38% of adults will develop a form of cancer over the course of their lifetime(1). It’s an unfortunate fact, but a fact nonetheless. 1,735,350 new cancer diagnoses(2) were issued in the United States alone in 2018. Because of these statistics, there’s no shortage of research studies conducted. It’s common knowledge that cancer treatments are expensive as well so researchers are always seeking lower-cost alternatives. Fortunately, the use of cannabidiol (CBD) oil, has proven to be extremely effective with pain management and anxiety reduction(3). In addition to that, many researchers have also been seeking methods to combine CBD with other treatment methods to actually treat cancer itself.
Upwards of 65%(4) of new cancer diagnoses are given to those who are 65 or older. Of all the cancer-related deaths, 70%(5) of those occur with patients who are seniors. Needless to say, with those statistics, there is a high amount of anxiety in senior patients diagnosed with any form of cancer. These patients are feeling depressed, anxious and highly stressed which can also be managed by using CBD oil.
About CBD And The Endocannabinoid System
There are 113 different cannabinoids found in a cannabis plant(6) and CBD is just one of them. Aside from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is one of the most prominent compounds in the entire plant. The other compounds can get you high and bring about a sense of euphoria but CBD does not. It gives you the benefits without getting you high. Because of the staggering amount of medical uses, cannabis plants are bred to have higher levels of CBD.
Endocannabinoid neurotransmitters are found in humans and other vertebrates. The human body creates endocannabinoid, (cannabinoid molecules), that are used for regulation and signaling. So, when a person uses cannabis, the endocannabinoid system is activated. Back in 2001, it was believed that those signals are only sent in one direction but after further research it was determined that the endocannabinoid system is really signaling to postsynaptic neurons, causing them to create chemicals.
It’s now believed that these signals are communicating for the body to heal itself. When cannabis is used, it gives the body a therapeutic effect that affects appetite, mood, energy levels, pain, learning, and immunity. Some research on animals has also shown that cannabinoids have anti-tumor properties.
CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can reduce the pain caused by chemo. The use of CBD also reduces psychological distress, making it ideal for cancer patients. It has also been shown to boost appetite so the patient is retaining the nutrients their body needs to heal.
There are many ways one can take CBD including smoking vaporizers, capsules and pills, edibles, tinctures, and oils, as well as creams and lotions that can be applied directly to the skin. Depending on which type of cancer the patient is diagnosed with, a doctor can advise which method will be the most effective.
Reference:
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-basics/lifetime-probability-of-developing-or-dying-from-cancer.html
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319475
- https://health.ucdavis.edu/cancer/support/caregivers-special-populations/seniors.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5175057/
- https://docmj.com/2019/05/14/how-many-different-cannabinoids-are-there/
FDA Disclaimer – These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or prior to using any CBD products.