Cannabis and certain cannabinoids (plant compounds such as tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] or cannabidiol [CBD]) have been studied to manage the side effects of cancer and anti-cancer therapies (such as chemotherapy). The results of scientific research suggest that certain cannabinoids can help relieve some of these side effects.
A number of small studies on smoked cannabis have shown that it can be useful in treating nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy.
A few studies have shown that inhaled cannabis (smoked or vaporized) can be useful in the treatment of neuropathic pain (pain caused by damaged nerves).
Smoked cannabis has also been shown to improve appetite in HIV patients.
Studies have long shown that people taking cannabis extracts in clinical trials tended to need less painkillers.
More recently, scientists have reported that THC and other cannabinoids such as CBD slow the growth and/or cause the death of certain types of developing cancer cells. in vitro. Some animal studies also suggest that certain cannabinoids can slow the growth and reduce the spread of certain forms of cancer.
The first clinical trials of cannabinoids in the treatment of cancer in humans have been carried out, and further studies are planned. While studies to date have shown that cannabinoids can be safe in the treatment of cancer, they have not shown that they help to control or cure the disease.
Relying solely on cannabis as treatment while avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer can have serious health consequences.
Cannabis can also have certain adverse effects on users. While the most common effect of cannabis is a feeling of euphoria («high»), it can also diminish the user's control of movement, cause disorientation and sometimes provoke unpleasant thoughts or feelings of anxiety and paranoia.
Smoked cannabis delivers THC and other cannabinoids to the body, but it also delivers harmful substances to users and their loved ones, including many of the same substances found in tobacco smoke.
As cannabis plants come in different varieties with different levels of active compounds, it can be very difficult to predict the experience of each user. Effects can also vary according to the depth and duration of inhalation. Similarly, the effects of ingesting cannabis orally can vary from person to person. Finally, some chronic users may develop a dependency on cannabis.
Chemically pure medicines based on cannabis compounds have been approved for medical use in France.
Dronabinol (Marinol®/Syndros®) is a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing drug used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, as well as weight loss and poor appetite in AIDS patients.
The French therapeutic cannabis experiment also authorizes the controlled distribution of cannabis to cancer patients.
According to a number of studies, dronabinol may be useful in reducing chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.
Dronabinol was also found to help improve food intake and prevent weight loss in HIV patients. In studies on cancer patients, however, it was no better than placebo or another drug (megestrol acetate).
Like many other drugs, prescription cannabinoids can cause side effects and complications.
Some people have problems with accelerated heart rate, reduced blood pressure (especially when standing), dizziness or lightheadedness, and fainting. These drugs can cause drowsiness, as well as mood swings or a «high» that some people find uncomfortable. They can also aggravate depression, mania or other mental illnesses.
Medications can increase some of the effects of sedatives, sleeping pills or alcohol, such as drowsiness and poor coordination. Patients have also reported dry mouth and recent memory problems.
Older patients may have more problems with side effects. It is generally recommended to start with lower doses.
In all cases, it is advisable to be accompanied by a doctor when you start taking any of these drugs, and after any change in dose.
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