General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: US Gov National Cancer Center admits Pot kills Cancer Cells [View all]onehandle
(51,122 posts)'At this time, there is not enough evidence to recommend that patients inhale or ingest Cannabis as a treatment for cancer-related symptoms or side effects of cancer therapy'
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/patient
And...
Have any side effects or risks been reported from Cannabis and cannabinoids?
Adverse side effects of cannabinoids may include:
Rapid beating of the heart.
Low blood pressure.
Muscle relaxation.
Bloodshot eyes.
Slowed digestion and movement of food by the stomach and intestines.
Dizziness.
Depression.
Hallucinations.
Paranoia.
Because Cannabis smoke contains many of the same substances as tobacco smoke, there are concerns about how smoked cannabis affects the lungs. A study of over 5,000 men and women without cancer over a period of 20 years found that smoking tobacco was linked with some loss of lung function but that occasional and low use of cannabis was not linked with loss of lung function.
Because use of Cannabis over a long time may have harmful effects on the endocrine and reproductive systems, rates of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) in Cannabis users have been studied. Larger studies that follow patients over time and laboratory studies of cannabinoid receptors in TGCTs are needed to find if there is a link between Cannabis use and a higher risk of TGCTs.
Both Cannabis and cannabinoids may be addictive.
Symptoms of withdrawal from cannabinoids may include:
Irritability.
Trouble sleeping.
Restlessness.
Hot flashes.
Nausea and cramping (rarely occur).
These symptoms are mild compared to withdrawal from opiates and usually lessen after a few days.