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Tomorrow is World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, which falls on the second Saturday of October each year and marks a time to reflect on the importance of compassionate and effective care for those facing life-limiting and terminal illnesses.
Started back in 2005 by a small group of hospice and palliative care organisations here in the UK, World Hospice and Palliative Care Day quickly evolved into a global movement with a goal of raising awareness and understanding of the needs – medical, social, practical, and spiritual– of patients and families facing both terminal and chronic, incurable illnesses.
So, where does medical cannabis fit into this discussion, and what potential does it show for those in hospice and palliative care?
That's what we are here to explore, but first...
Often confused with hospice care, palliative care is an approach to healthcare that focuses on improving the quality of life for patients and their families facing serious or life-limiting illnesses, not just terminal diagnosis.
Unlike hospice care, which primarily serves those in the last months of their lives, palliative care can be introduced at any stage of illness to provide relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and a number of other distressing symptoms that often go hand in hand with serious health conditions.
Palliative care doesn't only focus on the physically distressing symptoms of illness, but also addresses emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
And that makes perfect sense.
When confronted with a serious or life-limiting illness, the impact on your emotional and social well-being can be just as significant as physical symptoms.
That's where hospice care comes in.
Hospice care is a form of palliative care that focuses on providing comfort and support to those with terminal illnesses in their final months of life.
The goal is to help patients live as comfortably and fully as possible, surrounded by loved ones, during their last few months. Hospice care also offers support to family members and caregivers during this difficult time, and can often continue to provide bereavement support after the patient's passing.
Apart from the physical symptoms of chronic, incurable diseases, patients also face a heavy mental burden. Dealing with the realities of declining health, managing pain and discomfort, and facing end-of-life decisions can all take a toll on a person's mental well-being.
Pain is often the most noticeable symptom in palliative care patients. It can be caused by the illness itself or as a result of treatments such as chemotherapy or surgery. Pain not only affects a person's physical comfort but can also have a significant impact on their mental health, leading to anxiety and depression.
Nausea and vomiting are not uncommon for those with life-limiting illnesses, especially for patients undergoing certain conventional treatments that may cause these side effects. Being unable to eat, sleep, take medication, or even continue treatment can take a huge toll on a patient's quality of life, disrupting their daily routine and causing further distress.
Accepting that one has a terminal illness, facing end-of-life decisions, and dealing with the physical symptoms can all be emotionally and mentally draining for patients. Rates of anxiety and depression are unsurprisingly higher among palliative care patients, which only adds to the overall distress of their situation.
Getting enough restful sleep can be a challenge for patients with serious illnesses, and not getting enough quality sleep can worsen other symptoms. This can lead to a vicious cycle of pain, discomfort, and then more lack of sleep, further affecting a patient's overall well-being.
While medical cannabis can help provide a certain level of relief from many of the symptoms faced by palliative care patients, it is not a 'magic cure'.
Cannabis-based medications can be beneficial for some patients, as they offer a natural and effective alternative to traditional medications, but this needs to be approached on a case-by-case basis and under the guidance of a palliative care specialist.
Releaf's palliative care and substance abuse specialist, Dr Edith Israel, has worked with palliative care patients for just shy of two decades, in both NHS settings and private care hospices. We caught up with Dr Israel and asked for her thoughts on the potential benefits of medical cannabis for palliative care patients.
Dr Israel told us:
"The legalisation of medical cannabis and the emerging science backing up its application in clinical settings has increased the potential for cannabis-based therapy to play an important role for some patients receiving palliative care.
I have seen the impact that cannabis-based medicines can have on helping with pain, nausea, appetite, and even sleep. It is a very versatile medication that may offer relief to patients in their most difficult and vulnerable times, especially when conventional pharmaceuticals are ineffective.
While there are some concerns in terms of governance issues and policies, the changing landscape around medical cannabis means that we can work with patients to explore the potential benefits carefully and sensitively."
With all of the above in mind and World Hospice and Palliative Care Day upon us, Releaf is thrilled to announce our Palliative Care Scheme.
This initiative aims to provide palliative care patients with priority access to compassionate and expert care from our medical cannabis specialists, at a reduced financial cost.
With research into medical cannabis ever-expanding and real patient success stories backing up the emerging science, it's clear that medical cannabis has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life of those in palliative care.
It's not a 'one size fits all' fix or a substitute for traditional treatments, it's worth considering if you're dealing with pain, nausea, appetite, sleep issues, or mental health concerns during your palliative care journey.
Releaf's Palliative Care Scheme is all about offering compassionate and expert support during tough times. We're providing access to a natural alternative that shows promise in easing symptoms linked to palliative care. We hope this initiative can positively impact the lives of patients in palliative and hospice care, along with their loved ones and caregivers.
If you are looking for more answers to the more frequently asked questions, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Am I eligible?Sam North, a seasoned writer with over five years' experience and expertise in medicinal cannabis, brings clarity to complex concepts, focusing on education and informed use.
All of our articles are written by medical cannabis experts, guided by strict sourcing guidelines, and reference peer-reviewed studies and credible academic research. Our expert clinical team and compliance specialists provide valuable insights to ensure accuracy when required. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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