According to a new study, regular cannabis use has been linked to reduced pain and improved cognition in cancer patients. It was likewise found to be beneficial for individuals receiving chemotherapy. While this may seem contrary to the long-held belief that cannabis causes cognitive impairment, this side effect was found to be temporary.
Unexpected Results
A study conducted by the University of Colorado found that patients who consumed cannabis over two weeks experienced clearer thinking, which was an unexpected outcome since many researchers anticipated cognitive impairments. Angela Bryan, one of the researchers, noted, “People actually felt like they were thinking more clearly. It was a surprise.” Participants also reported improvements in sleep quality and a reduction in pain related to chemotherapy and cancer.
In this study, participants had the option to choose from various edibles available at Colorado dispensaries, including gummies, baked goods, and cannabis-infused tinctures. This approach contrasts with other studies where patients are restricted to pharmaceutical-grade cannabis from federally approved sources, which typically have lower levels of THC and other beneficial cannabinoids. As a result, lawmakers are advocating for changes that would permit researchers to obtain cannabis from dispensaries. However, this practice remains largely limited due to the federal prohibition of cannabis, requiring participants to procure their own cannabis from dispensaries and share their experiences.
The Benefits of Studying Cannabis Grown In State Markets
The research has shown that investigating the effects of state-grown cannabis available in the market offers numerous advantages. The findings indicate that cannabis has considerable therapeutic potential, although further research is necessary to understand the varying effects of different edible products. The study found that participants who consumed CBD-rich edibles reported less pain compared to those who ingested THC-rich edibles. Researchers visited each participant’s home using a mobile laboratory to conduct a range of cognitive and physical assessments before and after cannabis use.
Initially, participants noted a reduction in pain within an hour of consumption, but this was accompanied by a sense of intoxication that affected their cognitive functions. However, during follow-up sessions over a two-week span, participants indicated that the initial impairment gave way to improved mental clarity. Objective measures, including reaction time, also showed enhancements with long-term use. The study’s authors stated, “This observational study is among the first of its kind to examine associations between legal market, palliative cannabis use, and subjective and objective outcomes among cancer patients.” They express hope that these preliminary findings will guide future, larger studies on this subject.
The Importance of Improved Cognitive Function
Many healthcare professionals and patients are worried about the possible adverse effects of traditional cancer treatments. Thus, enhancing our understanding of how cannabis can aid cognitive function is crucial. The search for effective pain management solutions has become increasingly urgent, particularly in light of the rising opioid crisis. Research has shown a decrease in opioid prescriptions and overdose rates associated with cannabis legalization.
For instance, a study published by the American Medical Association found that patients with chronic pain experienced a significant drop in their opioid prescriptions after just one month of using medical cannabis. Another study indicated that certain cancer patients also saw a similar decrease in opioid consumption following medical cannabis use. Additionally, research has linked state-level cannabis legalization to a significant reduction in codeine prescriptions. Any medically approved product that can enhance cognitive function in cancer patients while decreasing opioid dependency warrants further investigation.