Knowledge of CBD oil’s healing effects seems to be ever more prevalent these days. Once available only at novelty or vitamin shops, it’s now also at your local grocery store, pharmacy or even yoga studio. Needless to say it’s been gaining a lot of attention in the healthcare community.

It comes in many forms as well beyond medical cannabis: oils that are dropped under the tongue, roll-ons that are applied to the skin, cartidges for vaping, and even cold brew coffee. Some producers extract CBD oil and add it into foods to create edible products as well.

Today we’ll discuss a question that everyone is talking about, How how does CBD affect cancer patients? Can it really treat, or even cure cancer or relieve its symptoms? We will also discuss other cannabinoids that researchers have only recently identified that work together with CBD to help ease people’s symptoms.

Depending on where you live your ability to access CBD could be tough, so we’ll also touch on legality not just in the US but around the world. Finally we will go over the potential dangers and if the use of CBD or cannabis oil could be addicting after prolonged use.

What is the difference between THC and CBD? What other cannabinoids are important?

Cannabis and hemp are both varieties of the cannabis sativa plant. One of the main reasons cannabis has so many diverse uses is the plant’s ability to produce a wide variety of different chemicals. In fact, there are over 500 different chemicals identified in cannabis. Some, like terpenes and flavonoids are the compounds responsible for the taste and smell of cannabis that many people enjoy. But more than 144 of these chemicals are what are known as cannabinoids which are compounds that are much rarer in nature but abundant in the cannabis plant.

You’ve likely heard of the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol or (THC), which provides the cannabis plant with much of its medicinal value and also produces the psychoactive effects that deter some people from using it. Another commonly known cannabinoid is cannabidiol or (CBD), which is praised for having medicinal benefits without inducing any psychoactive effects. While these are the most well known and abundant cannabinoids, there are a plethora of other cannabinoids produced by the plant that researchers have only recently been able to identify now that access to the plant is becoming easier. 

These new findings are making things a little more complicated as they’ve found cannabinoids’ effects may be influenced by other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids present in the cannabis being consumed. This therapeutic synergy is known as the ‘entourage effect’ and is an acknowledgment that cannabis’ active chemicals seem to work together to create effects that wouldn’t come from any of their parts individually. This is important to know as many products these days seem to only contain CBD in an effort to get around legal regulations. This is why many people who have seen some success using a variety of complementary cannabinoids to ease and potentially cure their cancer use products made from the entire cannabis plant such as Rick Simpson Oil aka RSO. Here are just some of the various cannabinoids and what research has found they help with:

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC, converted by your body into delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol tends to get the most attention as the most plentiful cannabinoid in the modern cannabis plant, the one that causes the well-known psychoactivity or “high” associated with cannabis. It’s also praised for its strong medicinal effects, which continues to be utilized by patients all over the world. THC can help with the following:

• Pain relief: In fact, one of the most common reasons patients use cannabis is for pain management, and THC plays a huge role in this. While many cannabinoids offer pain relief, some studies show that THC can bring the highest level of pain relief, even beating out psychoactive-free alternatives like CBD.

• Boost your mood: Some animal studies show that THC can act similarly to an antidepressant, uplifting a depressed mood and calming anxiety. Going through the trauma of being diagnosed with a potentially terminal illness can have devastating effects on your daily mood, and THC may help. However it should be noted that regular, long-term use though may actually increase the risk one’s of anxiety or depression.

• Helps with nausea, muscle spasms, and sleep disorders, along with other conditions: It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, neuroprotective agent, and antioxidant. THC can even shift your metabolism to help avoid weight gain, as studies suggest cannabis users tend to eat more but weigh less than non-users.

• Noted Side effects: Due to its psychotropic effects, THC can cause side effects like mental confusion, short term memory loss, shifts in time perception, rapid heart-rate, lowered coordination and anxiety. This can make using medical marijuana an uncomfortable experience for some, especially at higher doses. Still, these effects only happen for some and often lessen as tolerance to THC builds. For many, these side effects can also be reduced by combining THC with other cannabinoids or terpenes. 

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD (the main topic of this article) is another common cannabinoid, and one that has gained a lot of notoriety in recent years as the “non-psychoactive cannabinoid.” Despite the hype, it turns out that CBD is slightly psychoactive, because it can alter mood by easing anxiety and depression. But it doesn’t have the same kind of disorienting effects as THC like mental confusion, shifts in time perception, short-term memory loss or lack of coordination. Most CBD users report that their mind feels and functions normally, though some people do report feeling different. The effects of CBD have been shown to help with many conditions. It is used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and as mentioned above, fight anxiety.

In addition, the World Health Organization recently reported that CBD can help treat epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, different types of cancer, psychosis, Parkinson’s disease, and other serious conditions. The organization also concluded that CBD is exceptionally safe to use, having no known negative side effects or potential for addiction. This cannabinoid is under broad investigation for the treatment of many diseases, but so far sufficient evidence only exists for a few conditions, including pediatric seizure disorders.

THC-V and other “Varins”

Another popular cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabivarin or (THCV), though it is much less commonly occurring in the cannabis plant than THC or CBD. This cannabinoid has a lot in common with its chemical cousin THC, but has a slightly different chemical structure and side effects. This slight alteration in it’s chemical structure means that unlike THC, it may function as more of a blocker than an activator of CB1 (Cannabinoid-1 Receptor) which is mainly targeted by THC.

Reported to produce a relaxing, euphoric, and energizing high, THCV may help block the anxiety-inducing effects of THC when the two are used together. It also holds promise as a weight-loss aid by reducing appetite and boosting metabolism. It also has the potential to be an effective diabetes treatment by helping with blood sugar control and insulin production. Additionally, THCV may help promote new bone cell growth and prevent weakening bones, and can even act as a neuro-protectant in conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

There are other cannabinoids that end in “V” too. This group includes CBGV, CBCV, CBDV, and of course THCV. Otherwise known as the “varins,” these cannabinoids wield a shorter tail than the more known cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which may give them unique pharmacologic activity. There is much more to learn about the “varins” which may hold promise in managing weight loss, diabetes, cholesterol problems, autism, seizures, and more.

CBG

Cannabigerol (CBG) is another common cannabinoid found in essentially all cannabis plants. Like all of the cannabinoids mentioned so far, CBG is produced as Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA). All the primary cannabinoids are created from CBGA. This is how CBGA got its nickname of “mother of all cannabinoids.” CBG has also been labeled as a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, but similar to CBD this probably isn’t accurate. The limited science we do have suggests CBG is active at a number of non-cannabinoid receptors. 

Early research shows CBG can have potential for a wide range of issues. CBG is an effective pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory agent. It can act as a neuro-protectant against degeneration in conditions like Huntington’s disease and has been shown to promote neurogenesis (the regrowing of new brain cells). Studies show CBG may also help fight against colorectal, prostate and oral cancer.

CBG can help in reducing the intraocular pressure which is one of the main causes of glaucoma. It can act as an antibacterial against resistant bacterial strains like MRSA, help with psoriasis and other skin conditions, and may even aid in regulating emotions like an antidepressant.

CBN

Cannabinol (CBN) is known best for being the cannabinoid that is created when THC ages–it is a natural byproduct of THC degradation. In fact, as THC ages a significant amount it can naturally convert to CBN–up to 25% per year. Some CBN can also be formed when THC is heated to high temperatures, like when smoking. While this might not sound appealing, it has so many medicinal benefits that some prefer using cannabis that has aged because it often has high CBN levels. Depending on the effects you are seeking, CBN could be the ideal cannabinoid for you.

CBN is considered to be sedative by many, however there is little research to support this. Pure CBN doesn’t seem to have a sedative effect, but when combined with THC, the combination was found to be very sedative. This makes cannabis high in CBN and THC a great option for insomnia patients and could help explain why smoking a joint feels different than vaping some herb.

Other research shows CBN can stimulate appetite, ease glaucoma, and work as a powerful antibiotic, which all makes sense given its close relation to THC. CBN may also be helpful for people with ALS. In one study, researchers were able to delay ALS onset for mice using CBN, but human studies are needed to confirm this potential use.

CBC 

Cannabichromene (CBC) is another cannabinoid made from CBG with some important effects. Like CBN, CBC is a powerful antibiotic, shown to help with infections that are resistant to other treatments. 

CBC might also help protect the brain from neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s. Studies show that CBC not only protects the brain, it could encourage your brain to grow new brain cells.

What medical conditions can be treated with CBD oil?  

Since cannabis is illegal in most places around the world there has been a serious lack in clinical trials. With that being said, no clinical studies have shown that CBD can be effective in the treatment of cancer, maybe people have claimed otherwise. While it is not a miracle cancer drug, what is known is that the use of cannabinoids such as CBD and THC have achieve successful results mitigating the painful side effects of cancer as well as a variety of other medical conditions:

1. Chronic Pain: When CBD reaches a family of receptors known as cannabinoid receptors, or cells that receive stimuli, called vanilloid receptors, the interaction results in lower inflammation and levels and pain perception. According to a study published in Current Neuropharmacology and a study published in July 2016 in the European Journal of Pain found that CBD could help people with arthritis manage their pain. An animal study looked at whether using a CBD gel transdermally (on the skin) would reduce inflammation and signs of pain, and researchers concluded that the topical product did offer relief from pain-related behaviors without evidence of side effects.

2. Anxiety and depression: Hundreds of studies have looked at how cannabidiol might be used to treat various neuropsychiatric disorders. One of the most recent, published in October 2015 in Neurotherapeutics, concluded that topical CBD has “considerable potential as treatment for multiple anxiety disorders.” What’s more, a study review published in September 2015 in the Journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics found that “preclinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for anxiety disorders,” including PTSD, generalized anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.

3. Epilepsy: Anecdotal reports about CBD’s use as a treatment for epilepsy have been around for decades, and a handful of rigorous scientific studies seem to support these claims. One, published in May 2018 in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed CBD to be effective at reducing the number of seizures in people with a form of epilepsy called Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS). And in 2018, the FDA approved an oral CBD formulation for LGS and another type of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome.

4. Symptoms related to cancer treatment: The focus on CBD for cancer treatment has been for its use in reducing the nausea and vomiting that often accompany chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Two cannabinoid drugs have been approved by the FDA to combat those side effects: Marinol (dronabinol) and Cesamet (nabilone). More recently, researchers have discovered CBD may slow the growth of cancer cells, according to the American Cancer Society.

5. Acne and other skin issues A study published in July 2014 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation suggested topical CBD can be a potent antiacne agent, likely because of its anti-inflammatory properties. And a study published in July 2017 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found CBD (and THC) useful for reducing the itch and inflammation associated with eczema and psoriasis.

6. High blood pressure Researchers in England studied the effects of CBD on a small group of healthy men ages 19 to 29 — all nonsmokers who had never used cannabis — and discovered a single dose of CBD reduced resting blood pressure by 6 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), which may ultimately also reduce the risk of stroke. The study, published in July 2017 in JCI Insight, concluded that the response may be due to CBD’s anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and analgesic (pain-reducing) effects.

7. Addiction As ironic as it sounds, CBD — which technically is classified as a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration and as such is currently illegal in nearly half the United States — has shown a lot of promise in fighting addiction to everything from opioids and cocaine to alcohol and tobacco. In addition, a number of preclinical studies, including a study published in June 2017 in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, suggest CBD might be useful as a pain therapy in place of opioids.

8. Diabetes A number of studies, including one published in February 2012 in the American Journal of Pathology, have suggested that CBD could play a role in improving outcomes for people with diabetes. Observational studies have shown that people who use marijuana have lower fasting insulin levels and measures of insulin resistance.

How does CBD help with cancer symptoms?

Thanks to the recent studies there’s solid evidence supporting the idea that cannabinoids can reduce tumor growth in animal models of cancer. CBD may also enhance uptake or increase the potency of certain drugs used to treat cancer. Many people talk about it’s ability to ease cancer pain.

Here are some promising studies:

• A 2019 reviewTrusted Source of in vitro and in vivo studies focusing on pancreatic cancer found that cannabinoids can help slow tumor growth, reduce tumor invasion, and induce tumor cell death. The study authors wrote that research into the effectiveness of different formulations, dosing, and precise mode of action is lacking and urgently needed.

• A 2019 studyTrusted Source indicated that CBD could provoke cell death and make glioblastoma cells more sensitive to radiation, but with no effect on healthy cells.

• A large, long-term studyTrusted Source of men within the California Men’s Health Study cohort found that using cannabis may be inversely associated with bladder cancer risk. However, a cause and effect relationship hasn’t been established.

• A 2014 study in experimental models of colon cancer in vivo suggests that CBD may inhibit the spread of colorectal cancer cells.

• A 2014 reviewTrusted Source of 35 in vitro and in vivo studies found that cannabinoids are promising compounds in the treatment of gliomas.

• Research from 2010 demonstrated the efficacy of CBD in preclinical models of metastatic breast cancer. The study found that CBD significantly reduced breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion.

These are just a few studies addressing the potential of cannabinoids to help treat cancer. Still, it’s far too soon to say that CBD is a safe and effective treatment for cancer in humans. CBD shouldn’t be considered a substitute for other cancer treatments.

There have been reports that cannabinoids like THC and CBD may be helpful for nausea and vomiting and anorexia, as well as neuropathy, anxiety, depression and insomnia. Synthetic cannabinoids like Dronabinol and Sativex have been approved for use with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, but have not been shown to be superior to conventional anti-nausea medications.

How much CBD oil should I be taking to ease my symptoms?

In some respects, figuring out how much CBD you should take is more of an art than a science.

The right CBD dose for you can depend on a few factors, including your weight, any other health conditions you may have, and medication you’re taking for those conditions. It also depends on your personal body chemistry and sensitivity to CBD.

When determining your ideal CBD dosage, your goal is to find the lowest dose that provides the benefits you need with few or no side effects.

Using the dosage guide below, start with the lowest recommended dose for your body weight, and gradually increase from there until you feel the desired effects. Once you’ve found that dose, you can stick with it. Some relief to you at this point could be that recent studies show that people do not develop a tolerance to CBD the way they do with other cannabis products like marijuana.

The standard recommendations is to base your CBD dose on your body weight. Take 1 to 6 mg per 10 pounds of body weight. We’ve done the calculations for you, so you can find the lowest starting dose for your body weight in the chart below:

Body WeightLow (Starting) DoseMedium DoseHigh Dose

100 lbs - low dose: 10-20 mg // medium dose: 21-49 mg // high dose: 50-60 mg

110 lbs - low dose: 22 mg // medium dose: 23-54 mg // high dose: 55-66 mg

120 lbs - low dose: 12-24 mg // medium dose: 25-59 mg // high dose: 60-72 mg

130 lbs - low dose: 13-26 mg // medium dose: 27-64 mg // high dose: 65-78 mg

140 lbs - low dose: 14-28 mg // medium dose: 29-69 mg // high dose: 70-84 mg

150 lbs - low dose: 15-30 mg // medium dose: 31-74 mg // high dose: 75-90 mg

160 lbs - low dose: 16-32 mg // medium dose: 33-79 mg // high dose: 80-96 mg

170 lbs - low dose: 17-34 mg // medium dose: 35-84 mg // high dose: 85-102 mg

180 lbs - low dose: 18-36 mg // medium dose: 37-89 mg // high dose: 90-108 mg

190 lbs - low dose: 19-38 mg // medium dose: 39-94 mg // high dose: 95-114 mg

200 lbs - low dose: 20-40 mg // medium dose: 41-99 mg // high dose: 100-120 mg

210 lbs - low dose: 21-42 mg // medium dose: 43-104 mg // high dose: 105-126 mg

220 lbs - low dose: 22-44 mg // medium dose: 45-109 mg // high dose: 110-132 mg

230 lbs - low dose: 23-46 mg // medium dose: 47-114 mg // high dose: 115-138 mg

240 lbs - low dose: 24-48 mg // medium dose: 49-119 mg // high dose 120-144 mg

250 lbs - low dose: 25-50 mg // medium dose: 51-124 mg // high dose: 125-150 mg

260 lbs - low dose: 26-52 mg // medium dose 53-129 mg // high dose: 130-156 mg

270 lbs - low dose: 27-54 mg // medium dose: 55-134 mg // high dose: 135-162 mg

Again, these are just general guidelines. Some people need significantly more, while others need significantly less. For example, if you are living with extreme chronic pain, you will likely require a higher dose on a daily basis than someone who takes CBD occasionally to cope with situational anxiety.

Also, since tiredness is one of the more common effects of CBD, that can affect when you decide to take your dose. You may choose to split your dose up over the course of the day, so it doesn’t affect your alertness, or you may take it in a single dose at night when you’re okay with falling asleep.

It really comes down to the individual, so be patient with yourself as you work out the best dose for you.

What are the dangers of using CBD oil? Is CBD oil addictive?

Quality Counts

Quality, cleanliness and regulation are the biggest concerns.

All drugs and dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA. But as long as CBD oil is not marketed as a medicine or a dietary supplement, producers can get around that policy. So right now, CBD oil is very unregulated. That means it’s hard to know how much CBD or THC is really in any given product. Certain hemp CBD products have been found to contain significantly less CBD or more THC than advertised.

In terms of purity, THC and CBD are both extracted from hemp and marijuana using essentially similar processes. But trace amounts of THC could still end up in CBD oil. And if the THC is at a high enough concentration, it could produce the psychoactive effects that THC is known for.

Second, if a lab produces both CBD and THC products, there can be cross-contamination — whether it’s through extraction, handling or packaging.

Third, the plant itself may have higher levels of THC than expected. This could be due to its environment, prolonged flowering periods or cross-contamination and pollination between male and female plants, resulting in offspring with higher THC content. This especially affects hemp plants, which should have less than 0.3% THC levels.

Finally, there have been some reports of people getting infections after using CBD and cannabis products. This is especially concerning for immunocompromised patients, who are already susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.

Studies on a certain CBD manufacturer showed its products were contaminated with a chemical known as 5F-ADB, which mimics THC. 5F-ADB is classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as illegal, potentially addictive and with no accepted medical use.

Other sorts of substances have been found in CBD products, too, such as dextromethorphan, which is an ingredient in cough medicines. Heavy metals like lead and arsenic, pesticides and mold have also been found in CBD products.

Can it be addictive?

CBD has some fantastic potential for a variety of uses, which is why it has become so popular as a generalized health supplement. Its non-addictive nature is partly what makes it so appealing to hundreds of users around the world. Of course, forming a habit is essential if you want effective results from CBD, and that's why products like gummies and tinctures exist. It becomes easy to look forward to taking CBD each day, even though the compound itself isn't addictive. That said, there is some potential to use CBD for other addictions.

What are the side effects of CBD oil?

First off, the good news is that CBD has been shown to be safe for humans, even in chronic doses as high as 1,500 mg per day. Since your body naturally has what’s known as an endocannabinoid system, your body is geared to interact with many of the compounds found in medicinal cannabis.

Not only is CBD safe, but it produces very few side effects, which is why it’s become so popular. Experiencing any side effects at all with CBD is rare, but if you do, they might include:

• Tiredness

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Dry mouth

• Low blood pressure

Of these side effects, tiredness is the most common. As we said, for most people, experiencing side effects with CBD is rare.

However, there are a few groups of people who should avoid using CBD:

1. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid CBD. Not enough studies of CBD have been conducted in this group to determine if it’s safe or not for them to use. Until then, it’s best to be safe and avoid using CBD.

2. People taking other medication may also want to avoid CBD. They tend to be the people most likely to experience side effects, due to the interaction between the CBD and the drug they’re taking. If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor first before taking CBD. They can advise you of any adverse reactions you could experience, based on their knowledge of your medical history.

3. Finally, as with pregnant women, not enough studies have been performed on the safety of CBD in children. One notable exception here is in cases of pediatric epilepsy where CBD could increase quality of life.  Both the FDA-approved drug Epidiolex (which contains CBD), and other forms of medical CBD have been shown to help treat severe epilepsy. If you want to give CBD to your child, it’s best to speak first with your pediatrician to ensure it will be safe for them to use.

It should also be noted that CBD oil can adversely affect liver function. In fact, this is on the warning label for Epidiolex.

And in lab studies, CBD has been shown to inhibit certain enzymes responsible for the metabolism of drugs, such as CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. This can affect how drugs work and affect our bodies, either by reducing their efficiency or making them more dangerous. This includes chemotherapy and other medications.

This is very important for cancer patients to understand, as many people think CBD oil is not a medicine. They think of it more as a vitamin or a supplement, so they might not let their doctors know they’re using it. Patients might not realize it can be potentially harmful. So, it’s very important to tell your doctor if you’re using CBD oil.

Is CBD oil legal?

CBD has a very complex legal status right now.

At the national level, any product of marijuana — including CBD — is still technically illegal when used medically. Although the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp nationally, that’s only permitted if it’s not marketed for medical use or as a dietary supplement. CBD products intended for medical use should undergo an FDA review process.

State laws vary. In Texas, the Compassionate Use Act allows for the use of medical marijuana for certain conditions. Originally only for intractable epilepsy, the law was expanded this year to include cancer and certain neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.

But the application of this law is pretty jumbled right now. So, while it may be legal to use CBD in a state like Colorado or Alaska, if an employer follows federal regulations, the standardization and quality of a CBD product matters. Because if there’s even a small percentage of THC in that product, then a drug test might come back positive. And this could result in legal issues for the user.