Although the current state of the evidence is insufficient to support cannabis as a cancer treatment, future studies may demonstrate benefit.
• Analgesic • Anti-depressant • Anti-seizure • Lowers Blood pressure • Anti-spasm/tremor CBD
• Muscle relaxant • Anti-nausea/vomiting • Anti-inflammatory • Analgesic • Anti-anxiety • Anti-psychotic • Anti-seizure • Nerve protector • Anti-spasm • Blood sugar regulation • Reduction of panic attacks • Anti-oxidant • Anti-microbial
Myths
Claims asserting the curative powers of cannabis exist everywhere. The popular- ity of cannabis as a cancer cure has grown exponentially with increasing legality. Anecdotal reports of cures, alongside questionably safe instructions for use and production of highly concentrated can- nabis oil, abound online. Unfortunately, current research does not support these claims. First/second/third-hand stories of someone curing their cancer with cannabis oil doesn’t constitute scientific evidence and should not be used to determine one’s cancer treatment.
Anecdotal evidence (i.e. individual
stories) lacks an unbiased assessment and evaluation of effectiveness. One person’s experience can’t be broadly applied because each person and every type of cancer is unique. In addition, stories rarely
disclose or detail the full clinical picture, which is necessary for determining the ef- fectiveness of a therapy. Finally, anecdotal stories published online do not go through any verification or vetting. The truthfulness and accuracy of these stories is impossible to assess.
Research Research is broadly categorized into four
tiers. From weakest to strongest they are: • in vitro (i.e cellular studies/ test tube) • Animal studies • Human observational • Human experimental
In vitro studies comprise most of the data supporting the claims made about can- nabis curing cancer. As the weakest form of scientific evidence, in vitro studies do not reliably predict clinical response or ef- ficacy. Animal studies showing anti-cancer effects of cannabis are promising. However, extrapolating clinical response from animal studies is challenging. The route of adminis- tration (direct injection into the tumor) and dose used in the animal studies may not be reasonable or realistic for people. There are only a few, small human trials assessing the efficacy of cannabis on tumor growth, and they are inconclusive.
The legal restrictions on cannabis, his-
torically preventing scientific exploration of its therapeutic benefits, is slowly changing. Although the current state of the evidence is insufficient to support cannabis as a cancer treatment, future studies may demonstrate benefit. However, until more human trials are conducted, cannabis as a primary treat- ment for cancer is not recommended.
Reality Alternatively, multiple studies show
improved quality of life and reduced symp- toms associated with cancer and cancer treatment from cannabis.
1.Pain: Pain is the most frequently cited purpose for medical cannabis use in the U.S. Human cannabis trials consis- tently show reduction in chronic pain. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS) 2017 summary report concluded that, “there is substantial evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults.” Concurrent use of cannabis with opioids reduced number of opioids used, and improved pain reduction.
2.Insomnia: Sleep disturbances related to cancer diagnosis and/or treatment occur frequently. The NAS 2017 report found moderate evidence supporting the use of cannabis to address sleep disorders. The
causes of insomnia likely impact the ef- ficacy of cannabis; insomnia due to pain may respond better than insomnia from hormone imbalances.
3.Gastrointestinal Benefit: Cannabis improves digestive complaints and gastrointestinal disorders associated with cancer treatment and diagnosis. Two literature reviews found that cannabis was superior to placebo, and com- parable to conventional medications, for controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Although the data remains limited in assessing the efficacy of cannabis for weight loss and reduced appetite in individuals with cancer, a re- cent pilot study found improvement with standardized THC capsules. The study is small and not placebo-controlled but builds upon previous animal studies. Based on the demonstrated benefit in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-diarrhea, cannabis may also benefit diarrhea due to cancer treatment.
4.Mood: Mood management is another common indication for using canna- bis. Anxiety impacts many individuals diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment. According to the literature, there appears to be benefit in reducing anxiety and improving post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An increase in depression has been seen in recre- ational cannabis users. It’s unclear if cannabis caused the depression or was more frequently used by depressed individuals. Regardless, if depression symptoms develop or worsen, cannabis should be discontinued.
Safety
Although generally well-tolerated in adults, cannabis should be used with caution and under the supervision of a qualified medical provider. Cannabis use is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women as it may cause reduced fetal growth, delayed development, and contribute to childhood illness. Children and adolescents should also avoid use un- less under the care of a qualified medical professional. Individuals with the follow- ing conditions should avoid cannabis or seek medical advice prior to use: Hepatitis C, unstable cardiac disease, psychosis, and/or lung disease.
Cannabis may interact with some medications increasing side effects and/ or decreasing efficacy of the medications. Concurrent use with medications should only be done under medical guidance. Because cannabis affects cognitive func- tion, motor skills, and reaction time; avoid
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