Understanding The Role of CBD Oil for Cancer

The use of CBD oil for cancer is often promoted on the web. There are many articles claiming that CBD for cancer helps in relieving cancer-related pain and other symptoms. The anticancer effects of cannabinoids were first shown in Lewis Lung carcinoma in 1975. However, the following two discoveries renewed the interest in cannabinoids: 

• Cannabinoid system 

• Cannabinoid receptors 

Activation of G-protein-coupled receptors mediates the diverse effects of cannabinoids. These receptors are normally bound by the endocannabinoids, a family of endogenous ligands. The following two receptors are of significant interest: 

• The “central” CB1 (found in the brain and throughout the body)

• The “peripheral” CB2 (found the immune and gastrointestinal system)

CBD in Cancer Treatment 

There are two types of cannabis plants - hemp and marijuana. CBD oil for cancer is known for managing some cancer symptoms and side effects of treatment. However, establishing a proven role of CBD in the treatment of the disease requires more research.

When it comes to animal models, the link between cannabinoids and reduced tumor growth is evident. CBD may enhance the potency of cancer treatment drugs. 

• A 2019 review focused on pancreatic cancer and tumor growth found that cannabinoids can help in: 

• Reducing tumor growth

• Slowing down spread

• Inducing tumor cell death 

• A study in 2019 indicated that CBD could increase glioblastoma cells' sensitivity to radiation and provoke cell death without affecting healthy cells.  

• Another large, long-term study found that cannabis may be inversely associated with the risk of bladder cancer.     

• A 2014 study on colon cancer experimental model suggested that CBD may inhibit the colorectal cancer cells spread.

• A systematic clinical and experimental trials literature review found a link between gliomas treatment and antitumor effects of cannabinoids. 

• CBD has also been found efficate in pre-clinical metastatic breast cancer models. The CBD also significantly reduces the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells. 

Only a few studies have addressed the potential of CBD to help cancer treatment. However, it is too early to claim that CBD oil for cancer helps in cancer treatment in humans. CBD oil for cancer should not be seen as a substitute for the treatment. There is no such thing called the best CBD oil for cancer. 

Following are the areas for future research:

• Effects of CBD with and without THC or other cannabinoids 

• Administration techniques effectiveness 

• Safe and effective dosing   

• Effectiveness of CBD on specific types of cancer 

• Interaction between CBD and cancer treatments such as chemotherapy drugs

CBD As Complementary Treatment For Cancer

Radiation, chemotherapy, and other cancer treatments are known for producing loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, and an array of other side effects. According to research, cannabinoids may ease cancer symptoms and cancer treatment symptoms such as nausea, neuropathic pain, and poor appetite. CBD is also known for its anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties. 

So far, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a CBD product for the treatment of two rare types of epilepsy. However, no CBD product is approved by the FDA for cancer treatment or treatment of cancer treatment side-effects. 

Two drugs based on marijuana have been approved for the treatment of vomiting and nausea caused by chemotherapy. Dronabinol containing THC is used in capsule form. Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid acting similar to THC. Nabilone is taken orally. 

A spray containing both CBD and THC has shown promising results in the treatment of cancer pain. Though this mouth spray is not approved in the United States, it is available in Canada and some parts of Europe.

So, if you want to use medical marijuana here in the United States, you should talk to your doctor. There are different ways to administer medicinal marijuana. People with certain types of diseases should avoid smoking. You can use CBD products in different forms including vape, sprays, tincture, and oil. CBD coffee, candies, and other edibles can also be used. 

Don't take medicinal marijuana without a prescription. Also, take your doctor's advice to choose a CBD form that is safe for you as interactions with other medications can cause the following side effects:

• Diarrhea

• Appetite changes

• Tiredness

• Weight changes