Each year, October is dedicated to raising awareness and support for research efforts toward curing breast cancer. As the most common form of cancer affecting Americans today, breast cancer awareness month is important to protecting the overall health and wellness of the country. Research funding raised by these efforts has helped to make strides in treatment and potentially finding a cure, but for now, breast cancer is a serious threat to the lives of people everywhere. With the current interest in medical cannabis in Miami, understanding how it can help those undergoing treatment for cancer is important.
Benefits of Medical Marijuana for Breast Cancer Patients
Studies regarding the effect of cannabis use on cancer and other medical conditions have been around for decades. When California became the first state to legalize marijuana for medical use in 1996, special attention was paid toward its alleged effects on various forms cancer.
Over a decade later in 2007, a study published in the journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics showed some promise. The results suggested cannabidiol, one of the active components of cannabis, could slow or even stop the growth of metastatic breast cancer. As an aggressive form of breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer is the most common cause of death among people with a diagnosis.
Despite these findings and other studies, medical marijuana is not yet approved as a primary treatment for any form of cancer. Instead, it is most often used to mediate side effects and symptoms associated with chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. Medical marijuana has been shown to reduce nausea, vomiting, and help ease pain. It can also help to combat lack of appetite caused by chemo treatment.
Medical Cannabis in Miami: Florida Legalization, Qualifications, and Registration
Medical cannabis in Miami was legalized much more recently. In 2014, then governor Rick Scott signed “the Compassionate Medical Marijuana Act”, legalizing use of cannabis products to treat certain health conditions. Under this act, qualifying patients much have a confirmed diagnosis of a condition for which the benefits of marijuana use outweigh the potential risks. In 2016, Floridians voted in favor of expanding this decree to include medical marijuana which can be used by inhalation.
For Floridians fighting breast cancer, having a holistic, non-opiate alternative to pain management and relief of other symptoms is important. MMJ Care MD can help you determine if medical marijuana is right for you, and if you qualify for a medical cannabis card in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and across South Florida.
Under state law, breast cancer is a qualifying condition for medical marijuana access. Registered marijuana doctors in Miami will review your medical records and conducting a short physical exam to begin the application process. Once approved, you will be added to the state medical marijuana registry. This registry is not public record and cannot be accessed by family members, employers, or landlords. Once registration is complete and you receive your medical cannabis card in Miami, you can access medical marijuana through legally registered and operated dispensaries.