Cannabidiol, widely known as CBD, is one of 113 identified cannabinoids in the cannabis Sativa plant. It is gaining popularity as an alternative, safe treatment for a wide range of ailments. In the recent past, several studies and researchers suggested that the cannabinoid may help cancer patients manage some symptoms and side effects of the disease. However, some experts suggest that more should be known about CBD for cancer to call it an effective treatment.
There is solid evidence about the use of CBD as anticancer agents. A study in 2017 reported that cannabinoids reduced tumor growth in animal models of cancer. Some researchers and health experts call CBD a complementary therapy that can help manage the side effects of cancer treatments.
It is important to note that although both CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, CBD does not cause a ‘high’ when an individual takes it as a medicine.
CBD for Cancer Patients
Many studies have been conducted in the recent past to understand the link between CBD and cancer treatment. The majority of them designated the cannabinoid as a safe, useful treatment that helps cancer patients by:
-
Relieving Pain
Cancer and its treatment processes are immensely painful. Inflammation, nerve injury, and pressure on internal organs are some of the common causes of pain due to cancer. Sometimes, the pain becomes resistant to opioids, which are known to be pain relievers.
In this case, CBD for cancer pain can be an ideal alternative method to help with the widespread pain. The cannabinoid indirectly targets the CB2 receptors to reduce inflammation and other pain-causing symptoms.
-
Stimulating Appetite
Usually, cancer patients experience a loss of appetite during the treatment process. In such a situation, it becomes difficult to maintain a healthy weight, which is not good for the effectiveness of a cancer treatment procedure.
Patients with a loss of appetite can consume CBD to stimulate the appetite and maintain a healthy weight.
-
Treating Nausea
During the treatment process, chemotherapy can result in patients experiencing regular nausea. Although a product with a blend of CBD and THC is thought to be a useful solution to treat nausea, people should get a prescribed product for its anti-nausea effects.
CBD for Cancer Prevention
There are mixed reviews about the use of CBD for cancer prevention. However, a study by US researchers discovered that the compound helped prevent the risk of tobacco-related cancers in participants. The study also noticed that the risks of prostate cancer increased in people who took CBD but had never smoked tobacco.
In another study, which was conducted in 2015, researchers discovered that cannabis helped the participants by lowering their risks of bladder cancer by around 45%.
CBD for Cancer Treatment
Although there are not many studies claiming that the use of CBD can treat cancer, research in 2016 noted that the use of cannabinoids could help patients in their battle against cancer. As per study researchers, they found that cannabinoids stopped the growth of tumor cells in subjects.
However, they also accepted that the cannabinoids must have affected the immune system and make tumors grow unnoticed.
Side Effects of CBD
The human brain contains cannabinoid receptors that do not react similarly to all kinds of treatments. It suggests that all types of drugs and alternatives may have some sort of side effects.
CBD is known to be a safe, useful alternative for over-the-counter medications that help relieve pain and other conditions during the cancer treatment process. However, a handful of people may experience some symptoms, most of which occur when patients combine a CBD product with prescribed medicine.
Apart from that, some people may notice easy-to-treat side effects while taking the cannabinoid. They are:
- Diarrhea
- Change in appetite
- Fatigue
- Weight change
When CBD is combined with over-the-counter medications, it can harm the liver. Those medications include:
- Sedatives
- Medicines for sleep
- Antidepressants
- Antibiotics
- Blood thinners
- anti-anxiety, anti-seizure medications
Before starting to take CBD or combining it with other medications, patients should consult their doctors to understand when and how to take the cannabinoid to treat their symptoms associated with cancer treatment. Also, they should consume the product as suggested by a physician or its manufacturer.
Takeaway
CBD for cancer is an excellent alternative to over-the-counter medications to give relief to patients during or after the treatment process. Although there are limited studies about CBD for cancer cure, the cannabinoid can help treat nausea and pain caused by the treatment, and stimulate the appetite. To reap these benefits, patients need to ensure that they buy all-natural and lab-tested CBD products from a trusted supplier. Also, they must contact their doctors before taking the cannabinoid and should consume it in the prescribed amount. In this way, they can safely use CBD to treat their symptoms during cancer treatment.
