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Unfortunately cancer is a disease that affects so many people. Not just the people who are diagnosed, but also friends and family members. Most of us have heard of chemotherapy and radiation. And whilst they are treatment options for cancer, they can also come with some pretty unpleasant side effects like nausea and loss of appetite.
That’s where medical cannabis might come in. The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds, and two of these are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t make you feel ‘high’. THC is psychoactive, so can be behind that ‘high’ feeling recreational cannabis use is sometimes associated with.
When it comes to CBD and cancer treatment and THC and cancer treatment, there’s some research that suggests they could have the potential to ease neuropathic pain (nerve pain) and nausea. THC has the potential to improve appetite, and CBD has the potential to ease inflammation and anxiety symptoms. It’s definitely not advised as a replacement treatment, but something that can be used alongside cancer treatment.
Curious to find out if you’re eligible for medical cannabis treatment? Whether you suffer from anxiety and your symptoms are getting worse due to someone you know having cancer treatment, are looking to relieve pain and nausea from chemotherapy, or are suffering from an entirely different condition, head to the Alternaleaf website. Medical cannabis can be prescribed for 50+ conditions. Simply fill out our 30 second questionnaire to see if you’re eligible.
For now, we’ll be exploring CBD and THC for cancer pain relief as well as how it can potentially relieve other symptoms, the cost and side effects below.
How CBD and THC May Benefit Cancer Patients
The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, is a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. The ECS influences and modulates pretty much every single function within your body, directing, correcting and managing your overall health.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why medical cannabis works so positively on so many different conditions. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD or THC, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body.
Cancer and treatments like chemotherapy can cause patients to feel pain. This can be due to inflammation, pressure on internal organs, or nerve injury. And thanks to research around the ECS, we can see the potential benefit of medical cannabis for people with cancer.
THC vs. CBD For Cancer
One of the main possible benefits of CBD for cancer patients is that it can potentially relieve pain by reducing inflammation when it indirectly interacts with the CB2 receptors. THC has the potential to help relieve nerve damage pain by interacting with the CB1 receptors, ease symptoms of nausea that result from treatments like chemotherapy, and stimulate the appetite.
However, there’s no evidence to suggest CBD alone can stimulate the appetite. And, perhaps 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.
There are many more studies on medical cannabis and cancer, highlighting its potential to slow tumour growth for example. But lots more needs to be done for us to discover the full potential of this incredible plant. It’s why one of our main goals at Alternaleaf is to bring medical cannabis into the mainstream.
THC and CBD Products for Cancer: What to Know
Medical cannabis prescriptions are available in the UK as flower, vape cartridges, oils and edible options. Each of these can have a different onset of effects. For example, inhaling provides rapid onset of effects, typically within minutes, making it suitable for immediate relief of symptoms such as pain. 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. And, placing cannabis oil under the tongue provides a faster onset than edibles, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and, like edible options, relief tends to last longer than they do for inhaling.
You might not choose the right form on your first try, but it’s best to chat through any preferences or worries with your clinician ahead of prescribing and throughout your treatment journey. You may also need to adjust your dosage. Again, this depends on your preferences, condition and symptoms. With licensed clinics like Alternaeaf, you have experts on hand to guide you through this, especially at the start of your journey when things may be brand new.
You can also find some CBD products, like CBD edibles, available over the counter. However, remember that these aren’t always monitored as strictly as medical cannabis that can be purchased from licensed clinics like Alternaleaf, so the total CBD content can’t always be trusted, and may not be as effective due to restrictions on THC levels.
An alternative would be to buy CBD products from Alternaleaf’s Pharmacy, Montu Pharmacy. And because they’re non-prescription products, you can order them without a prescription, but still trust the source you’re purchasing from.
The majority of medical cannabis products available for prescription are for consumption via inhalation or sublingually only. However, there are a number of topical cannabis based products that are available over the counter, like CBD creams or oils. Applying cannabis-infused products directly to the skin targets localised pain and inflammation. This method does not produce psychoactive effects, making it suitable for patients seeking relief from conditions like muscle pain. Please note, you should only ever apply a medication topically if it has been advised by your doctor.
Cost of CBD and THC for Cancer Patients in the UK
Currently, there are three conditions where you may be able to get a prescription for medical cannabis on the NHS, and one of these is adults with nausea or vomiting caused by chemotherapy. But you may still want to seek out treatment with a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf yourself, as you may find the process quicker and more efficient.
It’s really hard to say what the average cost of medical cannabis is in the UK. Appointment fees are usually at a set price, but medication cost can vary, usually depending on dosage, frequency of use and product type.
Your clinician will recommend a form and treatment plan, explaining frequency of use and dosage, based on what your symptoms are. But you may need to increase/decrease this at different points throughout your journey. You may not get it right to begin with, but by working with your clinician you’ll find what works for you.
Also, if you want to stick to a budget, it’s a good idea to let them know as soon as possible. They’ll give you guidance on what they think is best, but equally they’ll take your opinion and thoughts into account.
We go into a bit more detail on the cost of medical cannabis here.
Side Effects of CBD and THC
Every medication comes with potential side effects, and medical cannabis is no different.
However, side effects are rare 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. Whether it’s CBD for chemotherapy side effects, THC for nausea and appetite in cancer patients, or something else, it’s always best to speak to your doctor. They’ll explain everything in detail ahead of prescribing any medication, but below are a handful of THC specific vs CBD specific side effects:
CBD Specific Side Effects:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
THC Specific Side Effects:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Increased Appetite
- Psychoactive Effects. However, the ‘high’ feeling cannabis can be associated with is much more controlled with medical cannabis, as your prescriber will be able to advise on dosage to avoid this while still achieving symptom relief.
Also keep in mind that medical cannabis could potentially interact with other medications. If you are prescribed other medication, especially for cancer care, it’s always best to speak to your Doctor or clinician before consuming any medical cannabis.
Can Medical Cannabis Help with Cancer Care?
Currently there isn’t enough evidence to say whether medical cannabis has the potential to help treat cancer. However, there is evidence to suggest medical cannabis could complement cancer treatment, focusing more on potentially relieving unwanted side effects from gruelling cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Essentially, we just need to wait for lots more research to be done.
Summary
When it comes to medical cannabis and cancer the one thing we know for sure is that more research is needed. But there is promising evidence that shows it has the potential to be beneficial alongside other cancer treatments. And remember not to focus too much on THC vs. CBD for cancer pain management. Sometimes it’s better when these two cannabinoids work together.
If medical cannabis is something you want to explore, head to the Alternaleaf website. We have expert clinicians who’ll be able to talk through your treatment journey to see if it could be right for you.