3 important questions about cannabis and chemotherapy answered

Although there is limited data supporting the use of cannabis as a first-line treatment for cancer-related symptoms, many patients use it to relieve anxiety, pain, nausea, and insomnia that often accompany a cancer diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy.

in one Study 202142% of breast cancer patients reported using cannabis to relieve symptoms. Seventy-eight (78%) percent used it to relieve pain, 70% used it to help them fall asleep, 57% sought help for anxiety, and 46% used it for nausea and vomiting.

The study also found that only 39% of participants discussed their cannabis use with their doctors, and when they did, it was patient-initiated 76% of the time. Even more worryingly, the study found that only 4% of respondents cited their doctor as the most helpful source of information about cannabis. Instead, they found the internet, family members, and pharmacy staff to be more helpful sources of information.

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Unfortunately, patients diagnosed with cancer still face an uphill battle when it comes to finding trustworthy information about cannabis and their chemotherapy regimen. Here are answers to some basic questions that can help patients decide whether to consider cannabis as part of their treatment regimen.

Is it safe?

The fact that cannabis use appears to be increasing among cancer patients comes as no surprise. Many patients are seeking relief from the side effects of chemotherapy treatment, and increased access to cannabis has increased patient curiosity. More and more states are passing cannabis laws for both medical use and adult use. In fact, a cancer diagnosis is a qualifying medical condition in nearly every state with a legal cannabis market.

With nearly two-thirds of states allowing medicinal cannabis use, access to cannabis has become much easier. In addition, the cannabis products available today are developed under highly regulated conditions and tested for safety and purity. This is great news for cancer patients facing chemotherapy.

RELATED: Cannabis and Chemotherapy – What Are the Benefits for Patients?

While medical professionals still need education about cannabis, more doctors than ever are willing to talk to their patients about cannabis, especially in states where regulated markets exist. That’s currently appreciated Between 20 and 40% of cancer patients use cannabis in some form, either during or after treatment, and this number may be understated in states where cannabis is not legal.

Bottom Line: Cannabis can be safe for most, but knowing how to incorporate it properly is crucial. Patients should always speak to their caregiver and inform them about their cannabis use and use of other treatments.

What Does Cannabis Research Say?

Research efforts have been limited due to the plant’s status as a Schedule I drug in the United States, which is defined as drugs that currently have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. However, many are working to have this designation removed, and there is ample evidence that cannabis can have therapeutic effects in certain areas – many of which are common side effects of chemotherapy. In 2017, the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published their report on The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids. After reviewing more than 10,000 peer-reviewed journals, the report concluded:

• There is conclusive evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective in treating chronic pain in adults and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
• There is moderate evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective in improving short-term sleep disorders and limited evidence for improving appetite and reducing weight loss.

Overall, there are several studies that suggest that THC, the psychoactive/intoxicating component of cannabis, can be effective in treating nausea, pain, loss of appetite, insomnia, anxiety and inflammation – all of which can be side effects of chemotherapy.

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Is it right for me?

There is no way to know for sure if cannabis will help your symptoms until you try it. However, many cancer patients experience significant relief from cannabis use once they have found the best consumption method and dose that works for them. Today’s cAnnabis products offer a variety of ways to use the drug, including topical, transdermal, inhalation, sublingual, and oral ingestion. Understanding the time of onset and duration of action can be helpful in determining which agent may be effective in treating a patient’s symptoms.

Topical administration can provide local relief within 15 minutes with little to no side effects. Topical cannabis products have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation associated with joint pain and muscle soreness.

Transdermal cannabis products (usually patches) are designed to penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream and can provide anywhere from 6 to 12 hours of relief while avoiding first-pass metabolism. For patients where drug interactions or medication compliance are an issue, transdermal products may be the best route of administration.

Inhalation provides quick relief, reaching the bloodstream within minutes but also leaving the body faster, typically 2-4 hours. Patients suffering from ailments of varying intensity may benefit from this delivery method as it provides near-instantaneous relief, is the most predictable delivery, is a breakthrough treatment that can be layered across your regimen, and is the easiest to control.

Cannabis ingestion can provide longer lasting and consistent relief and is ideal for patients suffering from chronic pain, inflammation, nausea and insomnia. A major disadvantage of ingestion is the variability of onset of action. Depending on the patient’s metabolism, genetics, gender, and diet, the onset of effects can range from 30 minutes to two hours (and sometimes longer).

RELATED: Cannabis and breast cancer: What a new study reveals

With cannabis becoming more accessible, it is more important than ever that consumers and patients also have access to objective, evidence-based information about cannabis use and health concerns. The above outlines the most basic questions a patient must ask when considering cannabis as a treatment option. For more specific information on specific needs, always consult and/or consult a healthcare professional Sheet411 for guidance from a cannabis-trained nurse.

Katherine Golden, RN, is the CEO, executive director, and founder of Leaf411, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2019 with the mission of providing education and guidance to the general public about the safe and effective use of legal Cannabis to offer (marijuana and hemp). For more information, call 844-LEAF411 (844-532-3411) or visit us leaf411.org.