Hospice Care: How Cannabis Can Ease the Journey
Hospice care is a form of compassionate care given to individuals who are nearing the end of life. It is designed to provide comfort, dignity, and relief from pain and other troubling symptoms. A key component of hospice care is palliative care, which aims to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. As part of this palliative care, there is growing recognition of the benefits of medical cannabis in managing the complex needs of hospice patients.
The Multifaceted Symptoms in Hospice Care
Patients in hospice care often experience a range of symptoms that can diminish their quality of life. Common issues include pain, nausea, loss of appetite, anxiety, and insomnia. Managing these effectively can be challenging due to the side effects of traditional medications or the patient’s declining physical condition.
Cannabis as a Symptom Management Tool
Medical cannabis has emerged as a potential multi-target therapeutic option. Due to its various active compounds, primarily cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabis can address multiple symptoms simultaneously.
Cannabis for Pain Relief
Pain management is a cornerstone of hospice care. A study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine found that nearly two-thirds of patients who used cannabis experienced pain relief (Portenoy et al., 2021). THC and CBD have been known to alleviate pain through their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to modulate pain perception by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Alleviating Anxiety
Anxiety is another prevalent concern in hospice patients. Cannabis has been found to have anxiolytic effects at lower doses, particularly strains high in CBD. A review in the Journal of Affective Disorders suggests that cannabis can significantly reduce levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in the short term (Turna et al., 2021).
Combating Insomnia
Sleep disturbances like insomnia can significantly impact the well-being of hospice patients. Some studies, including one published in the journal Medicines, indicate that cannabis may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of sleep disorders (Kuhathasan et al., 2019). The sedative effects of THC, in particular, can help in promoting sleep.
Nausea and Appetite Stimulation
Nausea and reduced appetite are common issues that cannabis has been traditionally used to address, especially in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Its efficacy in stimulating appetite and reducing nausea can extend to hospice patients, providing them with relief and improved nutrition.
Considerations in Hospice Care
Despite its potential benefits, the use of cannabis in hospice care must be carefully considered. The variability in cannabis products, dosing, and individual patient responses requires a personalized approach. Additionally, the legal status of medical cannabis varies by region, affecting its availability in some hospice settings.
Conclusion
Cannabis has the potential to offer relief from some of the most distressing symptoms experienced by hospice patients, including pain, anxiety, and insomnia. By providing a multi-symptom management option, it can play a valuable role in palliative care, with the aim of improving the quality of life for patients in their final days. As with any medical intervention in hospice care, the use of cannabis should be guided by the patient’s preferences, clinical indications, and the regulatory framework of the healthcare system.
References:
- Portenoy, R. K., Ganae-Motan, E. D., Allende, S., et al. (2021). Nabiximols for opioid-treated cancer patients with poorly-controlled chronic pain: a randomized, placebo-controlled, graded-dose trial. Journal of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy.
- Turna, J., Patterson, B., & Van Ameringen, M. (2021). Is cannabis treatment for anxiety, mood, and related disorders ready for prime time? Journal of Affective Disorders.
- Kuhathasan, N., Dufort, A., Mackillop, J., et al. (2019). The use of cannabinoids for sleep: A critical review on clinical trials. Medicines.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential for patients and caregivers to consult healthcare providers before considering the use of medical cannabis in hospice care to ensure an integrated and individualized approach to symptom management.