Perhaps you might have heard of the medicinal benefits of cannabis oil, and you may even consider it for a family or friend diagnosed with cancer. However, you might be hesitant to opt for it due to the stigma attached to it. On the other hand, there are studies indicating the advantages of using Cannabis oil to treat cancer.

According to a study conducted in 2014, it was found that THC and CBD may help prime cancer cells to respond better to radiation therapy. However, this study was basically performed in cells, not in animals or humans.  As significant evidence, there is a 2019 case report which refers about a man who had lung cancer and declined conventional cancer treatment in favor of using CBD oil.

Most Cancer physicians will tell you that not a day goes by without a patient enquiring about the use of CBD oil or other marijuana-derived products.

Let’s firstly analyze Cannabis oil before establishing it’s link to treat Cancer:-

Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oil is a thick, sticky substance composed of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, obtained from cannabis flowers using a solvent extraction procedure. It is one of the most concentrated form of cannabis products, which makes cannabis oil quite powerful. The oil can be vaporized into the lungs, consumed orally and applied topically as well.  It can also be mixed with creams or lotions for beauty treatments and other external uses.

Cannabis Oil And Cancer Treatment

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) reviewed several studies regarding the association between cannabis and cancer and found that the research has mixed results.

A traditional study of 64,855 men from the United States established that cannabis use did not increase the risk of tobacco-related cancers. This study also found that male cannabis users who didn’t smoke tobacco had an increased risk of prostate cancer.

The authors of a 2015 study found a vital relationship between cannabis and bladder cancer. After considering several factors, they established that cannabis users had a 45% lower risk of developing bladder cancer.

Other researches validated the efficacy of CBD in pre-clinical models of metastatic breast cancer. These studies revealed that CBD significantly reduced breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion.

Cannabis Oil As A Complementary Treatment For Cancer

There are studies to support the use of Cannabis oil for cancer treatment, yet it is still uncertain whether using cannabis has any anti-cancer effects. However, there is some evidence to prove that chemicals in cannabis might help with cancer symptoms. CBD is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties. It may also offer relief from a range of lung cancer symptoms, including fatigue, anxiety, depression, headaches and nerve pain.

Still, there is a lot to discover about Cannabis oil. Therefore, always let your doctor know if you are using CBD oil, to ensure nothing interacts adversely with your cancer treatments or other medications.

Also, try to avoid any random marijuana-derived products with cancer health-related claims on their labels. The only approved product by the FDA as of now, for it’s medical value is Epidiolex.

Conclusion:-

It is essential to note that CBD shouldn’t be used as an alternative to other significant methods of cancer treatment. Further, we need more rigorous studies into the potential benefits of CBD, regarding it’s utility to treat cancer.

However, if you are going to use CBD, ensure that the product you use is free from contaminants, is third party tested, and with the advice of a medical consultant only.