In the United States, cancer is a widespread issue. In 2019, nearly 600,000 people died of cancer, while another 1,752,735 new cases were reported [1]. For 2022, the estimated new number of cases is 1.9 million [2]. For those with any form of cancer, the stress and medications can be taxing right down to your very soul. It is no wonder that more people are reaching for cannabis and CBD for help. Certainly, there are many small scale studies out there with promising results, but if you want to try CBD for cancer, there are a few things you should know before giving it a try.
Research on CBD as a Treatment for Cancer
Throughout the years, science has given us a significant amount of evidence showing how cannabinoids influence cancer in both human and animal models. Further research is certainly needed before CBD can be named an adequate therapy for cancer (or even as a treatment). Until then, here is what you should know:
A study from 2010 looked at the effect CBD had on metastatic breast cancer [3]. The study found that CBD played a role in reducing the proliferation of those cancer cells.
In 2014, experimental models used in a study suggested that CBD may inhibit colorectal cancer cells from spreading throughout the body [4].
Interestingly, a recent study from June 2022 backed up the previous study [5]. It was found that CBD (and synthetic cannabidiol derivatives) may repress several forms of human colorectal cancer cells by inducing cell death.
A 2019 review of literature (focusing on in vitro and in vivo studies) found that cannabinoids may slow pancreatic cancer in a number of ways, including provoking cancer cell death [6]. However, the authors of the review remarked that studies up to that point had used a range of dosages and formulations, making it difficult to say for certain what had worked.
Another study from 2022 utilized cannabidiol, cannabis sativa extract, and cisplatin to see if these compounds could induce an antiproliferative effect on prostate cancer cells [7]. The researchers stated that the three compounds did exactly that. Although the study used mouse models, the reduction of tumors was significant enough when using CBD for the researchers to conclude that “cannabidiol is a viable therapy” for prostate cancer.
Can CBD Help With Chemotherapy Side Effects?
A lot of research has been focused on the prevention or reduction of cancer cells within the body. That said, there has been some evidence—both scientific and anecdotal—suggesting a therapeutic effect for those struggling with side effects from chemotherapy and cancer medications.
A review from 2021 found that CBD can affect chemotherapy a couple of ways [8]. First, the researchers noted that CBD may enhance the effects of chemotherapy as well as reduce some of the associated side effects. This suggests that CBD may improve the quality of life for those undergoing cancer treatment.
What About CBD For Cancer in Animals?
Knowing your beloved four-legged companion is plagued with cancer is difficult. Often, animals respond well to cancer medications and treatment, but they may have the same side effects as a person. There is some good news. In 2021, researchers from Cornell University looked at the effects of cannabidiol on neoplastic cell apoptosis in dogs [9]. Investigators looked at cell cultures from a variety of canine cancers, including lymphoma and osteosarcoma and treated those cancers with different concentrations of CBD.
When CBD was combined with chemotherapy medications, it was found that CBD oil was able to reduce the number of cancer cells produced. Additionally, different concentrations of CBD and medication produced different results. All in all, the researchers were hopeful that this would pave the way for CBD therapies and treatments for animals with cancer.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects From CBD?
CBD is a generally safe substance that is unlike THC, which has psychoactive properties. In a 2017 review of multiple studies, it was found that there are only a handful of side effects: [10]
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness
- Decreased appetite
- Weight changes
More research is needed to see how CBD interacts with various systems of the body, including hormones.
Furthermore, if you are on any prescription medications with a grapefruit warning on the label, it may be best not to take CBD. Similar to grapefruit, CBD may interfere with medication metabolism by interrupting certain liver enzymes. This could lead to a higher than average concentration of the medication.
The following medications often come with a grapefruit warning:
- Oral or IV chemotherapy
- Antibiotics
- Anti-seizure medications
- Anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications
- Sleep aids
- Muscle relaxers and sedatives
- Blood thinners
Keep in mind that each person’s experience with CBD is unique. What works for you may not work for others. It is highly recommended that you discuss taking CBD with a medical professional before giving it a try.
Looking for High Quality CBD?
If you are planning on using CBD for cancer, please remember that there is still much that we do not know. However, current research has provided plenty of promising results. Although it is too early to say how effective CBD is when used for cancer, the risks of CBD are few for most people.
There is no reason not to talk to your doctor about trying CBD then looking at products online. When it comes to high quality CBD, look no further than Sugar Bottom Hemp. Our CBD is sourced for organically grown hemp then minimally processed upon extraction, providing the purest CBD available. Our CBD is also tested in an independent third party lab. Check out our full catalog of CBD products today.
Bibliography
- Cancer Data and Statistics | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/data/index.htm
- Cancer Facts & Figures 2022| American Cancer Society. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all-cancer-facts-figures/cancer-facts-figures-2022.html
- McAllister, S. D., Murase, R., Christian, R. T., Lau, D., Zielinski, A. J., Allison, J., Almanza, C., Pakdel, A., Lee, J., Limbad, C., Liu, Y., Debs, R. J., Moore, D. H., & Desprez, P. Y. (2010). Pathways mediating the effects of cannabidiol on the reduction of breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 129(1), 37–47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-010-1177-4
- Romano, B., Borrelli, F., Pagano, E., Cascio, M. G., Pertwee, R. G., & Izzo, A. A. (2014). Inhibition of colon carcinogenesis by a standardized Cannabis sativa extract with high content of cannabidiol. Phytomedicine, 21(5), 631–639. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2013.11.006
- Lee, S. H., Lee, H. S., Tamia, G., Song, H. J., & Wei, C. I. (2022). Anticancer Activity of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells: A Mechanistic Study. Current Developments in Nutrition, 6(Supplement_1), 246–246. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzac052.013
- Sharafi, G., He, H., & Nikfarjam, M. (2019). Potential Use of Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. Journal of Pancreatic Cancer, 5(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1089/pancan.2018.0019
- Motadi, L. R., & Moleya, N. B. (2022). Abstract 3714: The antitumor activity of cannabis sativa and CBD in prostate cancer PC3 cells. Cancer Research, 82(12_Supplement), 3714–3714. https://doi.org/10.1158/1538-7445.am2022-3714
- Griffiths, C., Aikins, J., Warshal, D., & Ostrovsky, O. (2021). Can Cannabidiol Affect the Efficacy of Chemotherapy and Epigenetic Treatments in Cancer? Biomolecules, 11(5), 766. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11050766
- Henry, J. G., Shoemaker, G., Prieto, J. M., Hannon, M. B., & Wakshlag, J. J. (2021). The effect of cannabidiol on canine neoplastic cell proliferation and mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation during autophagy and apoptosis. Veterinary and Comparative Oncology. https://doi.org/10.1111/vco.12669
- Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2(1), 139–154. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0034
