Cannabis Cancer therapies are available from Dr. Courtney, MD, of Cannabis International. Schedule a visit online or by phone to learn more.
Marijuana and individual cannabinoids (compounds in the plant like tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] or cannabidiol [CBD]) have been studied to manage the side effects of cancer and cancer therapies (like chemotherapy). Findings suggest that certain cannabinoids can help relieve some of those side effects. However, studies have not shown that marijuana or individual cannabinoids can cure cancer. Like many other drugs, marijuana can cause side effects and complications. Avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer or relying on marijuana alone to treat or manage the effects of cancer may have serious health consequences.
Studies of the chemicals (or cannabinoids) found in the marijuana plant suggest that certain cannabinoids can be helpful in treating nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy,1 as well as in treating neuropathic pain (pain caused by damaged nerves).1 The U.S Food and Drug Administrationexternal icon (FDA) has approved two specific drugs (dronabinol [name brands Marinol and Syndros] and nabilone [name brand Cesamet]) that are synthetic (man-made) forms of specific cannabinoids for use in cancer patients with chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting. More research is needed to understand the effects of marijuana as a treatment for cancer-related symptoms or side effects of cancer therapy.
In cell cultures and animal models, cannabis-derived cannabinoids, particularly THC and cannabidiol, can have activity against some cancers (but paradoxically also accelerate the growth of others). But none of these studies provide evidence that cannabis can cure cancer (many drugs look great in cell cultures and animal models but fail in definitive clinical trials). There are two early phase clinical trials published, one of which suggests it is possible cannabinoids might help treat a very aggressive type of brain cancer with few side effects. But it is irresponsible and harmful to say cannabis cures all types of cancer. Research also shows alternative medicine use may delay conventional treatment, resulting in worse cancer-specific outcomes. However, given its proven benefits helping treat cancer side effects such as loss of appetite, neuropathic pain, and nausea, it is reasonable to use as an integrative treatment for those indications, but not in lieu of conventional therapy, especially in curative intent situations.
Schedule a visit online or by phone to learn more about Cannabis cancer therapy.
