Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a class B illegal drug in the United Kingdom, which carries a prison sentence of up to five years and an unlimited fine for those caught in possession. However, certain products made with drug derivatives are perfectly legal (when they meet the right standards) and there are even claims that they could be useful in fighting disease.
In particular, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that cannabidiol, or CBD, may be effective in treating and providing therapeutic relief for brain tumor symptoms in cancer patients. In addition to reducing nausea and preventing vomiting, the calming effects of CBD have been found to be beneficial for those battling the disease. At this stage, there is limited evidence that cannabis derivatives can treat tumors on their own, but research into this possibility is ongoing.
CBD vs THC
Of the many parts of the cannabis plant (or cannabinoids), two in particular are of interest to medical science. This is CBD and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis use as well as its addictive properties. All products containing more than 0.2% THC are banned in the UK without a prescription, although CBD-based products, as long as they have been tested in a laboratory and meet EU standards, can be buy without a prescription.
Cannabis derivatives are usually products that contain one of these two cannabinoids. Some medications, such as Nabilone and Sativex, are available by prescription from healthcare professionals. Other products, such as CBD oil and hemp oil, are sold as dietary supplements, but manufacturers are not yet able to announce health benefits. There are even more products, such as cannabis oil and cannabis itself, that are completely illegal in the UK.
Cannabis derivatives as a treatment for cancer
There is some limited evidence from preliminary studies that both CBD and THC can prevent blood flow to glioblastoma (GBM) cells, killing them. Sativex has received preliminary approval on this basis, with certain studies suggesting that it may be effective in treating recurrent annoying GBM cells. More research is currently being done on this possibility, although THC is still banned in most scenarios in the UK.
However, there is much more evidence that CBD products are able to treat the side effects of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. Those undergoing this invasive treatment have historically complained of prolonged nausea and frequent vomiting, and CBD has been shown to provide relief from these two unpleasant incidents. However, it is essential that before taking any cannabis derivatives, patients make sure that they are free of contaminants such as heavy metals and that they are concurrent with any other medications or treatments they may be receiving.
