Draft:Cannabis and Cancer: Investigating the Healing Connection

Introduction

Cannabis has been gaining attention for its potential role in cancer treatment. Researchers have been looking into how cannabinoids—the active compounds in cannabis—might help with managing symptoms like pain, nausea, and appetite loss. Some studies even suggest that cannabinoids could have anticancer properties, but the research is still ongoing. There’s a lot of discussion about the benefits and limitations of using cannabis in cancer care, and scientists continue to explore its full potential. Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, the most studied being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in pain regulation, immune response, and cellular homeostasis.

The Role of Cannabinoids in Cancer Treatment

When it comes to pain relief, research suggests that cannabis-derived compounds can help ease chronic pain in cancer patients. A study published in The Journal of Pain found that cannabinoids were effective in reducing cancer-related pain. Some countries have even approved cannabis-based medicines like nabiximols (Sativex) for patients who don’t get enough relief from opioids. For nausea and appetite loss, cannabis has also shown promise. The FDA has approved synthetic cannabinoids like dronabinol and nabilone to help with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. There’s also ongoing research into whether cannabis has anticancer properties. Some early studies suggest that cannabinoids may slow tumor growth and even trigger cancer cell death. A 2019 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that CBD reduced the spread of breast cancer cells. While these findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand cannabis’s role in cancer treatment.

Therapeutic Potential and Research Findings

While there’s been a lot of excitement around cannabis and its potential in cancer treatment, the research is still in its early stages—especially when it comes to human trials. The complexity of cannabis compounds and legal restrictions have made progress slow, but scientists are continuing to explore its possible benefits.

Surveys show that many cancer patients are already using cannabis, mostly to help with symptoms. In one national survey of over 1,200 cancer patients, about 31% said they used cannabis after their diagnosis. The percentage varied depending on the type of cancer, with younger patients and those with testicular cancer being more likely to use it. Another study found that around 42% of breast cancer patients turned to cannabis for relief from pain, anxiety, nausea, and insomnia. Interestingly, a lot of them didn’t talk to their doctors about it and instead relied on the internet or personal recommendations for information. There’s also been some lab research suggesting that cannabinoids could slow cancer growth or even trigger cancer cell death. THC, for example, has shown potential in promoting apoptosis (a process where cancer cells self-destruct). But when it comes to real-world treatment, we don’t have solid clinical evidence yet. While preclinical studies look promising, there’s still a lack of large-scale clinical trials proving cannabis can effectively treat cancer.

That said, interest in this field is growing. The National Cancer Institute is backing clinical trials on CBD and its potential role in cancer care. While we’re not there yet, research is moving forward, and the coming years may bring more clarity on what cannabis can and can’t do for cancer patients.

Risks and Concerns of Cannabis Use in Cancer Treatment

Cannabis is often used to manage cancer symptoms, but concerns remain about its safety, effectiveness, and interactions with treatments. The American Cancer Society calls for more research to fully understand its risks and benefits. THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, can affect memory, mood, and motor skills, sometimes causing anxiety or dependency. Studies show around 9% of users develop dependency, with higher rates among those who start young. Cannabis may also interact with chemotherapy, altering drug effectiveness and increasing sedation when combined with other medications. Smoking cannabis carries risks too, as it contains harmful chemicals similar to tobacco, potentially leading to lung and heart issues.

Another challenge is inconsistent dosing. A 2020 study found nearly 70% of cannabis products had inaccurate THC and CBD labeling, raising concerns about quality control. While cannabis has potential, these issues highlight the need for more research and regulation. While some studies highlight cannabis as a complementary therapy for managing cancer symptoms, several concerns remain regarding its safety, efficacy, and interactions with conventional treatments. The American Cancer Society emphasizes the need for further research to assess both the risks and benefits of cannabis use in cancer care.

Call for Further Research

The American Cancer Society (ACS), National Cancer Institute (NCI), and World Health Organization (WHO) advocate for more rigorous clinical trials to determine:

1. The safest and most effective cannabinoid formulations for cancer patients.
2. Potential risks of long-term cannabis use in cancer management.
3. Cannabis interactions with chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy treatments.

Notable Publications on Cannabis and Cancer

Several authoritative texts provide comprehensive insights into the role of cannabis in cancer care, ranging from scientific research to patient experiences:

• Cannabis and Cancer: Assessing the Science Base – A scientific review of cannabis and its therapeutic applications, including cancer management. by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2017. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press
• Medical Marijuana- Dr. Kogan's Evidence-Based Guide to the Health Benefits of Cannabis and CBD by Mikhail Kogan, M.D. and Joan Liebmann-Smith, PhD Foreword by Andrew Weil, M.D. Penguin Random House Publishing.
• Cannabis and Cannabinoid-Based Medicines in Cancer Care –A medical textbook that addresses challenges healthcare providers face concerning cannabinoid-based medicines in oncology, analyzing both preclinical and clinical data. Edited by D.I. Abrams and M. Guzmán by SpringerLink
• Marijuana Killed My Cancer and Is Keeping Me Cancer-Free –A personal perspective on using cannabis for cancer treatment, discussing alternative medicine approaches by Erika Karohs, Blueberry Illustrations
• The Science of Weed – An Indispensable Guide to Cannabis by Godfrey Pearlson on press.jhu.edu
• Cannabis for Chronic Pain: A Proven Prescription for Using Marijuana to Relieve Your Pain and Heal Your Life By Rav Ivker by Simon and Schuster
• Check out more academic Resources on Cannabis and Medicine

Conclusion

Leading health organizations, including the NCI, CDC, FDA, and WHO, acknowledge that cannabis may help alleviate cancer-related symptoms, particularly pain, nausea, and appetite loss. However, they caution against its use as a standalone cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for more rigorous clinical trials to assess long-term safety, efficacy, and potential drug interactions. Patients considering cannabis as part of their cancer care should consult medical professionals to make informed decisions based on current scientific evidence.