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Ingredient in marijuana helps cancer patients sleep better

Written by: David Castillo on February 25th, 2011

Ingredient in marijuana helps cancer patients sleep better | read this item

A recent study found that a certain substance in marijuana may help cancer patients sleep better and improve their appetite. The substance, known as tetracannabinol or THC, is a primary active ingredient in marijuana, and can prove beneficial to patients suffering from cancer, according to the study published in the Annals of Oncology journal.

It is well known that chemotherapy brings about many unpleasant side effects on patients such as inability to enjoy eating, losing sleep and suppressing their appetite. University of Alberta professor Dr. Wendy Wismer led the study wherein participants were given either a placebo or a THC pill.

The study, involving 21 participants, was carried out over two and a half weeks. Wismer and her team found that patients who took THC pills found food tasted better, while also having better sleep and relaxation throughout the study. The study’s results may contribute to ongoing research on chemotherapy as well as sleep disorders for cancer patients.

Source: ECandaNow