Cannabis for Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a form of cancer that attacks the cells found in the immune system, which are responsible for fighting infection. These cells, known as lymphocytes, are found in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, and other parts of the body.

How is Medical Marijuana Helping with Lymphoma from CannabisNet on Vimeo.

There are two forms of lymphoma: non-Hodgkin, which is the most common form, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Both forms of lymphoma attack different lymphocytes, resulting in different symptoms, growth, and a different response to cancer treatment.

Symptoms of lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, coughing, night sweats, fever, stomach pain, itching, and weight loss. Lymphoma can affect people of any age although it’s one of the most common cancers among young people. There are many treatment options available, and there is usually a good survival rate for patients. However there are certain factors that affect survival and prognosis especially the stage of cancer upon diagnosis. Chemotherapy and radiation are often recommended for patients, although these can have severe side effects.

How Cannabis Can Help?

cannabis plant bud

A study published in the National Institute of Health and PLoS One journal shows that cannabis is promising in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma. The study was conducted by researchers in Germany, and they studied the distribution of CB1 receptors in primary cases of patients with Hodgkins lymphoma. The researchers concluded that “The present study identifies CB1 as a feature of HL, which might serve as a potential selective target in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma.”

Anecdotal Evidence

CANNABIS EVIDENCE

Joanne Crowther’s Story

Joanne Crowther used cannabis oil to help her survive large b-cell lymphoma. During the summer of 2009, Joanne was diagnosed with the condition, which was treated with chemotherapy by February 2010. However, she suffered from extreme nausea as well as pneumonia (which required her to be hospitalized again) and febrile neutropenia, a form of fever that results from an extremely low white blood cell count.

In March 2010, Joanne underwent an MRI which revealed cancerous lesions in the brain. She had to undergo whole brain radiation. She was responding well to the treatments and was even able to participate in a half marathon. But by November 2011, she discovered a 3.2x2.5cm mass in her left thigh, and doctors said it was connected to her large b-cell inter-vascular lymphoma. Despite the successful removal of the mass, the lymphoma was not cured. In 2012, Joanne started taking medications to treat further complications of her lymphoma. Another cancer lesion was found in her head, and tests revealed even more cancerous lesions. She underwent a total of 5 shots of radiation for the new growths discovered.

In February 2012 Joanne started taking chemotherapy drugs but suffered from complications, which only ended when she stopped taking chemotherapy treatments. By May 2012, Joanne started taking cannabis oil in small doses the size of a rice grain. She increased her dosage to a gram of cannabis oil a day, and began experiencing therapeutic effects within just two weeks. She was feeling better and had a better appetite.

By July 2012, Joanne underwent a follow up exam which revealed that the mass “actually regressed spontaneously”. By Septembe 2012 she was in complete remission, as she was continuously taking hemp oil supplements.

Joe Crowe’s Story

JOE CROWE

Jow Crowe has been battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma for 11 years. After he started taking cannabis oil, a large tumor found on his upper chest began to shrink. After 5 months the tumor had completely gone. Joe went in for a CAT scan and he was declared cancer-free, for the first time in 11 years.

During his over a decade long battle against cancer, Joe underwent almost everything including bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy, and medication. All it took to cure him of his cancer was around one pound of high quality cannabis, which was made into oil. Because of his experience, Joe has come forward publicly and helps people heal using cannabis oil.

Todd Herstein’s Story

Todd Herstein was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma back in 2004. Todd has been using cannabis oil for over a decade, which has helped him treat his cancer and improve quality of life.

When he was diagnosed, Todd’s doctor told him that he only had 18 months to live. He has already been using cannabis recreationally since his teens, but by the time of his diagnosis he started participating in clinical trials in St. Louis. Using cannabis helped him stay mobile, reduced the pain he felt in his lower limbs, and provided him emotional relief from the diagnosis.

Has cannabis helped you or a loved one with lymphoma? Share your story with us in the comments below!

Medical Marijuana for Lymphoma