Medical Cannabis for Palliative Care

Palliative care, also known as end-of-life care, provides supportive treatment for patients living with terminal illnesses or nearing the end of life. The primary goal is to enhance quality of life while helping patients remain as comfortable, independent, and active as possible.

There are a range of different conditions that can require palliative care at all ages. This will most often be given in a hospice or hospital, with some treatments able to allow patients to return to their own homes for care. Some common conditions that may need palliative care include:

• Terminal cancers
• Kidney failure
• Parkinson’s
• Alzheimer’s
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Leukemia and Lymphoma

This is not an exhaustive list, but palliative care will always be discussed transparently between medical staff, the patient, and next of kin.

As there is a wide variety of conditions associated with palliative care, that also means there is a wide range of symptoms. However, there are some shared symptoms that can mean palliative care is necessary. Depending on the condition, patients may suffer from:

• Loss of quality of life
• Anxiety and depression
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Chronic pain
• Loss of mobility
• Cognitive difficulties
• Memory loss

Symptoms will vary from person to person, as well the length of time for which palliative care is needed. Medical professionals who are familiar with individual patient history can offer more precise guidance on timelines and what kind of symptoms to expect.

Palliative care depends on the individual needs of the patient and their loved ones. However, some common forms of treatment include:

• Managing physical symptoms, such as chronic pain
• Emotional, spiritual, and psychological support
• Social care, including help with things like washing, dressing, or eating
• Emotional support for family and friends.
• Domestic assistance when living at home, such as shopping for groceries, transport, and other household necessities