Dagga for cancer symptoms: 10 quick facts

Claims that dagga fights or even cures cancer have circulated for some time now. Even though some still consider dagga mainly a recreational ‘drug’, science has indeed discovered medical benefits of the cannabis plant.

One of these breakthrough discoveries is the use of medical marijuana or dagga for cancer treatment. Although its use is now more widespread, dagga treatment for cancer is still controversial. Here are 10 quick facts on all you need to know about dagga for cancer:

First, what is dagga?

Dagga is another name for marijuana, weed, cannabis or pot. It is the dried leaves and seeds of the cannabis sativa plant.The most common and useful components of dagga are Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is responsible for inducing the “high” sensation those who take dagga report, while CBD helps alleviate anxiety and has other benefits. Here are the top ten facts about using weed as a cancer treatment.

Dagga for cancer symptoms: 10 facts

1. Dagga relieves pain

Cannabis is widely used for natural pain relief because it is less addictive and non-toxic than other painkillers commonly prescribed to cancer patients.

2. It may inhibit tumor growth

Early clinical evidence has found cannabis may have a preventive effect on tumor growth due to biological effects of THC and CBD.

3. Marijuana eases associated skin irritation

Many cancer patients experience skin irritation due to medications or the illness itself. Topical cannabis oil has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin irritation.

4. Reduced adverse psychological effects

Some of the worst effects of having cancer and undergoing traditional cancer treatment are psychological. Aggressive treatments often have discomforting physical and emotional effects on patients, causing anxiety and stress. The THC which is responsible for the ‘high’ feeling can have powerful anti-depressant effects.

5. Inhibited spread of cancer cells

Because cancer has the ability to spread to different parts of the body and organs, inhibiting this capability is an important area of study for cancer treatment. Studies suggest that cannabis help prevent the migration of cancer cells and restrict their movement to healthier body tissues.

6. Dagga may starve tumors of their ‘food’ supply

Tumors grow, in part, via having access to the building blocks they require via blood vessels. This process is commonly known as angiogenesis. Weed has been seen to have a degenerative effect on the formation of the blood vessels, thus cutting off the food supply of tumors.

7. Dagga reduces fatigue associated with cancer

One of the common symptoms of cancer is chronic fatigue. Lack of energy in the body can lead to mental distress. Cannabis has been found to have stimulating effects on the body.

8. Dagga may kill cancerous cells

One another way dagga treatment fight against cancer is its ability to cause certain types of cells to destroy themselves. The process is called apoptosis and cannabis appears to affect the type of ‘decisions’ certain cells make in a way that is promising for further cancer treatment studies.

9. Dagga may be particularly effective for treating certain types of cancer

Studies suggest that cannabis have been found to retard the growth of glioma cell, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

10. Marijuana increases appetite

Many cancer sufferers report reduced appetite due the effects of the disease or its standard treatments. Marijuana increases appetite, thus enabling many cancer patients to eat better and healthier.

The above facts about dagga for cancer show that the cannabis plant has many promising properties for easing cancer symptoms and even fighting the disease itself.