Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment often experience a range of unpleasant side effects, including nausea, vomiting, pain, and anxiety. To alleviate these symptoms, many patients turn to CBD (cannabidiol) and Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), two compounds found in cannabis. While research into the efficacy of these compounds for cancer patients is ongoing, some studies have shown promising results. In this article, we’ll explore how CBD and Delta 9 THC can benefit cancer patients during chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Nausea and Vomiting:
Chemotherapy and radiation can cause severe nausea and vomiting, which can impact a patient’s quality of life. Studies have shown that both CBD and Delta 9 THC can help alleviate these symptoms. In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that Delta 9 THC significantly reduced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Reference:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/517882/
Pain Relief:
Cancer patients often experience pain due to their condition and the treatments they undergo. CBD and Delta 9 THC have both been shown to have pain-relieving properties. In a study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, researchers found that cancer patients who used cannabis had a significant reduction in pain.
Reference:
Journal Article: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management – Cannabis in Pain Treatment: Clinical and Research Considerations
https://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5900(16)00543-5/fulltext
Anxiety and Depression:
Cancer patients can experience anxiety and depression due to their diagnosis and treatment. CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and antidepressant properties. In a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, researchers found that CBD reduced anxiety in patients with social anxiety disorder.
Reference:
Journal Article: Journal of Psychopharmacology – Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced by Simulated Public Speaking in Treatment-Naïve Social Phobia Patients
https://www.nature.com/articles/npp20116
Appetite Stimulation:
Chemotherapy can cause loss of appetite and weight loss, which can lead to malnutrition. Delta 9 THC has been shown to stimulate appetite, which can help cancer patients maintain a healthy weight. In a study published in the Annals of Oncology, researchers found that Delta 9 THC increased appetite in cancer patients.
Reference:
Journal Article: Annals of Oncology – Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol for appetite stimulation in cancer-associated anorexia: a randomized controlled trial
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/082585979401000105
While research into the efficacy of CBD and Delta 9 THC for cancer patients is ongoing, these compounds have shown promise in alleviating the symptoms of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Cancer patients should discuss the use of these compounds with their healthcare provider to determine if they are an appropriate treatment option. With further research and understanding, these compounds could potentially become a valuable tool in the fight against cancer.
Note: Please make sure to consult with a medical professional before trying any CBD or Delta 9 THC products.
FDA Disclaimer:
The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require this notice.
