Health

CBD In Treating Cancer and Cancer-Related Symptoms

Photo of author

By Kaleem Bhatti

You’ve probably heard about the miracle health benefits of CBD. It can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote an overall sense of well-being. For these reasons, CBD is known to be great for diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, and even muscle recovery after workouts. Additionally, there’s proof that CBD can help alleviate cancer-related symptoms. This proof has made cancer one of the most medically accepted illnesses to be approved for medical marijuana. For this, the Farm Act of 2018 was enacted to make CBD legal throughout the United States. Now, studies are indicating that CBD can also treat cancer itself safely and effectively.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many compounds, called cannabinoids, that makes up the marijuana plant Cannabis sativa. It’s the part of the plant that doesn’t produce the psychoactive effects that make you “high.” It’s a calming, relaxing medication proven to reduce pain and inflammation, increase appetite, decrease seizure activity in epileptic patients, and more.

The Common Types of CBD Products: A Comprehensive Guide

Ways to Use CBD for Cancer

CBD comes in many forms that all have a specific method of consumption. CBD gummies, pills, and tinctures are the most common methods of consumption. Its gummies are the most popular yet most inefficient way to consume CBD. With gummies, the CBD needs time to pass through the digestive system, liver, and bloodstream. It’s well-known that it takes a couple of months before you can feel all of the benefits of CBD when you use gummies.

But, CBDfx tincture, is another story. With tinctures, the effect is more immediate. And, when you’re trying to get relief from pain or anxiety, you want to get it quickly. Tinctures are the most effective way of getting CBD into your body safely and effectively. You can put the tincture under your tongue or in your favorite beverage, such as tea. You can even get 1:1 ratio tinctures that contain both CBD and THC equally. With tinctures, you can expect to feel the full effect of CBD quickly so you can get back to your regular daily living.

Ways to Use CBD for Cancer

CBD and Treating Cancer

Knowing about CBD’s widespread health benefits, you’re probably wondering if it can be used to treat cancer itself, not just the symptoms. In animal and limited human studies, it’s demonstrated that CBD can help in treating cancer by decreasing the growth of lung and prostate tumors, provoking cancer cell death in specific parts of the body, and reducing the spread, or metastasis, of breast cancer.

In 2019, a case report and literature review analyzed CBD used as cancer treatment with self-administration. The report indicated a striking response in the cancerous lungs in patients using CBD on their own. This entire review led to even more research, getting CBD as cancer treatment even closer to approval.

In a 2020 investigation, CBD was found to be a promising anti-cancer drug, used either alone or in conjunction with other cannabinoids, chemotherapies, and radiation therapy. The study shows the death of cancerous cells in the colon, lungs, and brain. This preliminary research demonstrates the need for further investigation into the safety and effectiveness of CBD as an oncology drug.

Keep in mind, however, that human studies, as mentioned above, are limited. More research is necessary before any conclusion regarding CBD used as a cancer treatment.

CBD and Cancer-Related Symptoms

CBD is safe and effective in treating some cancer-related symptoms, such as inflammation and pain. When used in conjunction with THC, other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, can be treated. CBD is also known to relax, calm, and help patients get healthy sleep. Finally, cancer patients often experience anxiety and depression. It’s well-known that CBD can help elevate your mood and give you an overall sense of well-being, helping cancer patients cope with their illness better.

Studies demonstrate that CBD can safely and effectively help people living with cancer. Seemingly, CBD’s health benefits far outweigh any risks. CBD has the following benefits:

  • Antiemetic effects
  • Appetite stimulation
  • Pain relief
  • Improved sleep

More benefits

Combining all of these benefits can help relieve symptoms and improve a cancer patient’s quality of life.

More and more people, especially cancer patients, are turning to CBD to help make their lives better. In a 2020 study, it was demonstrated that people used CBD for their self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems — often finding the relief they need.

A 2019 cohort study conducted over three weeks using nabiximols, a cannabis extract, on patients with advanced cancer pain demonstrated an improved average pain score. Although this study indicates that CBD is beneficial for relieving cancer symptoms, the research is still inconclusive for its safety and effectiveness.

How Does CBD Help in Menopause Condition

A cancer diagnosis can be one of the most devastating things to hear in life. Knowing your treatment options and their safety and effectiveness is critical to your cancer treatment. Many people who have listened to CBD’s health benefits use it for cancer pain, loss of appetite, better sleep, and improved mood. None of these health benefits are approved, but the studies indicate that the health benefits of CBD are certainly there and can be helpful for cancer patients.

Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking CBD for cancer. He may advise you to use traditional forms of treatment in conjunction with CBD treatment.