How Medical Cannabis Can Support Palliative Care Patients

Each year, an estimated 40 million people worldwide require palliative care, according to the World Health Organisation. Palliative care plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for patients with serious or terminal illnesses and offers vital support to their families during challenging times.

Understanding Palliative Care

Palliative care is specialised medical care aimed at providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses. Rather than focusing on curing the illness, the goal is to enhance the patient’s quality of life by addressing their physical, emotional, and practical needs. This care extends beyond the patient, offering crucial support to their families as well. The term "palliative care" is often used interchangeably with "supportive care," reflecting its focus on comfort and well-being.

The need for palliative care arises from a variety of chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and more. Additionally, patients with conditions like kidney failure, chronic liver disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and dementia may also require palliative care.

Understanding the Stages of Palliative Care

Palliative care is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it evolves alongside the patient’s condition, generally following five stages:

Initial Diagnosis: Focus on understanding the patient’s needs and beginning symptom management.
Active Treatment: Continue to manage symptoms while offering emotional and psychological support.
Advanced Disease: Emphasise pain management and enhance the quality of life as the disease progresses.
End of Life Care: Provide comfort and support during the final stages of life.
Bereavement Support: Offer grief support to families after the patient’s passing.

Understanding these stages can help patients and their families better prepare and navigate the challenges of palliative care.

Palliative care at home is an option for those who prefer the comfort of familiar surroundings. It is important to differentiate between palliative care and end-of-life care; while both aim to provide comfort, palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness, not just when the condition becomes terminal.

By exploring the potential benefits of medical cannabis within the framework of palliative care, patients and their families can find new avenues for relief and support during a challenging time.

The Role of Medical Cannabis in Palliative Care

Pain and difficulty in breathing are among the most common and severe symptoms experienced by patients in need of palliative care. Research indicates that medical cannabis can be a valuable addition to palliative care, particularly in managing pain and other distressing symptoms.

Studies have shown that medical cannabis can significantly improve the quality of life for palliative care patients. For example, in one study, 85% of patients reported improvements in their symptoms after using medical cannabis. Nearly half of the participants experienced pain relief, and a similar proportion reported a reduction in their opioid use.

Research from Thailand further supports the use of medical cannabis in palliative care, particularly among cancer patients. This study compared the outcomes of patients who received standard medical treatment with those who received medical cannabis. The results revealed that patients using cannabis reported a higher quality of life, better cognitive function, and improved breathing symptoms compared to those who did not use cannabis.

Medical cannabis can alleviate a range of symptoms commonly experienced by palliative care patients, including pain, insomnia, nausea, and anxiety.

How Medical Cannabis Alleviates Pain

Medical cannabis exerts its pain-relieving effects through the endocannabinoid system, which includes cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2). CB1 receptors, located in the central and peripheral nervous system, play a key role in pain modulation. THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, acts as a partial agonist at these receptors, altering the release of neurotransmitters like glutamate and 5-hydroxytryptamine. This interaction helps modulate pain pathways, effectively reducing the sensation of pain.

The Impact of Medical Cannabis on Anxiety

Anxiety is another common challenge for palliative care patients. Medical cannabis can help by increasing levels of anandamide, a neurotransmitter often referred to as the "bliss molecule." Elevated anandamide levels can improve mood, relax muscles, and soothe nerves, making patients feel more at ease.

Navigating Palliative Care: Advice for Patients and Families

At Cantourage Clinic, we believe in a holistic approach to health, particularly in the context of palliative care. We understand the monumental challenges faced by patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Adjusting to a new reality can be daunting, but it is important to remember that you are not alone, and support is available.

In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle changes can play a significant role in improving your overall well-being. Here are some practices that might be helpful:

Mental Health: Taking time to focus on mental well-being is crucial. Integrate moments of peace and quiet into your daily routine to maintain mental fitness.
Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet and a regular sleep routine to support your body’s natural resilience.
Physical Activity: Engage in regular movement, whether it's a structured workout or a simple walk. Exercise is a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Social Support: Stay connected with loved ones and your support network. Open communication can help foster a sense of connection and alleviate feelings of isolation.

If you or a loved one are navigating palliative care and seeking additional support, it is essential to consult with your healthcare team, including doctors and nurses who specialise in palliative care. Additionally, organisations like Marie Curie and Sue Ryder offer valuable resources and support, including online communities where you can connect with others facing similar challenges.

For more information on how Cantourage Clinic can assist you in your palliative care journey, please visit our website or get in touch with us directly. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for occasional updates and advice tailored to your needs.