Lung cancer patient sees tumor shrink by more than 70% thanks to cannabis oil

According to a new case report published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), a patient who refused conventional treatment for lung cancer, but began taking’cannabis oil, saw his tumour shrink considerably over a period of two and a half years.

The 80-year-old patient began self-administering oil, called «CBD oil» in the report, but containing equal parts CBD (20.05%), THCa (23.8%) and THC (19.5%) two to three times a day without her doctors' knowledge.

The initial 41 mm tumor in June 2018 was reduced to 10 mm in February 2021, reflecting an overall 76 % reduction in size. The case was brought to the attention of the patient's hospital team in February 2019 when an MRI showed a reduction in tumor size, despite the fact that she had received no conventional treatment for her lung cancer.

According to the report of cases, there were «no further changes in prescribed medication, diet or lifestyle» and the patient continued to smoke «a pack of cigarettes a week» throughout this period.

The researchers wrote: «Previous studies have failed to agree on the usefulness of cannabinoids as a treatment for cancer. This case seems to demonstrate a possible benefit of CBD oil intake that may have resulted in the observed tumor regression.»

They concluded that the potential of cannabinoids to be used as an alternative or supplementary therapy alongside conventional cancer treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy «warrants further research».

«Existing cancer treatments could have serious side effects, both physically and mentally. That's why our patient decided on unconventional self-treatment,» they added.

«The limited number of case reports seems to show that [cannabis oil] can have positive effects on tumor reduction. Further research is needed to identify the actual mechanism of action, routes of administration, safe dosages, its effects on different types of cancer and any potential adverse side effects when using cannabinoids.» The potential for using cannabinoids as an alternative to augment or replace conventional primary cancer treatments certainly warrants further research.»

The patient said she was «delighted» with the results and intends to continue taking the oil «indefinitely».

She commented, «I wasn't very interested in traditional cancer treatments as I was worried about the risks of surgery and watched my late husband suffer the side effects of radiotherapy. A relative suggested I try cannabidiol (CBD) oil to treat my cancer, and I've been taking it regularly ever since. I'm over the moon with the reduction in my cancer, which I believe is due to CBD oil. I tolerate it very well and intend to follow this treatment indefinitely.»