Palliative Care and Medical Cannabis

When should someone be offered palliative care?

Palliative care should be offered when someone is diagnosed with a serious or life-limiting condition, such as cancer, heart failure, or advanced dementia. It focuses on providing relief from pain, symptoms, and emotional distress, while improving quality of life. Palliative care can be offered at any stage of the illness, alongside curative treatment, to ensure holistic support and comfort for patients and their families. The aim of palliative care is to provide:

• Information for the person and their family
• Accurate and holistic assessment of a person’s needs
• Symptom control
• Psychological, social, spiritual, and practical support
• Open and sensitive communication with the person and their family

End of life symptoms

Each patient is unique and the symptoms they experience during life-threatening illness depends on the condition. However common symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Pain
• Reduced appetite
• Constipation
• Respiratory secretions
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Restlessness and confusion
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Weakness or paralysis of muscles

When does palliative care begin?

Palliative care may begin at any point since it focuses on providing relief from symptoms, pain, and stress. Palliative care can be incorporated alongside curative treatment from the time of diagnosis, throughout the course of the illness, and even during bereavement. The goal is to enhance comfort and well-being, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. For symptom control, the aim should be to use as few medications as possible. The type of medication used is dictated by the severity or mechanism causing the symptom.

Medicinal cannabis products may be considered when first line therapies have not achieved adequate symptomatic relief.

Palliative care treatment

There are 5 stages of palliative care which guide the treatment that is provided throughout. These include:

• Creating a bespoke plan to ensure that all physical, psychological and spiritual needs are accounted for
• Providing emotional and spiritual care to prepare for what may lie ahead.
• Early-stage care, where immediate needs are attended to.
• Late-stage care, where more permanent plans are put into action.
• Support for family and loved ones during care, in addition to providing support through bereavement.

Medical Cannabis for Palliative Care

Medical cannabis can be considered in palliative care if traditional treatments don’t offer sufficient relief. Early studies suggest that medical cannabis may play a role for individuals experiencing pain, nausea and loss of appetite in palliative settings. While more research is needed, cannabinoids like THC and CBD are thought to influence symptoms like nausea, pain and anxiety. It’s important to consult with a specialist to assess whether medical cannabis is appropriate and aligns with your unique needs.