Most of the use of cannabis related to the treatment of nausea appears to be in concerned with cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Nausea is a common side effect of most chemotherapy medications. In order to reduce nausea, a patient, who is already reeling under the effects of the toxic medications that the body is trying to eject, is given an additional synthetic pharmaceutical drug to prevent nausea and vomiting. Essentially, the body's natural mechanism of trying to eliminate toxins is suppressed, enabling the toxins to remain in the system, and possibly ultimately destroy the liver and kidneys. So is it any wonder that the survival rate for cancer patients is so dismal?
Nausea is common in pregnant women. Some people undergo nausea due to motion sickness. Many people undergo nausea when their digestive processes are inhibited. Quite often, vomiting as a result of nausea, leaves the person drained out and fatigued.
Mind you, the inducing of nausea to make a person vomit out the contents of the stomach is one of the pillars of ayurveda. It enables a person to restore the body's state of health by eliminating excess material in the body that leads to disease.
The popularity of cannabis among cancer patients is primarily due to its ability to reduce chemotherapy related nausea. Relenting to pressure from patients, many physicians are starting to prescribe cannabis for chemotherapy induced nausea in places where cannabis has been legalized for medical purposes. These places are few. In most places around the world, the patient has no access to cannabis.
One of the key arguments used by persons in favor of cannabis prohibition is that pregnant women will use it, thus adversely affecting the child in the womb. It should be noted that in 19th century India, according to studies carried out by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission of 1895, cannabis was specifically administered to pregnant women. Mr. C. E. S. Stafford Steele, Officiating Deputy Commissioner, Thar and Parkar District, giving evidence as witness to the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission, states that - "Respectable women, however, take bhang in moderate quantities, chiefly when pregnant, as a narcotic." Another witness who speaks about bhang use by pregnant women is Dr. S. M. Kaka, Medical Officer of Health, Karachi. He says "Females in the interesting condition and children are given bhang by their relations to induce sleep." It is most likely that these pregnant women took cannabis, as bhang, to reduce nausea. Today, however, pregnant women are prescribed synthetic pharmaceutical medication for nausea.
Wikipedia lists the following classes of drugs for nausea - 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (side effects - constipation or diarrhea, dry mouth, and fatigue), dopamine antogonists (side effects - muscle spasms and restlessness), antihistamines, benzodiazepines, steroids, and scopolamine.
Cannabis has been known to improve digestion, increase appetite, and reduce bloating. One of the common effects that any regular cannabis user will tell you about is its ability to produce smooth bowel movements the following morning. The digestive system is one of the areas with high concentrations of endocannabinoid receptors in the human body. Cannabis is also known to not harm the kidneys or liver.
But then cannabis has been prohibited in most places in the world, leaving most persons at the mercy of the dangerous synthetic pharmaceutical drugs, if they can access them and afford them that is. All in all, the entire prohibition of cannabis can aptly be termed as nauseating.
Related articles
The following articles, appearing in various media, speak about the subject.
'Researchers reported that the adjunctive use of cannabis extracts was associated with reductions in patients’ nausea and vomiting, and also with improvements in subjects’ overall quality of life. Although the majority of patients did report side-effects, these effects were largely limited to non-serious events such as sedation and dizziness.
They concluded: “The oral THC:CBD cannabis extract was active and tolerable in preventing CINV [chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting], when combined with guideline-consistent antiemetic prophylaxis for a study population with refractory CINV. … Further research is necessary to determine the significance and durability of improvements observed in specific AQOL-8D [quality of life] dimensions.”'
https://norml.org/news/2021/07/15/clinical-trial-cannabis-extracts-effective-for-refractory-chemotherapy-induced-nausea
Discussion: Here we review in vitro and in vivo evidence for the effectiveness of the nonpsychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) in managing nausea and vomiting. In addition, we also review the evidence for CBD's acidic precursor, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and a methylated version of CBDA (CBDA-ME) in these phenomena. Finally, we explore the potential role of CBD in the treatment of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.
Conclusions: CBD has demonstrated efficacy in reducing nausea and vomiting, with CBDA and CBDA-ME being more potent. The data suggest a need for these compounds to be evaluated in clinical trials for their ability to reduce nausea and/or vomiting.'
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2021.0041
A total of 81 participants were randomised; 72 completing two cycles were included in the efficacy analyses and 78 not withdrawing consent were included in safety analyses. Median age was 55 years (range 29–80 years); 78% were female. Complete response was improved with THC:CBD from 14% to 25% (relative risk 1.77, 90% confidence interval 1.12–2.79, P = 0.041), with similar effects on absence of emesis, use of rescue medications, absence of significant nausea, and summary scores for the Functional Living Index-Emesis (FLIE). Thirty-one percent experienced moderate or severe cannabinoid-related adverse events such as sedation, dizziness, or disorientation, but 83% of participants preferred cannabis to placebo. No serious adverse events were attributed to THC:CBD.
Conclusion
The addition of oral THC:CBD to standard antiemetics was associated with less nausea and vomiting but additional side-effects. Most participants preferred THC:CBD to placebo. Based on these promising results, we plan to recruit an additional 170 participants to complete accrual for the definitive, phase III, parallel group analysis'
https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534%2820%2939996-8/fulltext
'Results
One hundred and fifty-three patients completed the survey.
The mean efficacy score of all anti-nausea treatments evaluated was
1.73. After adjustment, three treatments had scores statically higher
than the mean, including marijuana (2.75, p<0.0001), ondansetron
(2.64, p<0.0001), and promethazine (2.46, p<0.0001). Several
treatments, including many neuromodulators, complementary and
alternative treatments, erythromycin, and diphenhydramine had scores
statistically below average. Patients with more severe nausea responded
better to marijuana (p=0.036) and diphenhydramine (p<0.001) and less
so to metoclopramide (p=0.020). There was otherwise no significant
differential response by age, gender, nausea localization, underlying
gastrointestinal cause of nausea, and GCSI.'
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10620-020-06195-5
'Conclusions: Latest available prevalence estimates indicate that a significant proportion of patients in the United States with cancer use cannabis and/or cannabinoids (18.3-40.0%). There is substantial evidence for the effectiveness of cannabis and cannabinoids in treating cancer-related pain; specifically, oromucosal THC/CBD spray. There is conclusive evidence for the effectiveness of cannabis and cannabinoids in relieving chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting; specifically, oral THC.'
https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2020.38.15_suppl.12091
'Cannabis has been used to relieve the symptoms of disease for thousands of years. However, social and political biases have limited effective interrogation of the potential benefits of cannabis and polarised public opinion. Further, the medicinal and clinical utility of cannabis is limited by the psychotropic side effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC). Evidence is emerging for the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, with potential efficacy as an analgesic and antiemetic for the management of cancer-related pain and treatment-related nausea and vomiting, respectively. An increasing number of preclinical studies have established that delta9-THC can inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancerous cells through the modulation of cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R), but clinical confirmation remains lacking. In parallel, the anti-cancer properties of non-THC cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), are linked to the modulation of non-CB1R/CB2R G-protein-coupled receptors, neurotransmitter receptors, and ligand-regulated transcription factors, which together modulate oncogenic signalling and redox homeostasis. Additional evidence has also demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids, and this may prove relevant in the context of peritumoural oedema and the tumour immune microenvironment. This review aims to document the emerging mechanisms of anti-cancer actions of non-THC cannabinoids.'
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7226605/
'The researchers from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Oncology Research Center at HealthPartners/Park Nicollet found that patients with cancer who enrolled in Minnesota’s medical cannabis program reported significant improvement in symptoms, including reduced anxiety, lack of appetite, depression, disturbed sleep, fatigue, nausea, pain and vomiting, within four months of starting the medication.
“It is encouraging to see this evidence that Minnesota’s medical cannabis program is helping cancer patients,” said Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “In addition to helping people with qualifying conditions, the program was designed to help advance scientific understanding of the treatment potential of cannabis. These latest findings demonstrate that the program is making valuable contributions toward that goal as well.”'
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDH/bulletins/23cc6d0
'In a report publishing in the Journal of Palliative Medicine on March 26, researchers say that cancer patients were more likely to favor forms of medical marijuana with higher amounts of THC, which relieves cancer symptoms and the side effects of cancer treatment, including chronic pain, weight loss, and nausea.
By contrast, marijuana formulations higher in cannabidiol (CBD), which has been shown to reduce seizures and inflammation in other studies, were more popular among non-cancer patients, including those with epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, say the study authors.
Cancer patients were also more likely to prefer taking oil droplets containing medical marijuana under the tongue than "vaping".'
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-03/nlh-sst032219.php
'RESULTS:
A significant reduction in scores was found across all symptoms when comparing baseline scores with the average score submitted within the first 4 months of program participation (all Ps < .001). The proportion of patients achieving 30% or greater symptom reduction within the first 4 months of program participation varied from 27% (fatigue) to 50% (vomiting), with a smaller proportion both achieving and maintaining those improvements. Adverse effects were reported in a small proportion of patients (10.5%).
CONCLUSION:
Patients with cancer enrolled in Minnesota’s medical cannabis program showed significant reduction across all eight symptoms assessed within 4 months of program participation. Medical cannabis was well tolerated, and some patients attained clinically meaningful and lasting levels of improvement.'
http://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JOP.18.00562
'The cannabis plant contains a number of compounds with research-backed benefits for cancer patients. The science-based case that it is a safe and effective medicine will be made below, with plenty of links to double-blind studies, authoritative sources, and leading experts. The takeaway being that the plant and preparations derived from it can provide relief of cancer-related symptoms like pain, nausea, and inflammation. Some research has even shown that some cannabis compounds may slow cancer growth and shrink tumors.
Cannabis can also elevate your mood at critical moments, and even help you psychologically come to grips with the difficult times ahead. This is no small thing. Many of the medicines you will be prescribed, and procedures you will undergo—helpful as they may be—will leave you feeling depleted (to say the least).
Cannabis is restorative—to body and soul.'
https://www.leafly.com/news/health/how-to-use-medical-marijuana-for-cancer
'In a 1990 survey of more than 1000 oncologists on the use of cannabis for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, “almost one half (48%) would prescribe marijuana to some of their patients if it were legal.” In a recent survey, more than 90% of pediatric oncologists expressed willingness to help children access medical cannabis. A sample of general healthcare practitioners showed that 83% of respondents support the use of medical cannabis for cancer patients with poorly controlled symptoms, and another recent survey of medical oncologists shows high levels of discussion occurring with patients and support for cannabis use by oncologists''
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2018.0029
'Recreational use of C sativa potentially alleviates anxiety, depression, pain, and nausea and improves general well-being in patients with newly diagnosed HNC (Head and Neck Cancer). Additional study of whether these effects are maintained throughout treatment and among long-term survivors is warranted and could provide interesting insight.'
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2688527
'Morphine hits the backs of the legs first, the the back of the neck, a spreading wave of relaxation slackening the muscles away from the bones so that you seem to float without outlines, like lying in warm salt water. As this relaxing wave spread through my tissues, I experienced a strong feeling of fear. I had the feeling that some horrible image was just beyond the field of vision, moving, as I turned my head, so that I quite never saw it. I felt nauseous. I lay down and closed my eyes. A series of pictures passed, like watching a movie. A huge, neon-lighted cocktail bar that got larger and larger until streets, traffic, and street repairs were included in it; a waitress carrying a skull on a tray; stars in a clear sky. The physical impact of the fear of death; the shutting off of breath; the stopping of blood.' - Junky, William S Burroughs, 1977, originally published in 1953
'As I began using stuff every day, or often several times a day, I stopped drinking and going out at night. When you use junk you don't drink. Seemingly, the body that has a quantity of junk in its cells will not absorb alcohol. The liquor stays in the stomach, slowly building up nausea, discomfort, and dizziness, and there is no kick. Using junk would be a sure cure for alcoholics. I also stopped bathing. When you use junk the feel of water on the skin is unpleasant for some reason, and junkies are reluctant to take a bath.' - Junky, William S Burroughs, 1977, originally published in 1953
'In 1937, weed was placed under the Harrison Narcotics Act. Narcotics authorities claim it is a habit-forming drug, that its use is injurious to mind and body, and that it causes the people who use it to commit crimes. Here are the facts: Weed is positively not habit forming. You can smoke weed for years and you will experience no discomfort if your supply is cut off. I have seen tea heads in jail and none of them showed withdrawal symptoms. I have smoked weed myself off and on for fifteen years, and never missed it when I ran out. There is less habit to weed than there is to tobacco. Weed does not harm the general health. In fact. most users claim it gives you an appetite and acts as a tonic to the system. I do not know of any other agent that gives as definite a boot to the appetite. I can smoke a stick of tea and enjoy a glass of California sherry and a hash house meal.' - Junky, William S Burroughs, 1977, originally published in 1953
'I once kicked a junk habit with weed. The second day off junk I sat down and ate a full meal. Ordinarily, I can't eat for eight days after kicking a habit.' - Junky, William S Burroughs, 1977, originally published in 1953
'There was a raw ache in my lungs. People vary in the way junk sickness affects them. Some suffer mostly from vomitting and diarrhea. The asthmatic type, with narrow and deep chest, is liable to violent fits of sneezing, watering at eyes and nose, in some cases spasms of the bronchial tubes that shut off the breathing. In my case, the worst thing is lowering of blood pressure with consequent loss of body fluid, and extreme weakness, as in shock. It is a feeling as if the life energy has been shut off so that all the cells in the body are suffocating. As I lay there on the bench, I felt like as if I was subsiding into a pile of bones.' - Junky, William S Burroughs, 1977, originally published in 1953
'It has also been submitted that while enacting the NDPS Act, the government failed to consider the medicinal benefits of the drug, including its effect as an analgesic, its role in fighting cancer, reducing nausea, and increasing appetite in HIV patients.'
https://swarajyamag.com/insta/delhi-high-court-seeks-centres-take-on-use-of-cannabis-after-a-petition-challenges-ndps-act
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