MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Marijuana ingredient helps chemotherapy patients recover taste and appetite

This is not the first time marijuana has been used on cancer patients

New studies explain that patients who have experienced chemotherapy and have difficulties eating may not notice those difficulties much longer. The active ingredient in marijuana, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, has been shown to drastically increase appetite levels and help individuals enjoy the idea of eating once again.

While marijuana has been used in the past to treat various cancers including glaucoma, this study evaluates properties outside of pain relief and relaxation.

When enduring chemotherapy, many patients experience the inability to taste and smell, specifically in food, and that in itself makes the idea of consuming food undesirable to many. The study can be found online in the Annals of Oncology and corresponds to a research by the University of Alberta in Cabada.

For the study, 21 patients were randomly instructed to consume a THC supplement or a placebo for 18 days.

Researchers noticed that individuals who were taking the THC supplement showed increases in the ability to taste and consumed more protein. Additionally, those in the supplement group explained being more relaxed and slept better than those on the placebo. However, the THC supplement did not appear to increase overall caloric intake.

“This is the first clinical research showing that THC impacts on taste and improves appetite of patients with advanced cancer, and also helps them relax and sleep. Our findings are important and we are impressed with THC possibilities”, said Wendy Wismer, head of the research group.

While some experts have explained this study could benefit many individuals, they do not believe it will be offered for this reason. However, cancer patients may be able to legally receive marijuana prescriptions, and researchers explain smoking marijuana may provide similar benefits for chemotherapy patients.