Medical Cannabis & Palliative Conditions

Discover the compassionate relief medical cannabis offers for palliative conditions.

Overview

Palliative care, also often known as end-of-life care, refers to supportive treatment and care given to patients with terminal illnesses or who are close to passing. The aim of palliative care is to help patients have a good quality of life, as well as helping them to be as active as possible in the time they have left. Complex and overlapping symptoms are often experienced by patients suffering terminal and end-of-life illnesses. With patient comfort and happiness at the forefront of our treatment, medical cannabis can offer effective treatment.

Conditions

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.

Symptoms

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.

Treatments

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

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