Did you know lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States? That being the case, you can imagine the race is on to find a cure. Although CBD oil lung cancer treatments have not yet been proven to be effective, it could at least provide relief to lung cancer patients.
CBD Overview
CBD is the acronym for “cannabidiol” which is a product of the hemp plant. This ingredient is not psychoactive so it doesn’t cause the “high” that is associated with marijuana and other types of drugs. Thus far, no adverse effects have been seen from the use of pure CBD.
The problem is that the FDA does not have a plan in place to regulate CBD products. That means you don’t truly know the purity levels of the product nor all of the ingredients. Proper, effective dosing is also unknown for all medical conditions.
No matter what, you should consult with your doctor before taking any CBD products to make sure it won’t interfere with current medications.
CBD Oil Lung Cancer Research
Because of the harsh reactions chemotherapy and radiation can cause to the body, many are seeking alternative treatments and pain relief options. Lung cancer, specifically, can also be tricky. While it may show an initial positive response to a treatment, the follow ups can often show more bad news. The hope is that alternative treatments like CBD may help improve lung cancer outcomes and, ultimately, survival rates.
So far, CBD has seen success as an aide for anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain. Some research suggests that CBD could serve as an anticancer treatment. One case study has shown an instance where a lung cancer patient’s tumor was highly responsive to CBD.
This particular case was an 81-year-old man who denied traditional chemotherapy or radiation because he did not want to affect his quality of life. The patient was diagnosed in October 2016. By January 2018, the lung tumor had significantly decreased in size. Upon further questioning, the man indicated he began taking CBD oil drops in September 2017. While this is certainly not proof of its effectiveness, it definitely warrants additional research and provides hope for other lung cancer patients.
Other small studies show that CBD could help stop cancer growth in its tracks. Keep in mind that, overall, it has proven to work best at treating symptoms instead of the underlying cause of any disease.
CBD Types and Dosage
CBD can be found in both the recreational and medical forms of marijuana. If you get it “prescribed” for a medical reason, you are able to purchase it for a reduced price from a dispensary.
The product can be ingested in different ways. You can find it in oils, edibles or in a smoking form. Even so, several questions remain:
- How often do you take it?
- Which marijuana strain do you choose?
- What is the proper dosage?
These unknowns can make the difference in a possible successful outcome versus making a bad situation worse.
At this point, CBD oil lung cancer options should really be approached as a “tool” in the lung cancer treatment toolbox. Sadly, it is not a cure. But with continuing research, there is hope. To learn more about the facts and studies of lung cancer, visit the Lung Cancer Foundation of America.
