Chemotherapy is a treatment we’ve probably all heard of. It’s commonly used on cancer patients to kill cancer cells. But even though it can be an effective cancer treatment, it comes with quite a few horrible side effects. From a lack of energy to nausea, being sick and even hair loss.
You may be wondering: can I use CBD with chemotherapy?
The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of these natural compounds, and they’re what you’ll see most often when researching medical cannabis. The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. Below we’ll be exploring medical cannabis for cancer patients in the UK, THC/CBD and chemotherapy, and whether or not the two are safe to use alongside each other.
Using Cannabis with Chemotherapy
A lot more research is needed to discover the full potential benefits of CBD and medical cannabis being used alongside chemotherapy. However, there is some promising evidence that it could complement chemotherapy.
Some of the possible chemotherapy side effects, and cancer symptoms, medical cannabis has the potential to help relieve include:
- Pain relief
- Nausea and vomiting relief
- Reducing inflammation
- Mood enhancement
- Anxiety relief
We have lots more on medical cannabis for cancer here. And it’s important to remember that medical cannabis is not a replacement cancer treatment. It can just be used alongside it to potentially help relieve symptoms or side effects.
How to Use Cannabis During Chemotherapy
When it comes to recommended dosage and how often you consume medical cannabis for chemotherapy patients, it’s best to firstly consult your healthcare provider. If you’re with a clinic like Alternaleaf, you’ll be able to talk to your clinician if something isn’t working or if you’d like to up your dose/change your strain. They’ll explain everything in detail ahead of prescribing any medication, and will advise you on what is best based on your symptoms and condition.
Below are some different forms of medical cannabis:
- Flower: Usually inhaled using a vaporiser, you’ll feel a rapid onset of effects, typically within minutes, making it suitable for immediate relief of symptoms such as pain.Smoking your prescription is illegal in the UK and could lead to lung damage. So, if your preferred method is inhalation, purchasing a dry herb vaporiser through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf is the best solution.
- Edibles & Capsules: Consuming cannabis-infused ‘edibles’, like pastilles, or soft gel capsules, results in slower onset of effects, which can take between 1 to 2 hours. This method is ideal for longer-lasting relief.
- Oils/Tinctures: Placing cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue provides a faster onset than edibles, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and, like edible options, relief tends to last.
- Cannabis Topicals (Creams, Balms, Patches): Applying cannabis-infused products directly to the skin targets localised pain and inflammation. Please note, you should only ever apply a medication topically if it has been advised by your doctor. The majority of medical cannabis products available for prescription are for consumption via inhalation or sublingually only. There are currently no topical products available for prescription at the time of writing this article.
Side effects of using Cannabis during cancer treatment
Every medication comes with potential side effects, and medical cannabis is no different. However, most serious side effects are uncommon and can vary depending on personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition, as well as consumption method (for example oil, vaporiser, edible), and THC and CBD content.
Don’t worry too much, and if you’re ever concerned about medical cannabis for chemotherapy side effects, speak to your clinician. But, some potential risks and side effects to keep in mind include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Increased Appetite
- Psychoactive Effects. However, the ‘high’ feeling cannabis can be associated with is much more controlled with medical cannabis due to the dosage guidance of a clinician.
Also keep in mind that medical cannabis could potentially interact with other medications. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to speak to your Doctor or clinician.
CBD vs THC: Which Is Better for Chemotherapy Side Effects?
Although there’s some evidence to show CBDs potential, what about THC vs CBD for chemotherapy relief? Well, instead of looking at these two compounds against each other, we should be looking at how they can work together. Because sometimes, both may play a lead role on certain health conditions due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
How to Choose the Best Cannabis Products for Chemotherapy Relief
When it comes to medical cannabis and chemotherapy, the dosage, strain and way you consume is down to personal preference and your clinicians recommendation. They’ll take your symptoms and condition into account, but they’ll also work with you to find what you’re comfortable with - whether that’s THC or CBD for chemotherapy-induced nausea. Remember, you may not get it right at first, so speak to your clinician if you have any questions or preferences.
If you’re thinking of targeting nausea relief with CBD you can purchase any CBD product that contains less than 1mg of THC per packet or container without a prescription. However, keep in mind that CBD products purchased over the counter aren’t strictly monitored. That’s why it may be better to seek the help of a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf, where you can find medication that contains both CBD and THC. It’s monitored, trusted and personalised to you and your symptoms.
An alternative would be to buy CBD products from Alternaleaf’s Pharmacy, Montu Pharmacy. You don’t need a prescription, but you can still trust the source you’re purchasing from.
And finally, it’s always best to start low and go slow. Build up to something that is effective, yet right for you and your symptoms.
Cannabis, CBD & Chemotherapy in the UK: Is It Legal?
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 1st November 2018, but it needs to be prescribed by a specialist doctor. Adults experiencing vomiting or nausea caused by chemotherapy are one of just three conditions that can possibly get a prescription of medical cannabis on the NHS.
However, keep in mind that NHS wait times can be long, so you may want to seek the help of a private clinic like Alternaleaf. To be eligible, you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD or autism. And just because it’s legal in the UK, doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. It is always a good idea to check if you’re travelling somewhere, what their rules and laws are around medical cannabis.
Summary
So, is CBD safe during chemotherapy?
At the time of writing, there simply isn’t enough evidence to say for sure. However, as we continue to push medical cannabis into the mainstream, we hope that with larger scale studies, we’ll see this incredible plant's true potential.
The best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second questionnaire.