Can Cancer Patients in Virginia Qualify for Medical Marijuana Access?

Quick answer: Yes. And TeleLeaf RX in VA can help you apply for an MMJ card.

Cancer involves abnormal cell growth with the potential to spread to other parts of the body. There are over a hundred types of cancers that affect people.

Most cancer patients have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

Can Medical Marijuana Help with Cancer?

Marijuana has been used in herbal remedies for centuries. Scientists have identified many biologically active components in marijuana called cannabinoids (CBD).

Medical marijuana may help relieve symptoms of pain and nausea in cancer patients. When it comes to marijuana and cancer, some studies have found it may lessen symptoms of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.

Patients with cancer who use medical marijuana often need less pain medication.

Cancer also happens to be one of the conditions that qualify for medical marijuana in the state of Virginia. You need to get a medical marijuana first and a doctor’s recommendation to access one.

If you’re seeking MMJ as an alternative option for your condition, visit our VA page and apply for a medical marijuana card.

Cancer Status in Virginia

As of 2021:

About 46,340 estimated cases
Most common types of cancer patients in Virginia have are breast cancer, followed by prostate and lung cancer.
With breast cancer the most common cases of cancer in the state, women are the majority who suffer from the condition.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow out of control and later spread to other parts of the body. Our cells grow and multiply to form new cells and when they grow old or become damaged, they die. The new cells then take their place.

Sometimes abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they aren’t supposed to be. These cells become tumors (lumps of tissue). Tumors can be cancerous or not (benign).

When a tumor becomes cancerous, it will invade nearby tissues and travel to different places in the body to form new tumors.

Types of Cancer

Carcinoma: Cancer that starts in the cells. Examples of carcinoma cancer are kidney and breast cancer
Sarcoma: A type of cancer that originates from bones, muscles, tendons, fat, and cartilage
Myeloma: Originates in the plasma cells of the bone marrow
Lymphoma: This cancer develops in the lymphatic system and organs such as the spleen and tonsils.
Leukemia: Also known as blood cancer, it’s often associated with the overproduction of immature white blood cells.

Causes of Cancer

There’s no single and definitive cause of cancer. It involves a lot of factors such as genetics, environment, or even a person’s characteristics.

However, there’s a risk factor. A risk factor is anything that may increase a person’s chance of developing cancer. It doesn’t necessarily cause the disease.

Lifestyle factors: Smoking, diets high in fat, working with toxic chemicals/exposure to chemicals.
Genetics/Family History
Genetic disorders such as the Wiskott-Aldrich and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
Environmental exposures such as fertilizers and pesticides
High-dose chemo or radiation: These anti-cancer agents can alter the cells that can cause the disease.

How Cancer Affects Someone

Cancer can affect a person’s mood and even outlook in life. Aside from the physical and mental pain, common feelings can also include anxiety, distress, and depression.

Cancer Treatments

There are many ways to treat cancer, but the most common are:

Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Bone marrow transplant
Immunotherapy
Hormone therapy

Medical Marijuana as An Alternative Treatment for Cancer

A number of studies involving people undergoing cancer treatment have shown that medical marijuana can help in managing the following:

Pain. Medical marijuana may have anti-inflammatory effects that can help with pain.
Nerve damage. Medical marijuana has been shown to provide relief for those experiencing pain from nerve damage.
Nausea and vomiting. Studies have shown that medical marijuana can be an alternative for nausea and vomiting.

People with cancer in Virginia are allowed to use medical marijuana, provided they are registered by the Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP).

The process also includes getting a medical marijuana card. To apply for a medical marijuana card in Virginia, check the steps from our site here.