CBD or Cannabidiol, one of many cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, is gaining popularity across the world. Especially, it is making a huge splash in the field of natural medicine because it appears to have some benefits on the human body. Although debatable, some people think using CBD can help prevent cancer. Although it’s a huge claim and probably too early to say that CBD can help in treating cancer, the compound in it may manage some symptoms that take shape due to cancer.
However it is important to know that CBD is totally different from (THC) tetrahydrocannabinol, which happens to be an active cannabinoid in cannabis which leaves a person “high” when they ingest or smoke it. Some researchers are also trying to find some links for treating chronic pain and anxiety with CBD.
Let’s learn about the effects of CBD and how it is beneficial in preventing cancer.
Pain relief
The treatment of cancer itself can lead to immense pain. Cancer triggers pain because of nerve injury, pressure on internal organs and inflammation. When the intensity of the pain increases, even the opioids, which happen to be the powerful pain relievers, lose their effect and the patient becomes resistant to it. CBD, however, indirectly acts on the CB2 receptors, which helps in reducing pain and inflammation that happens due to nerve damage.
Nausea
Cannabis, cannabinoids or CBD, may help in cancer prevention and can also be helpful to the cancer patients who experience regular vomiting and nausea, especially when they undergo chemotherapy.
But, one underlying fact is that the effect that prevents nausea effect comes from THC in cannabis, than from CBD. Therefore, patients who wish to try cannabis to lessen the nausea must know about the possible psychoactive effects of THC in some of the cannabis products and have a word with their physicians about them.
Stimulating appetite
A lot of people, who go through cancer prevention treatment, experience a loss in their appetite followed by nausea. Symptoms, treatment and prevention restrict them from maintaining a healthy diet and weight. Ingested CBD and other cannabis that delivers THC to the blood may help in stimulating the appetite, but there’s no research that supports the evidence that CBD on its own can have this effect.
CBD for cancer prevention
A lot of people wonder that using CBD or cannabis helps in preventing cancer. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) conducted various research studies regarding the connection between cancer and cannabis and figured out that the research has a mixed set of results. An older study of a few thousand men from the United States reached to a consensus that the use of cannabis doesn’t aggravate the risk of cancers related to tobacco. Similarly, another study conducted in 2015 found that there is a link between bladder cancer and cannabis. It was observed that the users of CBD had a 45-percent lower risk of developing bladder cancer. However, more concrete research and further studies are required to identity the role of CBD in preventing cancer. The good news is that the CBD is widely available for sale and so as its products and by-products. These can easily be found at leading distribution stores such as Florence World.
Can CBD treat cancer?
There are, as such, no concrete studies or clinical trials available that claim that the use of cannabinoids or cannabis help in cancer treatment. Some pilot studies do exist, but those research are in the initial stages. In a research study conducted in 2016 noted that the use of cannabinoids showed few signs of decrease in cancer cells. The study also suggested that some dosages or types of CBD might hinder the immune system, resulting in growth of tumors.
Side effects of CBD
No matter how helpful they may be in preventing cancer, they also come with certain lower or mild side effects just like any other medicine. However, the use of CBD travels in the body through blood, so its use not only affects the brain but it also affects other tissues and organs. Patients who are sensitive to its use may experience the following side effects.
- Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Red and itchy eyes
- Muscle relaxation
- Decreased in appetite and digestion
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- irritability
- hot flashes
- Lack of sleep
- Restlessness, anxiety and sleep disorder
- nausea
While CBD may seem to be beneficial for preventing cancer along with easing cancer symptoms, no study or scientific research claim that CBD can be helpful in preventing cancer or can be effective for treating it. However, the use of CBD does help you in managing the nausea related symptoms and chronic pain. Nevertheless, people must always consult their physicians before planning on using CBD or related compound in order to rule out any risk of reactions with any of the medications that are already in their use.
