One of the leading causes of death around the globe is cancer. One of the most prevalent cancer therapies is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy, however, can have various side effects that might impair a patient’s quality of life. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is helpful in this situation. The ability of CBD to lessen some of the adverse effects of chemotherapy and cancer has received much attention in recent years. In this post, we shall examine the potential advantages of CBD for chemotherapy and cancer patients.
The cannabis plant contains various compounds, including cannabidiol, generally known as CBD. In some online communities, it has been promoted as an alternative treatment and even a cure for numerous illnesses, including cancer. Additionally, some cancer patients claim that using CBD as a supplemental medicine has helped them manage their symptoms and adverse effects from conventional cancer treatment.
However, the study on CBD and its application to treating cancer patients is scant. Here’s what you need to know about CBD and the latest research on its safety and efficacy for cancer patients.
Describe CBD.
One of the many different substances that can be discovered in a cannabis plant in bloom is CBD. CBD does not have the psychotropic or mind-altering properties of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another substance present in cannabis. The THC of marijuana, THC, gives users a “high.” Conversely, others use CBD to treat their sleep, anxiety, and pain problems.
Hemp, a type of cannabis plant explicitly produced for its high CBD and low THC content, is where CBD is derived from. Marijuana is the common name for cannabis plants grown with many THC. CBD is derived from cannabis plant oil that has been extracted. Then, the oil can be consumed as a liquid, a pill, a candy, or vaping. Additionally, it can be included as a component in goods like lotions and skin patches.
There is still a lot we still need to learn about CBD. Because the U.S. Narcotic Enforcement Administration (DEA) classified it as a Schedule I narcotic up until 2018, it has gone chiefly unstudied. A sustained designated as Schedule I by the Dat has been banned due to safety concerns regarding the possibility of misuse and the lack of a recognized medical use. The DEA changed CBD’s designation in September 2018 to become a Category V substance. Drugs classified as Schedule V are less likely to be abused and are thought to have specific medical applications.
The only CBD product that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has currently approved is Epidiolex, a CBD therapy meant to treat a rare and severe form of pediatric epilepsy. FDA-approved CBD drugs are not yet available to treat cancer or the adverse effects of cancer treatment.
Can CBD aid those who have cancer?
Studies are being conducted to provide an answer. Researchers are examining whether CBD helps lessen some of the adverse effects of cancer and its treatment, such as pain, nausea, insomnia, and anxiety. Other researchers are looking at whether CBD could inhibit or stop the spread of cancer.
No significant studies have been conducted to date that support CBD’s use in cancer treatment—most studies examining CBD’s potential as a cancer treatment involved lab-grown mice or human cells. For instance, several researchers have demonstrated that CBD prevents cancer cell development in mice with lung or colon cancer. Following a different study, CBD and THC combined effectively destroyed glioblastoma cancer cells in culture. However, no research has been done on cancer patients.
Recognizing CBD
It’s critical to comprehend CBD before delving into its possible advantages for cancer patients and people going through chemotherapy. A substance called CBD can be found in cannabis plants. CBD, a cannabinoid distinct from THC, does not result in the psychotropic side effects usually associated with cannabis use. This means that CBD won’t cause you to feel “high.” Instead, CBD is well-known for its potential medical advantages.
Management of Pain
Pain is one of the most frequent adverse effects of chemotherapy and cancer treatment. It has been demonstrated that CBD may have pain-relieving effects. In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, researchers discovered that CBD significantly reduced chronic pain and inflammation in mice and rats. These first results are encouraging; nevertheless, more studies are required to determine the effectiveness of CBD for pain management in humans.
Irritation and vomiting
Chemotherapy patients may find maintaining their weight and nutritional status challenging because nausea and vomiting are frequent side effects. It has been demonstrated that CBD may have anti-emetic and anti-nausea properties. In a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, researchers discovered that CBD decreased nausea and vomiting in animal models. These preliminary results show that CBD might be a good choice for cancer chemotherapy patients. At the same time, additional research is required to determine the effectiveness of CBD for nausea and vomiting in humans.
Both worry and depression
A patient’s mental health may suffer due to chemotherapy and cancer. Patients with cancer frequently experience depression and anxiety. It has been demonstrated that CBD may have anxiolytic and depressive effects. In a study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, researchers discovered that CBD significantly decreased anxiety regarding public speaking. These preliminary results indicate that CBD may be a therapeutic option for these mental health disorders. However, additional study is required to determine the effectiveness of CBD for anxiety and depression in cancer patients.
Hunger Stimulation
It’s critical for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy to maintain a healthy diet. However, chemotherapy frequently results in appetite loss, which makes it challenging for patients to eat enough to meet their nutritional demands. It has been demonstrated that CBD may have appetite-stimulating qualities. In a study published in Psychopharmacology, scientists discovered that CBD made rats eat more. These preliminary results suggest that CBD might be a possible treatment for cancer patients battling with appetite loss. At the same time, additional research is required to determine the effectiveness of CBD in stimulating appetite in humans.
Conclusion
The potential advantages of CBD are encouraging, even if further research is required to understand whether it is effective for cancer patients and people receiving chemotherapy. Evidence suggests that CBD may have pain-relieving, anti-nausea, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and appetite-stimulating effects. As usual, consult your doctor before beginning any new treatment plan, including one with CBD. But with more study, CBD may prove to be an effective weapon against cancer and the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Cancer patients and those receiving chemotherapy may benefit significantly from using CBD. CBD may enhance living standards by easing pain, decreasing nausea and vomiting, easing anxiety and sadness, and improving appetite.
