The rise in CBD oil products and stores shows the public’s interest in its usage. There have been many claims regarding its effectiveness for various illnesses and ailments. But, specifically, is there research surrounding CBD oil for cancer treatment? In this piece, we will dive into the research and cover this topic more in depth.
CBD Oil for Cancer Treatment
While cancer patients may have been initially hopeful, there is no evidence to show CBD oil is an effective tool for cancer treatment. So, can it even alleviate cancer pain or side effects associated with cancer treatments? Ultimately, there is no firm answer as results from the studies have widely varied.
Other countries, like the UK, have approved several CBD-based prescription products to treat other diseases. However, only one CBD-based medication has been approved by the FDA in the United States. Since Epidiolex was approved to treat epilepsy, there is hope that the FDA will consider further CBD medications.
According to the American Cancer Society, Nabiximols is a CBD drug currently being studied in the US. It is already available in Canada and Europe to treat pain associated with cancer as well as side effects from multiple sclerosis.
The Dangers of CBD
Many consider CBD products to be dangerous. This is due to the fact that the industry is still unregulated in the US. While the drug industry has the FDA to hold them accountable to certain standards, that is not the case for CBD products. Why? Because CBD is not technically a medication. That means there are no standards to which producers and marketers must be held accountable.
Furthermore, there have been no established guidelines as to how much CBD must be included in a product for it to be marketed as such nor a clear recommended dosage. In other words, a product can claim their mixture contains 99 percent of CBD, for example, but that may not actually be the case. Yet, there are no consequences for any such false claims.
Moreover, since CBD comes from the hemp plant just like its counterpart, THC, there is a possibility the product could also contain this unsafe compound. Since THC produces hallucinogenic or psychoactive effects, this could lead to an extremely hazardous outcome.
Side Effects of CBD
Overall, there have been no reported major side effects of CBD alone. Minor side effects include dry mouth or fatigue. On the other hand, CBD products can interact with medications and these interactions can be very harmful. Additionally, those with mental illnesses may be more at risk by using any type of CBD. Thus, it’s extremely important that you speak with your doctor before trying any CBD oil or other CBD-based product.
Conclusion
To close, it’s imperative that you not believe any CBD product’s claim regarding its abilities to cure a disease. The same is true for CBD oil for cancer treatment. Further research is still required to understand its overall usage as an alternative treatment option. As research continues into CBD’s effectiveness, we can hopefully nail down how, if any, CBD can serve as a treatment tool.
