Cannabis Medication and Cancer
Cannabis medication has been increasingly investigated as a possible treatment for cancer. While studies are still ongoing and the results are mixed, some researchers have found that cannabis may help to alleviate symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment, as well as potentially having anti-tumor effects.
One of the main ways that cannabis may help cancer patients is by reducing symptoms such as pain, nausea, and vomiting. THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, has been found to be effective in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in some patients. CBD, another compound found in cannabis, may also be useful in managing pain and inflammation associated with cancer and its treatment.
In addition to symptom relief, some studies have suggested that cannabis may have anti-tumor effects. These studies have found that certain cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, may be able to slow the growth and spread of cancer cells in vitro and in animal models. However, the evidence in humans is still limited and more research is needed to determine the potential anti-tumor effects of cannabis in cancer patients.
It is important to note that cannabis is not a cure for cancer and should not be used as a substitute for conventional cancer treatments. While some cancer patients may find relief from symptoms through the use of cannabis medication, it is essential that patients work closely with their healthcare providers to ensure that they are receiving the best possible care for their individual needs.
Cannabinoids exert palliative effects in cancer patients by reducing nausea, vomiting and pain, by stimulating appetite, and by improving the quality of sleep. But in addition, laboratory studies on lab animals and isolated cancer cells have shown cannabinoids to be capable, under some conditions, of inhibiting the development of cancer cells in multiple ways.
As a result of such exciting findings, a growing number of amateur videos and reports have appeared on the internet arguing that cannabis can cure cancer. But although research is on-going around the world, there is currently no solid evidence from clinical trials to support such claims.
It should be noted, however, that the potential effects of terpenes on cancer, either alone or in combination with cannabinoids, have not yet been addressed in laboratory studies. Indeed, the combined effects of cannabinoids and terpenes are often claimed to be the major difference between ‘holistic’ herbal preparations of cannabis and pharmaceutical products based on single cannabinoids.
Moreover, self-medicating patients often use extraction methods and/or administration forms that are quite different from conditions used in laboratory or hospital studies. Because of this gap between clinical research and real-life experiences, the curative potential of herbal cannabis preparations for the treatment of different cancer types remains unclear.
References
Abrams, D. I., Guzman, M. (2015). Cannabis in Cancer Care. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 97(6), 575-586. doi: 10.1002/cpt.108
Velasco, G., Sánchez, C., & Guzmán, M. (2016). Towards the Use of Cannabinoids as Antitumour Agents. Nature Reviews Cancer, 16(6), 395-407. doi: 10.1038/nrc.2016.36
Guzmán, M. (2003). Cannabinoids: Potential Anticancer Agents. Nature Reviews Cancer, 3(10), 745-755. doi: 10.1038/nrc1188
Blasco-Benito, S., et al. (2018). Appraising the "Entourage Effect": Antitumor Action of a Pure Cannabinoid versus a Botanical Drug Preparation in Preclinical Models of Breast Cancer. Biochemical Pharmacology, 157, 285-293. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.07.018
Ramer, R., et al. (2013). Cannabidiol Inhibits Lung Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis via Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1. FASEB Journal, 26(4), 1535-1548. doi: 10.1096/fj.11-197541
Scott, K. A., Dalgleish, A. G., Liu, W. M. (2014). The Combination of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Enhances the Anticancer Effects of Radiation in an Orthotopic Murine Glioma Model. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 13(12), 2955-2967. doi: 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-14-0402
Massi, P., et al. (2004). Antitumor Effects of Cannabidiol, a Nonpsychoactive Cannabinoid, on Human Glioma Cell Lines. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 308(3), 838-845. doi: 10.1124/jpet.103.061002
Kovalchuk, O., et al. (2012). A Plant-Derived Cannabinoid, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Induces Apoptosis in Human Glioma Cells. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 10(1), 90-103. doi: 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-10-0688
Please note that these references provide insights into the potential anticancer effects of cannabinoids, but further research and clinical trials are necessary to fully understand their efficacy and safety in the treatment of cancer. It is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment options.