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jena's avatar
jena
Member
7 years ago

Cannabis therapy : have you tried it? how do you access it? how effective is the treatment for you?

I would like to get an idea of how widespread cannabis therapy use is amongst people living with breast cancer.  If there is enough interest, might we consider joining the broader discussion about medical cannabis access and legality.

It’s all well and good that legislation has been passed regarding access to medical cannabis but the reality is, few are able to access the scheme. My Oncologist and GP are both supportive of my cannabis use but told me it is difficult to access unless all other treatment options have been exhausted. 

I started using medical cannabis about four months ago.  I was motivated to explore the treatment after talking with another cancer patient who was having outstanding relief from cannabis oil. I hit doc Google hard for a number of months, reading and researching all I could about medical grade cannabis. I learned about the different strains of cannabis, about CBD, THC & CBN and the many different cannabis and hemp products now available   I also learned that there are people selling ‘medical cannabis’ that has no active ingredients. So, a reliable supplier is very important.

I eventually discussed my thoughts about trying medical cannabis with my oncologist. He was supportive of my using it for pain management and asked where I planned to get it. The place I mentioned has been in the business for a long time and has a good reputation for supplying quality products. A lot of cancer patients in the region go there. 

I take cbd paste for pain management and cannabis oil in the hope that it will kill off the Mets in my bones (oncologist not as optimistic as me re the oil).  I have had outstanding results in terms of pain management. I was taking Palexia SR150 mg twice a day and Panadol osteo three times a day. For those unfamiliar with Palexia, it is a strong opioid used for managing pain - it effectively numbs pain and your brain. I now only take cannabis extract to manage my pain and I feel so much better. My bloods are normal and the disease is stable; I have Mets in my bones but all my organs are now clear  :)  
FYI - I am also taking Femara 2.5mg and Kisqali  My health skyrocketed soon after starting this treatment. It seems the ulternative and conventional meds are working like a dream together. 

I look forward to reading your stories. If it might be useful I will write a summary of our experiences   
  • Update
    I attended a medical cannabis workshop in Nimbin this weekend. The Hemp Embassy runs the workshop twice a year   The workshops are a great place to get information and talk to people who are using medical cannabis and those making it, as well as folk working in health care. 
    If it is too difficult for you to attend, you can contact the Hemp Embassy. Their volunteers are knowledgeable, compassionate and very helpful.  They prefer questions in writing, which you can do via their website. http://hempembassy.net/contact/

    I had an appointment yesterday with a nurse from a company called   Cannvaclinics. The company offer a service to get  TGA  (Theraputic Goods Administration) approval for access to medical cannabis.  If you are approved, which is likely for those of us with metastatic breast cancer, Cannvaclincs arrange to deliver your cannabis medicine to a local pharmacy. 
    https://www.acma-solution.com.au/  - for info 
    https://www.cannvaclinics.com/
     I’ve passed through step 1, nurse eligibility ($25).  Next step is an appointment with Cannvaclinic’s prescribing doctor.  This costs $80 but the fee includes submitting your TGA application for approval. I will post an update once the process in complete to let you know if it is all as simple and straight forward as it seems 
  • Thank you @arpie. I believe you are absolutely correct re big pharma. Big business has way too much influence in this world of ours 
    I’m glad you have your pain under control. 

    Yes, it does take a little time to get your dosage right.  We give our little elderly dog cbd drops because she is sensitive to all other pain medication. It’s like a miracle. It took us about 10 days to get her dosage right ... she was a little spacy when we increased her dose too quickly. She’s back to longish morning walks and has completely stopped chewing at her legs and seems completely comfortable. It doesn’t work for everyone but it certainly works for Chomo and me. 
  • Thanks for that info, @jena  -  Sadly, the hope in getting it made more readily available to those who need it may have been stymied by big pharmaceutical company's lobbying - not wanting to lose there foot hold in all the pain meds that they already supply at great expense!  :(   I bet they've been a big part in making it as difficult as it is to access it legally.

    If it works (and there is plenty of evidence to show that it does!)  It shouldn't be made THAT difficult to access it legally and at a reasonable price.

    When I was on Letrozole & in extreme pain, I tried some of my sister's legally acquired cannabis oil - just overnight - and it didn't 'do anything' for me - and I realise it would take a couple of weeks to work out a dose that suits me - so didn't pursue it.  A short time after, I changed meds to Exemestane, which has far less side effects for me than Letrozole did and now only take a single anti-inflam at nights.  I still have the odd day/night in discomfort - but not 24/7 any more.

    I will follow this thread with interest!!  ;)