expert. I don''t work on an oncology floor, but do deal with cancer patients from time to time.

In regards to the highlighted portion, I would figure that if an addiction is a possibility, then the Dr. would taper you off, just as if you were to stop taking a narcotic, benzo or steroid. And those specific symptoms listed seem like they would be far more easier to deal with than withdrawl from narcotics, alcohol or heroine. Shoot, I get headaches if I don''t have my caffiene! Also, symptomatic withdrawl shouldn''t happen if a patient is correctly tapered off, whether it be narcotics or whatever.

I just suggested it, because it''s a safe alternative to smoking it, and I have seen patients benefit from it. But the herb works just as well, and you don''t have to smoke it all the time... you can bake with it, too, like others have said. In any form, it can be a miracle drug.
Housecat, thanks, though, for your post - I never knew it could be addictive... I''m gonna go read up some more!

MC.. Methadone, what a scary drug. Talk about zoning people out.

 

[Vix]

Very sorry to hear of your husband's illness.

In addition to exploring medical marijuana, you all may want to look into medical acupuncture/integrative medicine to help manage his side effects (if you haven't done so already). I'm not sure where you live, but but I know that many hospitals with integrative medicine programs will do phone consults with care providers.

Here's a podcast from the Mayo Clinic on the topic:

Mayo

Article that includes comments from Mayo and MD Anderson docs:

Article


And just an overview of Stanford's services:

Stanford

Best of luck to you both.

 

[Haven]

My grandmother took the pill form for a while during her treatment for lung cancer. She said it helped her symptoms.