‘More doctors should recommend cannabis for patients with cancer'
More than two-thirds of cancer patients who received medical cannabis prescribed it as they were satisfied with the treatment, according to extensive research that is conducted for the first time in Israel. The study was conducted in cooperation with the Israel Cancer Institute conducted at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer.
A total of 264 cancer patients has been treated for one year with medical cannabis. Approximately 61 percent of respondents reported a significant improvement in quality of life as a result of medical cannabis (marijuana seeds) and 56 percent could better cope with pain. In general, 67 percent were satisfied with the treatment and 65 percent said they would recommend the treatment to other patients.
Not by the doctor
The findings were presented last month at a conference of Israeli oncologists in Eilat. The study was led by head of the oncology department of the Sheba Medical Center Dr. Ido Wolf. According to the study, medical cannabis (cannabis seeds) is the most commonly prescribed to cancer (21 percent), breast cancer (12 percent) and pancreatic cancer (10 percent). The study shows that 39 percent of participants were not noted by the doctor for the treatment, but by friends, other patients or the media. Dizziness was the only serious side effect according to the researchers.
Regulated
Medical cannabis seeds has become available as a treatment for cancer patients in Israel in recent years and therefore the institute believes that the substance should be regulated by those who are skilled in the art," said director of the Israel Cancer Institute Miri Ziv. The number of users of medical cannabis has increased in recent years by about 66 percent per year. 6,000 Israelis who suffer from various ailments use it.
Plant breeding
Officials from the Israeli Ministry of Health believe that the number of patients treated with medical cannabis can easily rise to 40,000 when fully regulated. Seven of the 12 farms in Israel may grow medical cannabis (cannabis seeds) are currently active, according to the study.
