Medical Marijuana and Mesothelioma: A Valuable Treatment Option?

In recent years, the benefits of medical marijuana have been widely debated, both in popular culture and the medical community. The strong emotions and spirited debates surrounding the topic can often cast an overly large shadow on any discussion involving medical marijuana, but the fact remains that scientific study of marijuana has led to FDA-approved medications that contain cannabinoid chemicals.

Increasingly, mesothelioma doctors are coming to accept that medical marijuana should be included as an option for managing a patient’s mesothelioma symptoms.

Most Oncologists Discuss Medical Marijuana with Their Cancer Patients, According to Survey

Many mesothelioma patients have considered medical marijuana as a way to treat mesothelioma side effects and manage symptoms. Now, it appears increasingly likely that a patient’s mesothelioma doctor will be discussing these issues with the patient.

A survey published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reveals that nearly 4 in 5 oncologists now discuss medical marijuana with cancer patients. The majority of doctors who discuss medical marijuana do so in one of the 28 states where medical marijuana is legal. The vast majority of these conversations, the survey found, were initiated by the patient or a family member of the patient.

In this respect, there is plenty of progress being made, but unfortunately, fewer than one-third of the doctors surveyed felt knowledgeable enough to make medical recommendations on the subject of marijuana. In short, more education is needed so that doctors can provide patients with better information that will lead to a more informed decision on medical marijuana use.

It should be noted, however, that the survey shows that most oncologists believe medical marijuana is helpful in alleviating cancer pain. The majority of those surveyed also believed that it has less risk of addiction and overdose death than opioids.

In light of this recent survey, it is important to remember that the American Cancer Society’s current stance on medical marijuana is that cannabinoids and medical marijuana may be capable of slowing the growth and reducing the spread of some forms of cancer. This assessment was made based on promising animal studies, but it is clear that more research, knowledge and education on the subject is needed.

Still, there are many patient testimonials advocating for the benefits of medical marijuana in the treatment of mesothelioma. This much is an established fact, but medical marijuana may also be more difficult for some patients to access, depending on their state of residence.

Oklahoma is the most recent state to vote in favor of medical marijuana as of late June 2018, making medical marijuana of some form legal in 30 states. If you have any questions about the legality of medical marijuana in your state or the treatment options for your mesothelioma or a loved one’s diagnosis, our team at the nationally recognized Ledger Law Firm is here to help.

Contact us to discuss your mesothelioma case and take the next steps toward filing a claim that will help you recover deserved compensation if your disease was caused by a legally responsible party.