As public interest in medical cannabis continues to grow, so does curiosity about its potential benefits for cancer patients. However, the sheer volume of information online can often be overwhelming and confusing. This guide aims to provide clear, concise, and comprehensive information about the role of medicinal cannabis in cancer treatment.

How Cannabis Affects Your Body

To understand how cannabis might help with cancer, it’s important to know how it interacts with the body. Recent research has highlighted the importance of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), found in all animals, including humans. The ECS is a network of receptors (CB1 and CB2) and signaling compounds (endocannabinoids) that regulate numerous critical body functions such as:

• Temperature control

• Sleep regulation

• Emotional processing

• Inflammatory and immune responses

• Pain control

• Memory and learning

• Sexual function

CB1 receptors, primarily found in the brain, influence numerous physical responses, while CB2 receptors, mainly located in immune tissues, affect immune system functioning.

The Effect of Different Cannabinoids

Cannabis contains over 113 phytocannabinoids, but THC and CBD are the most studied. Both have potential benefits for cancer patients due to their interaction with ECS receptors and other internal systems.

• THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol): Similar in structure to the endocannabinoid anandamide, THC binds to CB1 receptors, producing euphoric effects. It may reduce nausea, pain, and stimulate appetite, but can also cause side effects like altered sense of time, slowed reaction time, loss of balance and coordination, and impaired memory.

• CBD (Cannabidiol): Unlike THC, CBD does not produce intoxicating effects. It interacts with receptors such as 5-HT1A (serotonin receptor) and TRPV1 (vanilloid receptor), offering potential antianxiety and pain-reducing effects. CBD also slows the breakdown of endocannabinoids, increasing their concentration and potentially offering a range of health benefits.

Cannabis and Cancer Therapy

When considering cannabis for cancer treatment, it’s essential to consult a medical professional. While cannabis cannot cure cancer, it may help alleviate symptoms and side effects of conventional treatments like chemotherapy.

• Reducing Nausea and Vomiting: More than 80% of cancer patients experience chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. A 2019 study found that cannabis treatment reduced these symptoms in 50% of participants.

• Pain Relief: Cannabis may offer relief from pain associated with cancer treatments. Studies indicate significant improvements in pain management, although some side effects like hypotension, mental clouding, drowsiness, and vomiting were reported.

• Improving Appetite: Loss of appetite can lead to cancer cachexia, a syndrome causing severe weight and muscle loss. A 2019 study showed that 17.6% of participants taking cannabis capsules experienced significant weight gain, suggesting potential benefits for appetite improvement.

Other benefits include relief from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, gastrointestinal distress, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Potential Drawbacks

Cannabis use can have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, bloodshot eyes, muscle relaxation, heart arrhythmia, and slowed digestion. Additionally, interactions with cancer treatments can cause unexpected reactions, making it crucial to use cannabis under medical supervision.

Cannabis Cancer Studies

Research on cannabis and cancer is ongoing, with several studies highlighting potential benefits:

• Colon Cancer: Studies suggest that cannabinoids like anandamide and THC may target and eliminate tumor cells, regulate cell survival and growth, and induce cell death in apoptosis-resistant cancer cells.

• Skin Cancer: Research indicates that cannabinoids may induce apoptosis and autophagy in melanoma cells and reduce tumor growth.

• Lung Cancer: Long-term cannabis use may increase the risk of lung cancer due to the combustion and inhalation of the flower, emphasizing the importance of consulting medical professionals before considering cannabis as a treatment option.

Legal Regulations and Safety Measures

In the UK, medical cannabis was legalized on 1 November 2018, but possessing, growing, and distributing it remains illegal. Patients must have a qualifying condition and obtain a prescription from a specialist doctor. Always use prescribed medicinal cannabis to ensure safety and efficacy.

Conclusion

Medical cannabis offers potential benefits for cancer patients, but it’s not a cure. Understanding how it works, its benefits, and possible drawbacks, along with legal regulations, is essential. Further research is needed to draw definitive conclusions, and patients should only use cannabis under the guidance of a qualified medical professional.