The effects of CBD on cancer cells

Cancer is one of the major challenges of our time, affecting millions of people worldwide each year. Environmental factors, pollution, stress, processed foods, sedentary lifestyles… The potential causes of its development are numerous and are the subject of ongoing research. While modern medicine relentlessly explores new solutions to limit the proliferation of cancer cells, certain natural remedies, used for centuries, are also generating increasing interest.

 

Among them, hemp, and more specifically CBD (cannabidiol), is attracting the attention of researchers for its potential effects on cancer cells. But what does science actually say on the subject? In this article, we analyze in detail the existing scientific studies to better understand the impact of CBD on cancer.

What is cancer?

Cancer corresponds to the uncontrolled multiplication and anarchic spread of abnormal cells in the body.

 

Following alterations to their DNA, cells become dysfunctional and therefore multiply uncontrollably. They will form a mass originating from a specific organ or tissue. This mass of abnormal cells, called a tumor, will gradually invade the organ and impair its function.

 

Abnormal cells originating from the tumor can escape and travel through the blood and lymphatic vessels, ultimately infecting neighboring organs. This is known as metastasis.

 

If the tumor remains in one place and does not spread to other parts of the body, and does not usually reappear after being removed, it is considered benign. Otherwise, the tumor is cancerous. If the cancer cells are not eliminated, the disease will progress, more or less rapidly, and lead to the death of the affected person.

The causes of cancer:

The origin of cancer is due to internal factors (gene mutations of hereditary origin, failure of the immune or hormonal system, age…) or external factors (environment, diet, stress…), but often several years have passed between exposure to external factors and the onset of the disease.

 

> Proportion of cancers linked to the main risk factors:

Cancer treatments

The chosen treatment will vary depending on the type of cancer (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, surgery (removal of the tumor and surrounding tissues), etc.), and may consist of a combination of several alternatives.

 

The effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on cancer cells

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many molecules derived from the hemp plant (cannabis sativa L.), just like THC*, but it has the particularity of being devoid of psychotropic effects.

 

* THC is a prohibited substance in France (if the level exceeds 0.2%).

 

 

Clinical studies of the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on cancer

The benefits of CBD are observable in many areas and are the subject of increasing scientific research. Its action against cancer cells has been extensively studied.

 

Cancer occurs when the balance between cell proliferation and death is disrupted, either by increased cell proliferation and/or by reduced or deficient apoptosis (programmed cell death). Cells survive and multiply due to genetic abnormalities that occurred during the cell's lifetime, whereas normally they should have been destroyed by apoptosis.

 

A comprehensive study published in 2011 by the National Cancer Institute [1] indicates that cannabinoids can cause antitumor effects through various mechanisms, including the induction of cell death (1), the inhibition of cell growth (2) and the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis invasion and metastasis (3).

 

Finally, the study specifies that cannabinoids* appear to kill tumor cells but do not affect their untransformed counterparts (4) and may even protect them from cell death.

 

A study published in 2019 in the journal Nature [2] concluded that CBD induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Another study from 2011 found that CBD induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) in a range of human breast cancers.

In the same study, it was also found that CBD inhibited cell proliferation.

 

A 2019 study on pancreatic cancer [3] states that " In vitro studies have consistently demonstrated inhibitory effects on tumor growth with CBDand THC."

Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis

Angiogenesis [4] is a pathological process of formation of new blood vessels from existing vessels. This process is essential in the growth of malignant tumors and the development of metastases.

 

A clinical study conducted in 2016[5] by the University of Madrid states that " CBD exerts a significant anti-cancer effect – and in particular the inhibition of invasiveness and metastasis" [...] " cannabinoids (THC+CBD) inhibit tumor angiogenesis and decrease the migration of cancer cells."

 

Also in this study, it was observed that administering THC and CBD increases the anticancer activity of THC and decreases the doses of THC (psychotropic molecule) needed to produce an inhibition of tumor growth.

Cannabinoids affect cancer cells but not normal cells

An Italian-Scottish study from 2014 [6] confirms his statements, in his words: CBD reduces cell proliferation in tumor cells, but not in healthy cells.

 

* THC, cannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabichromene, cannabigerol, ect.

 

The effects of CBD on different types of cancer

According to the study "Antitumor activity of non-psychoactive cannabinoids" from June 2015 [7]: Using animal models, CBD has been shown to inhibit the progression of many types of cancer, including glioblastoma (brain cancer), breast, lung, prostate and colon cancer.

 

CBD is also being studied for its role in other inflammatory diseases, including chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

 

We can also add pancreatic cancer [8]. The list above is, of course, not exhaustive, and CBD may have effects on other cancers.

 

This study adds that "Lung cancer cell lines appear to be particularly sensitive to the anti-invasive effects of CBD."

Cannabinoids may improve the effectiveness of traditional cancer treatments

According to the 2016 study from the University of Madrid, already cited in this article: CBD combined with THC* can improve the antitumor activity of classic chemotherapeutic drugs such as temozolomide (known as “Temodal”, an anticancer drug) in certain types of cancer in mice.

 

Furthermore, the combined administration of THC, CBD and temozolomide produces a very strong decrease in the growth of xenografts generated with glioma (brain tumor) cells even when low doses of THC are used.

Precautions with CBD

As the World Health Organization states: CBD is not risky and is generally well tolerated9]

 

Because cancer is a very serious disease and there could be both positive and negative drug interactions, we strongly recommend that you talk to your doctor before taking any CBD.

The effect of CBD on cancer symptoms

According to several studies, including this 2019 study [10], " Cannabinoids* relieve symptoms associated with tumors (including nausea, anorexia, and neuropathic pain) in the palliative treatment of cancer patients." Furthermore, CBD plays a role in improving overall well-beingby acting on anxiety, pain management, and even sexuality. To learn more, see our article: Improving Your Sex Life with CBD.

 

* THC, cannabinol, cannabidiol CBD, cannabichromene, cannabigerol, ect.

 

Warning regarding THC:

 

We do not advertise THC. We do not recommend its use. We only cite scientific studies.

How to take CBD oil

One of the most effective ways to take CBD is in oil form. Simply place a few drops directly under your tongue using the dropper and hold for about 30 seconds. According to the work of L. Leinow and J. Birnbaum, for cancer treatment, a macrodose is recommended, meaning more than 20 mg per day and up to 800 mg per day, depending on your weight.

 
Discover our CBD oils
 

Although CBD has no side effects, and because each person reacts differently to cannabinoids, it is advisable to start with a low dose and then gradually increase it.