Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
Oncologists in the city are getting high on ganja. Arguing for legalising the narcotic, of course, for medicinal purposes, the doctors have said that it can treat cancer and reduce the side-effects for patients undergoing treatment.
"Certain compounds in the cannabis plant can cure patients with certain types of cancer," says Dr Vishal Rao, surgical oncologist, specialist in head and neck cancers at HCG.
"These plant compounds can cut off the blood supply to cancerous tumours and destroy them. They have anti-inflammatory properties and have the potential to control cancer. They also help reduce nausea and vomiting sensation in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy," he says.
Arguing that the ban on cannabis should be lifted, he says, "The paradox is that we have tobacco which has no medicinal value, but is legal and sold across the country, while cannabis which has loads of advantages, is banned in our country. In the United States of America, 21 states have legalised marijuana, identifying its medicinal properties. It is also known to help Alzheimer's patients."
Cannabis and cannabinoids have been studied in clinical trials to manage side-effects of cancer and cancer therapies. Various medical reports have proved that cannabis can block the growth of cancerous cells and prevent the growth of blood vessels that feed the tumours. The drug has antiviral properties and can relieve muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis.
"If cannabis has already been legalised in developing countries, what is stopping our government from making it legal," asks Dr B.S. Ajaikumar, Chairman, HCG Enterprises.
Oncologists, however, make it clear that cannabis should be used only for medicinal purposes, and not abused. "I am not a supporter of cannabis, but it is time to look at it more rationally as it has promising benefits. Are we not using morphine to help cancer patients as well," asks Dr Rao.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Bengaluru oncologists bat for ganja | The Asian Age
Author: Joyeeta Chakravorty
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Website: Asian Age | The Asian Age
"Certain compounds in the cannabis plant can cure patients with certain types of cancer," says Dr Vishal Rao, surgical oncologist, specialist in head and neck cancers at HCG.
"These plant compounds can cut off the blood supply to cancerous tumours and destroy them. They have anti-inflammatory properties and have the potential to control cancer. They also help reduce nausea and vomiting sensation in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy," he says.
Arguing that the ban on cannabis should be lifted, he says, "The paradox is that we have tobacco which has no medicinal value, but is legal and sold across the country, while cannabis which has loads of advantages, is banned in our country. In the United States of America, 21 states have legalised marijuana, identifying its medicinal properties. It is also known to help Alzheimer's patients."
Cannabis and cannabinoids have been studied in clinical trials to manage side-effects of cancer and cancer therapies. Various medical reports have proved that cannabis can block the growth of cancerous cells and prevent the growth of blood vessels that feed the tumours. The drug has antiviral properties and can relieve muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis.
"If cannabis has already been legalised in developing countries, what is stopping our government from making it legal," asks Dr B.S. Ajaikumar, Chairman, HCG Enterprises.
Oncologists, however, make it clear that cannabis should be used only for medicinal purposes, and not abused. "I am not a supporter of cannabis, but it is time to look at it more rationally as it has promising benefits. Are we not using morphine to help cancer patients as well," asks Dr Rao.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Bengaluru oncologists bat for ganja | The Asian Age
Author: Joyeeta Chakravorty
Contact: Forward this page | The Asian Age
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Asian Age | The Asian Age
