CBD (Cannabidiol) and Cancer

Research Summary
Articles from the Project CBD Archives
Project CBD Survey Results
Research on CBD for Cancer (General)
Research on Cannabinoids for Cancer (by Cancer Type)
Research on Cannabis, Cancer & the Endocannabinoid System
Cannabis for Side Effects from Chemotherapy & Radiation
Research Surveys of Cancer Patients

Research Summary:

In general, CBD and other phytocannabinoids in cancer cells have been found to cause:

Cytotoxicity (killing the cancer cells)
Anti-proliferation (slowing their growth)
Anti-migration (slowing their movement)
Slowed angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels)
Apoptosis (cellular suicide) and autophagy (cellular degradation & recycling)
Suppression of cancer stem cells and metastasis (formation of secondary growth at a distance from the primary cancer site)
Lessened chemoresistance (the cancer’s resistance to chemical treatment)
Reduction of glycosylation (modification of newly made proteins)
Novel functions such as “bubbling cell death”

The majority of work has been done with medical cannabis rich in THC but more recent research highlights CBD for cancer as well as CBD helping conventional cancer treatments to work better. THC and CBD often work together well, some of their functions being mediated by effects on a cancer cell’s mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell). Research has also showed the anticancer effects of some of the terpenes that would be present in a full-plant extract. Cannabinoids can help with cancer progression via the microbiome. Some epidemiological data shows the use of cannabis increasing the risk of certain types of cancer while others show a decreased cancer risk from cannabis use.

For the standard cancer treatments, cannabis helps with pain, appetite, quality of life, cognitive functioning, and palliative end-of-life care. The use of cannabinoids can help lower the use of opioid painkillers. For chemotherapy treatment, the cannabinoids can also protect the brain cells from the neurotoxicity treatments, PEA, an endocannabinoid-like compound, can help protect the heart cells and CBD lessens the ulcers of radiation therapy. Cannabinoids may also enhance other treatments like photodynamics or ozone therapy. But they can interfere with the effects of some cancer drugs while overcoming resistance to cancer drugs in other tumors. In some cases, the uses of CBD alone can have striking results in tumor reduction.

From the Project CBD Archives:

Cannabinoids & Cancer in the Clinic

Excerpted from “Healing with Cannabis: The Evolution of the Endocannabinoid System and How Cannabinoids Help Relieve PTSD, Pain, MS, Anxiety, and More” by Cheryl Pellerin.

Using Cannabis to Treat Cancer

Medical science pioneer Manuel Guzman on prospects for an approved cannabis anticancer drug.

Cannabis & Immunotherapy for Cancer: Are They Compatible?

A finding that could have major clinical significance.

Cannabis & Cancer: A Parable

Excerpted from “The Thinking Patient’s Guide to Cannabis & Cancer” by Jonathan Treasure.

View all articles tagged “cancer”

From the Project CBD Patient Survey:

See the full survey here.

214 survey respondents reported taking CBD for cancer
51% Female | 49% Male

Participants reported having 32 different types of cancer. Breast, prostate, and colon/rectal cancer were the most common. The majority of participants in this group had had either surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Many were in remission / cancer-free. Many were also using CBD for pain (44%), sleep problems (30%), and/or mood issues (25%).

Participants using CBD products for cancer were more likely to be using CBD with or from cannabis rather than hemp-derived CBD alone (57% versus 40%), meaning they were more likely to be taking some THC with their CBD regimen. This may be due to THC’s effectiveness as a pain reliever or to well-publicized preclinical data suggesting that both THC and CBD may have tumor-fighting properties.

Cancer Types:

Treatments:

Cancer Status:

Participants were asked to rate how CBD impacted eight common symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment (see chart below), indicating whether the symptom was a “much better,” “little better,” “no change,” a “little worse,” or “lot worse.” CBD was most helpful with ameliorating nausea and vomiting. Some participants also found it helpful for loss of appetite, neuropathy (numbness or tingling), and weakness. CBD was markedly less likely to help with cancer-related constipation and diarrhea. The most significant side effects related to memory and concentration.

Changes in Symptoms:

Research on CBD for Cancer (General):

2022: A systematic review of the effect of CBD on cancer cells
Biological Effects of Cannabidiol on Human Cancer Cells: Systematic Review of the Literature
“CBD inhibited cell viability and proliferation in most cellular districts except the integumentary apparatus. Also a significant inhibition of migration was observed in all cell types, while an increase in apoptosis at both high and low doses (greater and less than 10μM respectively). Considering inflammation, CBD caused an anti-inflammatory effect on nervous cells at low doses and on gastro-intestinal cells at high doses, while metastatic power was reduced even at low doses, but in a skeletal cell line there was an increased angiogenesis. CB1 receptor has been related to viability effects, CB2 to apoptosis and TRPV1 to inflammation and invasiveness.”
2022: A review of CBD in cancer treatment: not just for symptom control, but for anticancer action itself
Mechanisms of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Cancer Treatment: A Review
2022: A review of using CBD for cancer patients
Cannabidiol on the Path from the Lab to the Cancer Patient: Opportunities and Challenges
2022: A review of CBD for cancer treatment
Cannabidiol and Other Phytocannabinoids as Cancer Therapeutics
2022: A review of CBD in cancer management
Cannabidiol (CBD) in Cancer Management
2022: With disulfiram (an anti-alcohol drug now being looked at to treat cancer), CBD may interfere with its efficacy against cancer
Cannabidiol-induced activation of the metallothionein pathway impedes anticancer effects of disulfiram and its metabolite CuET
2022: In cancer, using cyclodextrins as delivery vehicles to improve the targeting of CBD to kill the cells
Biophysical Studies and In Vitro Effects of Tumor Cell Lines of Cannabidiol and Its Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes
2021: This review looks at using HU-331 (a stable analog of CBD) for treating cancer
Cannabidiol oxidation product HU-331 is a potential anticancer cannabinoid-quinone: a narrative review
2021: A review of using CBD to fight tumors
Repurposing Cannabidiol as a Potential Drug Candidate for Anti-Tumor Therapies
2021: This review looks at the “widespread therapeutic potential” of CBD to enhance chemotherapy treatments for cancer
Can Cannabidiol Affect the Efficacy of Chemotherapy and Epigenetic Treatments in Cancer?
2021: A battery of tests on CBD & CBDV find that they both increase toxicity in cancer cells & that CBD showed antimicrobial activities against a Staph bacteria
Comparative assessment of antimicrobial, antiradical and cytotoxic activities of cannabidiol and its propyl analogue cannabidivarin
2021: Natural CBD no different from synthetic CBD on cancer lines
The Pharmacological Effects of Plant-Derived versus Synthetic Cannabidiol in Human Cell Lines
2021: In various cell types, CBD acted as an antioxidant in healthy cells & as a killer in cancer cells
New Insights on Hemp Oil Enriched in Cannabidiol: Decarboxylation, Antioxidant Properties and In Vitro Anticancer Effect
2020: A very positive review of the mechanisms suggesting CBD for working with chemotherapy for cancer treatment
The pharmacological basis for application of cannabidiol in cancer chemotherapy
2020: A review of CBD as an anticancer drug
Cannabidiol (CBD) as a Promising Anti-Cancer Drug
2020: Strong review of CBD for cancer treatment
[Cannabidiol in cancer treatment] (in German)
2020: In 6 cancer cell lines, the researchers did not see an ‘entourage effect’ difference between isolated CBD & CBD-rich hemp extracts in their ability to reduce the cell’s viability
Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil Does Not Display an Entourage Effect in Reducing Cancer Cell Viability in vitro
2020: CBD acts synergistically with the chemotherapeutic agents paclitaxel and doxorubicin
CBD loaded microparticles as a potential formulation to improve paclitaxel and doxorubicin-based chemotherapy in breast cancer
2020: in humans, this small clinical trial suggests a combination of CBD & oxytocin for patients with untreatable, advanced cancers
A Preliminary Study on the Anticancer Properties of Oxytocin: A Neuroendocrine Regimen with Oxytocin, Antitumor Pineal Indoles, and Cannabidiol in Untreatable Advanced Cancer Patients Progressing on Pineal Indoles and Cannabidiol Alone
2020: In immune cells, CBD decreased the viability of cancer cells and protected the killer cells
High Expression of Cannabinoid Receptor 2 on Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells and Multiple Myeloma Cells
2020: In cancer cells, the presence of CBD decreased their proliferation, indicating a safety for combining with chemotherapy
Cannabidiol: Assessing preclinical safety in ovarian and endometrial carcinoma cell lines.
2020: In cancer cells, CBD positively changed the expression of genes relating to cancer – suggested as a “promising nontoxic therapeutic for treating tumors of various origins”
Cannabidiol Treatment Results in a Common Gene Expression Response Across Aggressive Cancer Cells from Various Origins
2019: In mice, CBD helped with the oral lesions induced by chemotherapy
Cannabidiol in oral mucositis induced in mice subjected to 5-fluorouracil: clinical and histologic evaluation
2019: In cancer tissue, CBD reduces development of resistance to a chemotherapeutic agent
Cannabidiol Overcomes Oxaliplatin Resistance by Enhancing NOS3- and SOD2-Induced Autophagy in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells
2019: Resistance to the cancer drug oxaliplatin may be overcome by CBD
Cannabidiol overcomes oxaliplatin resistance by enhancing autophagy through reduction NOS3 and SOD2
2019: CBD directly targets mitochondria of cancer cells to kill them
Cannabidiol directly targets mitochondria and disturbs calcium homeostasis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
2004: In cells and in mice, CBD produced significant antitumor activity
Antitumor effects of cannabidiol, a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, on human glioma cell lines

Research on Cannabinoids for Cancer by (By Cancer Type)

Bladder

2022: In bladder cancer cells, cannflavin A caused apoptosis (cellular suicide) & worked well with other chemotherapeutic agents as well as the other cannabinoids
Anti-cancer properties of cannflavin A and potential synergistic effects with gemcitabine, cisplatin, and cannabinoids in bladder cancer
2022: This review of 3 studies looks at the contradictory findings of cannabis & bladder cancer: potential carcinogenic versus protective effect
The association of bladder cancer and Cannabis: A systematic review
2022: Cannabis use associated with lower risks for of renal cell carcinoma and bladder cancer in females & for prostate cancer in males
Association between cannabis use with urological cancers: A population-based cohort study and a mendelian randomization study in the UK biobank
2021: In bladder cancer cells, CBD promoted cell death
Cannabidiol Effectively Promoted Cell Death in Bladder Cancer and the Improved Intravesical Adhesion Drugs Delivery Strategy Could Be Better Used for Treatment
2021: In a tissue culture of canine bladder cancer, CBD caused apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Combination therapy with cannabidiol and chemotherapeutics in canine urothelial carcinoma cells
2015: Cannabis use may slightly lower bladder cancer risk
Association between cannabis use and the risk of bladder cancer: results from the California Men’s Health Study

Bone

2022: In bone cancer cells, THC analogs combined well with the component of tea called epigallocatechin gallate to lower proliferation
Synthesis of A Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Analog For Analyzing Cellular Proliferation in Concert With Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) on A Bone-like Cancer Cell Line (UMR 106-01 BSP)
2022: in bone cancer cells, CBD inhibited tumor growth, reduced cell migration & increased apoptosis (cellular suicide)
Cannabidiol promotes apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo by activating the SP1-CBX2 axis
2021: A chapter on the roles of cannabinoid receptors in bone cancers
Chapter 23 – Role of classical cannabinoid receptors in cancer-associated bone disease
2020: In mice with bone cancer pain, activation of the CB2 receptor lowered pain & improved the functioning of the blood-spinal cord barrier
Spinal cannabinoid receptor 2 activation reduces hypersensitivity associated with bone cancer pain and improves the integrity of the blood–spinal cord barrier
2020: Two fatty acids used to treat the very intense pain of bone cancer seem to work partially via the CB2 receptor
Intrathecal Administration of Resolvin D1 and E1 Decreases Hyperalgesia in Mice with Bone Cancer Pain: Involvement of Endocannabinoid Signaling
2020: In mice with bone cancer, a new inhibitor of MAGL (the enzyme that breaks down 2-AG) helps with the pain
The Endocannabinoid System Alleviates Pain in a Murine Model of Cancer-Induced Bone Pain

Brain

2022: In glioblastoma cells (the most aggressive brain cancer), a 1:1 of THC:CBD lowered growth & metabolism via the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell)
The Combination of Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Suppresses Mitochondrial Respiration of Human Glioblastoma Cells via Downregulation of Specific Respiratory Chain Proteins
2022: In brain cancer cells, a synthetic cannabinoid reduced growth, proliferation, migration & increased cell death
Anti-Tumorigenic Effect of a Novel Derivative of 2-Hydroxyoleic Acid and the Endocannabinoid Anandamide on Neuroblastoma Cells
2022: In glioma cells (the most aggressive brain tumor), CB1 levels were lower
Immunohistochemical assessment of cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R) and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters in glioma
2022: In a mouse model of glioma (the most aggressive type of brain cancer), inhaled CBD limited tumor growth, altered the dynamics of the tumor’s microenvironment & improved the immune system response
Inhalant Cannabidiol Inhibits Glioblastoma Progression Through Regulation of Tumor Microenvironment
2022: In gliomas, a look at their endocannabinoid signaling
Endocannabinoid signaling in glioma
2022: A review of phytocannabinoids against gliomas (the most lethal & rapid brain cancer): they kill them (cytotoxic), they slow down their growth (anti-proliferative) & they slow down their movement (anti-migratory)
Cannabis Biomolecule Effects on Cancer Cells and Cancer Stem Cells: Cytotoxic, Anti-Proliferative, and Anti-Migratory Activities
2021: This review looks at the efficacy of cannabinoids against glioblastoma – the most aggressive type of brain cancer
Efficacy of cannabinoids against glioblastoma multiforme: A systematic review
2021: In humans with gliomas (the most aggressive brain cancer), a nightly dose of THC “improved sleep, functional wellbeing, and quality of life”
A Phase 2 Randomised Clinical Trial Assessing the Tolerability of Two Different Ratios of Medicinal Cannabis in Patients With High Grade Gliomas
2021: In glioma cells (the fastest growing type of brain tumor), CBD caused the transcription factor NFKB to become toxic to the tumor cells
OMRT-1. Cannabidiol converts NFKB into a tumor-suppressor in glioblastoma with defined antioxidative properties
2021: This analysis of childhood gliomas (very aggressive brain cancer) suggests CBD as a treatment
ID1 is a key transcriptional regulator of DIPG invasion and is targetable with cannabidiol
2021: In glioma cells (the most aggressive brain cancer), CBD activates a tumor suppressor & is suggested as a treatment
Cannabidiol converts NFκB into a tumor suppressor in glioblastoma with defined antioxidative properties
2021: In humans with glioblastomas (the most aggressive brain cancer that usually kills within a year or two), the addition of ~400 mg of CBD per day to their standard treatment almost doubled their survival time
Cannabidiol may Prolong Survival in Patients With Glioblastoma Multiforme
2021: In glioma cells (the fastest-growing brain cancer), CBD converts a key transcription factor into a tumor suppressor
Cannabidiol converts NFκB into a tumor suppressor in glioblastoma with defined antioxidative properties
2021: In glioma cells (an aggressive brain cancer), CBD inhibits their growth via the vanilloid system
Cannabidiol inhibits human glioma by induction of lethal mitophagy through activating TRPV4
2021: In humans with glioblastoma (a very rapid form of brain cancer), a 1:1 THC:CBD was found safe & with no relevant drug-drug interactions
A phase 1b randomised, placebo-controlled trial of nabiximols cannabinoid oromucosal spray with temozolomide in patients with recurrent glioblastoma
2021: In gliomas (aggressive brain cancers), CB1 levels go down
Evaluation of the Expression Levels of Cannabinoid Type-1 (CB1) Receptor and Phosphorylated Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (p-ERK) in Gliomas
2021: In pediatric brain tumor cells, CBD helped to kill them while sparing the healthy astrocytes
Is there a role for cannabidiol in the treatment of childhood brain tumours?
2020: Cannabidiol’s effect on pediatric brain tumor cells
In vitro evaluation of the effect of cannabidiol on paediatric brain tumour cell lines using a pulsed treatment regime
2020: In an analysis of human astrocytomas (the most common type of brain tumor), CB1 levels increased with malignancy while CB2 decreased. This suggests CB1 as a target for brain tumors.
The Expression Level of Cannabinoid Receptors Type 1 and 2 in the Different Types of Astrocytomas
2020: In glioblastoma cells (the very aggressive brain cancer), the terpene β-Caryophyllene causes the cells to divide less via the CB2 receptor
β-Caryophyllene Inhibits Cell Proliferation through a Direct Modulation of CB2 Receptors in Glioblastoma Cells
2020: In cell cultures of glioblastomas (the most aggressive & lethal type of brain cancer), CBD increased autophagy (the regulated cleaning & removal of damaged cells) – CBD has already been shown to increase the power of radiation therapy against glioblastomas
Inhibition of autophagic flux differently modulates cannabidiol-induced death in 2D and 3D glioblastoma cell cultures
2019: In a patient with recurrent gliomas, CBD helped with her seizures
Potential role of cannabidiol for seizure control in a patient with recurrent glioma
2019: This review says CBD and the other cannabinoids are the most promising current treatment for glioblastomas (the most aggressive type of brain cancer)
What are the perspectives of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of glioblastoma?
2019: In brain cancer patients, a case series shows CBD associated with an increased life expectancy
Concomitant Treatment of Malignant Brain Tumours With CBD – A Case Series and Review of the Literature
2019: In glioma cancer cells, cortisone reduces the cancer inhibiting effects of cannabinoids
Corticosterone inhibits the expression of cannabinoid receptor-1 and cannabinoid receptor agonist-induced decrease in cell viability in glioblastoma cells
2019: CBD may induce programmed cell death in neuroblastoma via miRNA
Role of miRNA in the regulation of cannabidiol-mediated apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells
2019: In human case reports, CBD may increase the effects of chemotherapy and radiation in glioblastoma
Case Report: Clinical Outcome and Image Response of Two Patients With Secondary High-Grade Glioma Treated With Chemoradiation, PCV, and Cannabidiol
2019: In glioblastoma cells, the power of CBD to cause cell death is increased by a ATM kinase inhibitor and radiation treatment
Inhibition of ATM kinase upregulates levels of cell death induced by cannabidiol and γ-irradiation in human glioblastoma cells
2015: CBD works via TRPV2 to promote autophagy of glioma tumor cells
Cannabidiol stimulates Aml-1a-dependent glial differentiation and inhibits glioma stem-like cells proliferation by inducing autophagy in a TRPV2-dependent manner
2011: In cells, a combination of temozolomide with THC & CBD showed remarkable reduction of gliomas
A combined preclinical therapy of cannabinoids and temozolomide against glioma
2006: In gliomas, CBD does induced ER stress and the production of free radicals to cause the cells to divide less
The non-psychoactive cannabidiol triggers caspase activation and oxidative stress in human glioma cells
“Massi et al. observed that CBD had anti-proliferative effects in human glioma cells by producing ROS and depleting GSH stocks. However, in non-transformed glial cells, the drug did not induce oxidative stress. Other cannabinoids such as anandamide behave in the same way. Thus, the antioxidant or pro-oxidant properties of cannabinoids seem to depend on biochemical and cellular features of tumor versus non-tumor cells, such as differences in signal transduction and/or redox state.” (quote from this 2019 review)

Breast

2022: In breast cancer cells, researchers find some novel ways that CBD causes cell death including forming aggregates that promote autophagy (cellular suicide) & at high doses, CBD causes “bubbling cell death”
Cannabidiol Antiproliferative Effect in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cells Is Modulated by Its Physical State and by IGF-1
2022: In a mouse model of breast cancer, a nanoencapsulation of CBD with an active ingredient of ginseng caused antitumor effects
Improved Therapeutic Efficacy of CBD with Good Tolerance in the Treatment of Breast Cancer through Nanoencapsulation and in Combination with 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol (PPD)
2022: In breast cancer cells, the 5 terpenes of cannabis studied caused cell death – with the strongest being nerolidol and β-caryophyllene
Anti-cancer potential of cannabis terpenes in a taxol-resistant model of breast cancer
2022: In breast cancer cells, activating the cannabinoid receptors improved the strength of the osteoblasts (bone making cells) as well as reducing the growth & migration of the cancer cells
Activation of cannabinoid receptors in breast cancer cells improves osteoblast viability in cancer-bone interaction model while reducing breast cancer cell survival and migration
2022: In breast cancer cells, targeting the MGL enzyme (which breaks down 2-AG) blocked cell adhesion & transmigration as well as inhibiting tumor growth
Inhibition of triple negative breast cancer-associated inflammation, tumor growth and brain colonization by targeting monoacylglycerol lipase
2022: In breast cancer cells, both CBD & CBN inhibited cell proliferation
Phytocannabinoids Potentially Exert Anti-ovarian Cancer Effects by Increasing Cannabinoid Receptor Expressions
2022: In 3D models of triple negative breast cancer, CBD caused antitumor effects as well as increasing the effectiveness of the chemotherapy
Anticancer and chemosensitization effects of cannabidiol in 2D and 3D cultures of TNBC: involvement of GADD45α, integrin-α5, -β5, -β1, and autophagy
2022: In breast cancer cells, CBD suppressed the growth of new blood vessels as well as their stem cell-like properties
Cannabidiol Suppresses Angiogenesis and Stemness of Breast Cancer Cells by Downregulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factors-1α
2022: Cannabis & breast cancer
Cannabis with breast cancer treatment: propitious or pernicious?
2022: Here’s a review of the susceptibility of various breast cancer subtypes to treatment by cannabinoids
Cannabinoids in Breast Cancer: Differential Susceptibility According to Subtype
2021: In breast cancer cells, CBD caused cell death by stressing the endoplasmic reticulum via the TRPV1 receptor
CBD activation of TRPV1 induces oxidative signalling and subsequent ER stress in breast cancer cell lines
2021: In breast cancer cells, THC, CBD & AEA all disrupted their cell cycle – but only CBD caused apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Unveiling the mechanism of action behind the anti-cancer properties of cannabinoids in ER + breast cancer cells: Impact on aromatase and steroid receptors
2020: In this case study of a woman with breast cancer, 40 mg of CBD per day reduced the effective levels of her cancer drug tamoxifen by ~20%
Reduction in Tamoxifen Metabolites Endoxifen and N-desmethyltamoxifen With Chronic Administration of Low Dose Cannabidiol: A CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 Drug Interaction
2020: In breast cancer cells, CBD blocks and reverse the pro-inflammatory effects of cytokine IL-1β
CBD Reverts the Mesenchymal Invasive Phenotype of Breast Cancer Cells Induced by the Inflammatory Cytokine IL-1β
2020: A review of the interactions of cannabinoids with breast cancer treatments
Cannabinoids and Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Treatment
2020: In breast cancer tissue, CBD inhibited growth & potentiated the effects of the anti-cancer drug tamoxifen
Cannabidiol increases potency of tamoxifen in inhibiting breast cancer cell viability
2019: A new study on the power of atypical cannabinoids against models of breast cancer
Antitumor Activity of Abnormal Cannabidiol and Its Analog O-1602 in Taxol-Resistant Preclinical Models of Breast Cancer
2018: In triple negative breast cancer cells, CB2 agonist + photodynamic therapy inhibited cell and tumor growth
Combined CB2 receptor agonist and photodynamic therapy synergistically inhibit tumor growth in triple negative breast cancer

Colorectal

2022: In colon cancer cells, using a novel light therapy to kill cancer cells combined well with CBD
Synthesis of a novel nanobioconjugate for targeted photodynamic therapy of colon cancer enhanced with cannabidiol
2022: In colorectal cancer cells, CBD lowered proliferation, migration & invasion of the cells as well as inducing apoptosis (cellular suicide) via the EMT & Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Cannabidiol inhibits invasion and metastasis in colorectal cancer cells by reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
2022: In colorectal cancer cells, activating the CB1 receptor repressed the genesis of tumors & the activation of the inflammatory M2 macrophages via EGFR downregulation
Cannabinoid Receptor-1 suppresses M2 macrophage polarization in colorectal cancer by downregulating EGFR
2022: In human colorectal cancer cells, CBD caused cell cycle arrest, repressed cell viability & induced apoptosis (cellular suicide) via the CB2 receptor
Cannabidiol exerts anti-proliferative activity via a cannabinoid receptor 2-dependent mechanism in human colorectal cancer cells
“Anti-proliferative activity was also observed for other non-psychoactive cannabinoid derivatives including cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabicyclol (CBL), and cannabigerovarin (CBGV).”
2021: In colon cancer cells, PEA reduced proliferation, arrested their cell cycle, reduced their migration & caused DNA fragmentation
Palmitoylethanolamide Reduces Colon Cancer Cell Proliferation and Migration, Influences Tumor Cell Cycle and Exerts In Vivo Chemopreventive Effects
2020: This meta-review of animal studies found ‘incredible potential’ for treating colorectal cancer – the third most common cancer in the world
Cannabinoid Effects on Experimental Colorectal Cancer Models Reduce Aberrant Crypt Foci (ACF) and Tumor Volume: A Systematic Review
2020: Mechanisms of how some of the cannabinoids like CBD cause cell death in rectal cancer cells
Cytotoxic Effects of Cannabinoids on Human HT-29 Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells: Different Mechanisms of THC, CBD, and CB83
2020 This paper reviews how the use of photodynamic therapy for colorectal cancer may be enhanced by CBD
Possible Enhancement of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Colorectal Cancer Treatment when Combined with Cannabidiol
2019: In colorectal cancer cells, a combination of CBD & TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) created antitumor effects
Cannabidiol Enhances the Therapeutic Effects of TRAIL by Upregulating DR5 in Colorectal Cancer
2014: In colon cancer tissue culture & xenograft animal model, CBD extract reduced tumor cell proliferation more than isolated CBD – the extract also showed a much higher binding affinity to CB1 & CB2
Inhibition of colon carcinogenesis by a standardized Cannabis sativa extract with high content of cannabidiol

Eye

2022: In an analysis of human patients with a rare eye cancer called uveal melanoma, higher levels of CB1 were correlated with survival & in cancer cell cultures, activating the CB1 & CB2 receptor increased cancer cell death
Evaluating Cannabinoid Receptors as A Therapeutic Target for Uveal Melanoma

Head, Neck & Throat

2021: In mice, CBD helped to kill head & neck cancers while also improving the efficacy of the anti-cancer drugs
Cannabidiol enhances cytotoxicity of anti-cancer drugs in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
2021: In throat cancer cells, anandamide & 2-AG caused anti-proliferative effects
Human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell line release of endogenous anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, and their antiproliferative effect via exogenous supplementation: an in vitro study
2020: A study generating a lot of headlines: study finds cannabinoids promote certain head and neck cancers
Cannabinoids promote progression of HPV positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via p38 MAPK activation
2020: A meta-analysis found that cannabis use significantly lowered the chances of getting a cancer in the head and neck with no effect on the other cancer types, except for a small bump to the risk of testicular cancer
Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis Suggests that Cannabis Use May Reduce Cancer Risk in the United States

Gynecological

2022: In cervical cancer, a review of enhancing conventional treatment with CBD
Enhancement of Conventional and Photodynamic Therapy for Treatment of Cervical Cancer with Cannabidiol
2021: A review looking at the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in gynecological cancers & how this may be a place to target treatment
(Endo)Cannabinoids and Gynaecological Cancers
2020: In endometrial cancer cells, CBD seems to help the chemotherapy drugs work better via the TRPV2 receptors
The Effects of Cannabidiol and Prognostic Role of TRPV2 in Human Endometrial Cancer
2019: A study found that “cannabis use is increasingly common in women with gynecologic cancer” and that “many women report decreased opioid use after initiation of cannabis for analgesia”
Non-prescription cannabis use for symptom management amongst women with gynecologic malignancies

Kidney

2022: In mice being treated with the anti-cancer drug cisplatin, activating the CB2 receptor helped to protect their kidneys
The Cannabinoid-2 receptor agonist, 1-phenylisatin, protects against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice
2022: Cannabis use associated with lower risks for of renal cell carcinoma and bladder cancer in females & for prostate cancer in males
Association between cannabis use with urological cancers: A population-based cohort study and a mendelian randomization study in the UK biobank

Leukemia (Blood)

2022: In leukemia cells, they looked at the effects of the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018
Investigating the Effects of a Synthetic Cannabinoid on the Pathogenesis of Leukemia and Leukemic Stem Cells: A New Therapeutic Approach
2022: In leukemia cells, CBD rich extracts inhibited cell proliferation & caused apoptosis (programmed cellular suicide)
Chemical characterization of non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa L. extracts, in vitro antiproliferative activity and induction of apoptosis in chronic myelogenous leukaemia cancer cells
2022: In leukemia cells, CBD inhibited cell proliferation & the cell cycle as well as disrupting the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell) via the TRPV2 receptor
The effects of cannabidiol via TRPV2 channel in chronic myeloid leukemia cells and its combination with imatinib
2022: A review of the cannabinoids for myeloma (blood plasma cancer)
The Influence of Cannabinoids on Multiple Myeloma Cells: A Scoping Review
2021: In leukemia cells, CBD caused anticancer activity by disrupting their mitochondria with a flood of calcium
Phenolic Compounds Cannabidiol, Curcumin and Quercetin Cause Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Suppress Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells
In our ‘city as a cell’ metaphor, here the action of CBD would be like dropping a bomb of saltwater onto the enemy’s power station

Liver

2022: In liver cancer cells, CBD reduced their viability as well as inducing apoptosis (cellular suicide)
Cannabidiol inhibits cell viability and induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines: The interplay between apoptosis and autophagy
2022: In tissue samples of cholangiocarcinoma (a cancer of your liver’s bile ducts), the addition of CBD & CBG resulted in an immediate reduction of proliferation, a significant increase in late-stage apoptosis (cellular suicide) & an inhibition of migration, invasion & colony formation ability
Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol Inhibit Cholangiocarcinoma Growth In Vitro via Divergent Cell Death Pathways
2022: In cannabis users, they were 55% less likely to have liver cancer
Lower Rates of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Observed Among Cannabis Users: A Population-Based Study
2022: In two liver cancer cell lines, CBD high extracts arrested the cell cycle & significantly induced cell death via mitochondria-dependent apoptosis (suicide via the cell’s power source)
Extracellular vesicles of cannabis with high CBD content induce anticancer signaling in human hepatocellular carcinoma
2019: The endocannabinoid system is altered in hepatocellular carcinoma
Endocannabinoid system and the expression of endogenous ceramides in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Lung

2022: A review of the potential of treating lung cancer with cannabinoids
The potential of cannabinoids in the treatment of lung cancer
2022: In patients with non-small cell lung cancer, the use of cannabis seemed to not interfere with their treatment by immune-check point inhibitors
The Use of Medical Cannabis Concomitantly with Immune-Check Point Inhibitors (ICI) in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): A Sigh of Relief?
2022: In lung cancer cells, CBD inhibited growth & upregulated proteins related to apoptosis (cellular suicide)
Cannabidiol Regulates PPARγ-Dependent Vesicle Formation as well as Cell Death in A549 Human Lung Cancer Cells
2022: In lung cancer cells, THC & CBD slowed cell proliferation, increased apoptosis (cellular suicide) & lowered tumor size & progression
Anticancer activity of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol in vitro and in human lung cancer xenograft
2022: In fibroblasts from lung cancer cells, THC & CBD alone or combined helped to lower proliferation
In Vitro Effect of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol on Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Isolated from Lung Cancer
2022: In a study using both mice & human patients with non-small cell lung cancer, the first-line treatment with the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab found no negative effects from using medical cannabis
The use of medical cannabis concomitantly with immune-check point inhibitors (ICI) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): A sigh of relief?
2022: In lung cancer cells, CBD reduced tumor progression, suppressed cancer stem cells & caused apoptosis (cellular suicide)
Cannabidiol Inhibits Tumorigenesis in Cisplatin-Resistant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer via TRPV2
2021: In human lung cancer cells & cancer stem cells, CBD induces cell death
Cannabidiol Induces Cell Death in Human Lung Cancer Cells and Cancer Stem Cells
2021: A case report of a lung cancer patient who used only CBD oil & saw her tumor reduce greatly over 2.5 years
Lung cancer patient who had declined conventional cancer treatment: could the self-administration of ‘CBD oil’ be contributing to the observed tumour regression?
2021: In lung cancer tissue, the enzyme MGL (responsible for removing 2-AG) seems to be a treatment target
Monoacylglycerol Lipase Knockdown Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Metastasis in Lung Adenocarcinoma
2020: In humans with a certain lung cancer, both THC & CBD lessened the spread of cancer cells – suggests that the levels of CB1 & CB2 receptors can be used as markers for patient survival
Cannabinoid receptor expression in non-small cell lung cancer. Effectiveness of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol inhibiting cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro
2019: A human case study of using CBD to treat lung cancer before trying chemo or radiation + a literature review
Striking lung cancer response to self-administration of cannabidiol: A case report and literature review
2018: MAGL knockout leads to more lung cancer
Monoglyceride lipase gene knockout in mice leads to increased incidence of lung adenocarcinoma

Melanoma (Skin)

2022: In melanoma cancer cells, CBD helped the drug mitoxantrone to work better at killing cancer cells but produced antagonist effects to the drug cisplatin
Cannabidiol Interacts Antagonistically with Cisplatin and Additively with Mitoxantrone in Various Melanoma Cell Lines-An Isobolographic Analysis
2022: In melanoma cancer cells, anandamide (AEA) reduced glycosylation (modification of newly made proteins) & cell migration, suggesting its use as a combination therapy
Anandamide-Modulated Changes in Metabolism, Glycosylation Profile and Migration of Metastatic Melanoma Cells
2022: A review of cannabinoids in dermatology along with a case report of successfully using CBD oil against a patient’s dermatitis & skin cancer
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Lichen Simplex Chronicus Successfully Treated with Topical Cannabinoid Oil: A Case Report and Summary of Cannabinoids in Dermatology
2021: A review of cannabinoids for melanoma (aggressive skin cancer)
Cannabinoids and their derivatives in struggle against melanoma
2021: In melanoma cells (skin cancer), CBD inhibits their cell growth
Effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on the inhibition of melanoma cells in vitro
2019: Dysregulation of the endcannabinoid system in squamous cell carcinoma
Altered mRNA Expression of Genes Involved in Endocannabinoid Signalling in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Tongue
2019: In mice, anticancer effects of CBD in malignant melanomas
Cannabinoids as a Potential New and Novel Treatment for Melanoma: A Pilot Study in a Murine Model

Neuroendocrine

2022: In neuroendocrine neoplasms (tumors of the neuroendocrine cells), extracts that activated the CB1 receptor decreased their viability & increased their apoptosis (cellular suicide) as well as demonstrating synergistic effects with the treatment drug everolimus
Engaging the Endocannabinoid System in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs) potentiates treatment outcomes and null drug resistance

Oral

2022: In oral & pancreatic cancer cells, the synthetic cannabis WIN 55,212–2 inhibited tumor proliferation & induced cell death, with a stronger effect on the cancer stem cells, via a pathway other than CB1 or CB2
Synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212–2 inhibits growth and induces cell death of oral and pancreatic stem-like/poorly differentiated tumor cells
2021: Cannabinoids for oral cancers
Effects of tetrahydrocannabinols on human oral cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress, and DNA damage
2021: In mice with oral ulcers (a common side effect of radiation therapy for cancer with few treatments), CBD accelerated healing & lessened inflammation partially via the regulation of genetic transcription
CBD Promotes Oral Ulcer Healing via Inhibiting CMPK2-Mediated Inflammasome

Ovarian

2021: In a 3D model of ovarian cancer, CBD caused antitumorigenic effects & combined well with an anticancer drug
Cannabidiol suppresses 3-dimensional ovarian cancer growth and may enhance potency of classic and epigenetic therapies
2021: In ovarian cancer cells, full spectrum hemp extract found to have anticancer effects
Hemp Extract with Specific Anti-Cancer Properties against Ovarian Cancer
2020: In ovarian cancer cells, the efficacy of a conventional cancer treatment (paclitaxel)was improved by adding CBD microcapsules
Enhancing ovarian cancer conventional chemotherapy through the combination with cannabidiol loaded microparticles

Pancreatic

2022: A review focused on pancreatic cancer
Targeting the Endocannabinoid System: From the Need for New Therapies to the Development of a Promising Strategy. What About Pancreatic Cancer?
2022: In pancreatic cancer cells, a mixture of THC & CBD inhibited cell proliferation & induced apoptosis (cellular suicide) via PPARγ’s control of genetic transcription
Antitumor Effects of Cannabinoids in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (Capan-2)-Derived Xenograft Mouse Model
2022: In pancreatic cancer cells, low doses of CBD stimulate the killer cells to get killing
A Low Dose of Pure Cannabidiol Is Sufficient to Stimulate the Cytotoxic Function of CIK Cells without Exerting the Downstream Mediators in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
2022: The anti-cancer effect of several cannabinoids against pancreatic & breast cancer cells
Anti-cancer effects of selective cannabinoid agonists in pancreatic and breast cancer cells
2022: In oral & pancreatic cancer cells, the synthetic cannabis WIN 55,212–2 inhibited tumor proliferation & induced cell death, with a stronger effect on the cancer stem cells, via a pathway other than CB1 or CB2
Synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212–2 inhibits growth and induces cell death of oral and pancreatic stem-like/poorly differentiated tumor cells
2021: In pancreatic cancer cells, CB1 levels are up
The LPS-Treated Human Gastric Cancer Cells (AGS) Show a Significant Higher Tendency to Proliferation, Inflammation and Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Expression
2020: In a mouse model of pancreatic cancer, CBD combined well with oxygen/ozone therapy to cause antitumor effects
Cannabidiol and Oxygen-Ozone Combination Induce Cytotoxicity in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines
2019: A review for pancreatic cancer finds CBD may be helpful
Potential Use of Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Pediatric

2022: Children who experienced childhood cancer are prone to osteoporosis & this study suggests that targeting the CB2 & TRPV1 receptor may help
Alteration of osteoclast activity in childhood cancer survivors: Role of iron and of CB2/TRPV1 receptors
2019: A review of pediatric cancer patients using cannabis in Minnesota
Medical Cannabis Certification in a Large Pediatric Oncology Center

Research on Cannabis, Cancer & the Endocannabinoid System

2022: A general review of treating cancer with medical cannabis
Medicinal Cannabis in Cancer Treatment
2022: A review of how the endocannabinoid system modulates pain in cancer patients
Endocannabinoid System and Its Neuromodulatory Effects in Pain Management in Oncology Patients-A Systemic Review
2022: An epidemiological review of the increased cancer & congenital anomaly risks associated with cannabis
Cannabis, Cannabidiol, Cannabinoids, and Multigenerational Policy
2022: Strong review on the complex interplay between your microbiome, your fatty acids & your endocannabinoid system & their effects on cancer progression
Interplay of gut microbiome, fatty acids and the endocannabinoid system in regulating development, progression, immunomodulation and chemoresistance of cancer
2022: A review of cannabis use in cancer patients
Cannabis Use in Patients With Cancer: A Clinical Review
2022: A review of studies on cannabis for palliative end-of-life care found, that despite calling the evidence low-quality, they found positive treatment effects for “pain, nausea and vomiting, appetite, sleep, fatigue, chemosensory perception and paraneoplastic night sweats in patients with cancer, appetite and agitation in patients with dementia and appetite, nausea and vomiting in patients with AIDS”
Cannabis in palliative care: a systematic review of current evidence
2022: This cheeky headline just goes on to say that cancer patients & their doctors need to know more about cannabis
(Almost) Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Cannabis Science, but Were Afraid to Ask!
2022: A review of the supportive role of cannabis for cancer therapy
Do We Have Structure, Process and Outcomes to Support Cannabis as Supportive Therapy in Cancer?
2022: For people with cancer, a review of the efficacy of cannabis for their appetite
Efficacy of medicinal cannabis for appetite-related symptoms in people with cancer: A systematic review
2022: A review looking of the cannabinoid’s differential effects on cancer via the miRNAs (short strings of RNA used to silence genes)
Interplay between the Cannabinoid System and microRNAs in Cancer
2022: A review of using CBD as a support drug for cancer
Does Cannabidiol Have a Benefit as a Supportive Care Drug in Cancer?
2022: A review of the evidence on using cannabis against cancer in young people
Medical Cannabis in Pediatric Oncology: Friend or Foe?
2022: A review of the anticancer properties of the cannabinoids
Cannabinoids as anticancer drugs: current status of preclinical research
2022: A review by Dr. Donald Abrams on cannabinoids in cancer care
Cannabis, Cannabinoids and Cannabis-Based Medicines in Cancer Care
2022: A review of cancer pain finds that cannabinoids seem to help opioid painkillers work better
Cannabinoid Association with Opioid in Cancer Pain Management Therapy – A Systematic Review
2022: A review of the cannabinoids for treating cancer
Plant-derived cannabinoids as anticancer agents
2022: This review looks at using cannabinoids for treating the cachexia (wasting syndrome) caused by cancer
Cannabinoid interventions for improving cachexia outcomes in cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
2022: In Dutch cancer patients, a quarter of them reported cannabis usage for medical effects, often because of the anti-cancer effects
Cannabinoid consumption among cancer patients receiving systemic anti-cancer treatment in the Netherlands
2022: In elderly cancer patients, this review of their charts found no difference in pain, nausea, appetite, insomnia or anxiety scores after they started medical cannabis
Assessing Efficacy and Use Patterns of Medical Cannabis for Symptom Management in Elderly Cancer Patients
2022: In a cancer patient with a feeding tube, the addition of hemp oil increased weight & muscle mass as well as the improvement of nutrition indices
Alternative Administration of Artificial Feeding with Hemp Oil in a Patient with Esophageal Cancer
2022: An in-depth review of the effects of oleamide (OEA) on ion channels & how this makes it effective against cancer cells
Oleamide, a Primary Fatty Acid Amide: Effects on Ion Channels and Cancer
2022: A study of cancer patients found medical cannabis helpful for a range of their symptoms
The Effectiveness and Safety of Medical Cannabis for Treating Cancer Related Symptoms in Oncology Patients
2022: A look at two hemp varieties found a number of ingredients with activities against cancer
Phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of the essential oil from the inflorescences of the Cannabis sativa L.
2022: With disulfiram (an anti-alcohol drug now being looked at to treat cancer), CBD may interfere with its efficacy against cancer
Cannabidiol-induced activation of the metallothionein pathway impedes anticancer effects of disulfiram and its metabolite CuET
2022: In cancer, using cyclodextrins as delivery vehicles to improve the targeting of CBD to kill the cells
Biophysical Studies and In Vitro Effects of Tumor Cell Lines of Cannabidiol and Its Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes
2022: A study of cancer patients shows that they find cannabinoids helpful
The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Cancer Patients Undergoing Conventional Treatment: A Single-Centre Experience
2022: This study of cancer & pain patients using medical cannabis found a high adherence to following doctors orders, an improved quality of life, a decrease in pain levels & a low incidence of serious adverse events
Adherence, Safety, and Effectiveness of Medical Cannabis and Epidemiological Characteristics of the Patient Population: A Prospective Study
2022: A review of using cannabis against cancer & a look at case reports
Cannabis as an Anticancer Agent: A Review of Clinical Data and Assessment of Case Reports
2022: A series of articles on cannabis & cannabinoids for cancer:
- Cannabinoid-Based Medicines as Cancer Therapy
- Cannabis and Cannabinoid-Based Medicines in Cancer Care
- Cannabinoid-Based Medicines and Cancer Symptom Management
- Choosing a Product, Route of Administration, Initial Dosage, Titration, Monitoring and Management of Adverse Effects
- Cannabinoid-Based Medicine: Pharmacology and Drug Interactions
- Future Therapeutic Potential of Synthetic Cannabinoids and Endocannabinoid System Modulators
- Patient Evaluation: Precautions and Managing Expectations
- Psychoactive Effects of Cannabinoid-Based Medicines: Exploration and Inquiry
- Overview of the Endocannabinoid System and Endocannabinoidome

2022: In cancer patients, cannabis helped to significantly improve quality of life, cognitive functioning & breathing – but worse on sleep than patients with no cannabis
Symptom Management and Quality of Life of Palliative Cancer Patients After Being Administered with Thai Medicinal Cannabis
2022: This study looks at how THC causes chemotherapy to work less well because it impedes the treatment’s immune checkpoint blockades via the CB2 receptor
Cannabis suppresses antitumor immunity by inhibiting JAK/STAT signaling in T cells through CNR2
2022: The Colorado Dept. of Public Health collected their findings about the effects of cannabis on public health
Evidence of Health Effects Associated with Marijuana Use: A Comprehensive Public Health Review
Findings include… Daily use associated with pre-cancerous lesions in airway – but smoking less than a joint a day is not associated with increased lung cancer risk. Moderate evidence for use in males associated with increased risk of testicular cancer.
2022: Epidemiology study linking delta-8 THC use to an increase in a number of types of cancer
Epidemiology of Δ8THC-Related Carcinogenesis in USA: A Panel Regression and Causal Inferential Study
2022: Epidemiology study showing cannabis causing increased cancer risk
Geotemporospatial and causal inferential epidemiological overview and survey of USA cannabis, cannabidiol and cannabinoid genotoxicity expressed in cancer incidence 2003-2017: part 1 – continuous bivariate analysis
Though on this one, their data suggests that THC & CBD cause more cancer in a community than tobacco or alcohol. That seems … out there.
2022: As well as more types of cancer
Geotemporospatial and causal inferential epidemiological overview and survey of USA cannabis, cannabidiol and cannabinoid genotoxicity expressed in cancer incidence 2003-2017: part 2 – categorical bivariate analysis and attributable fractions
2022: And cancer effects that suggest harms to the genes of prenatal infants
Geotemporospatial and causal inferential epidemiological overview and survey of USA cannabis, cannabidiol and cannabinoid genotoxicity expressed in cancer incidence 2003-2017: part 3 – spatiotemporal, multivariable and causal inferential pathfinding and exploratory analyses of prostate and ovarian cancers
2022: A letter to the editor pushing back from all of the epidemiological data from above linking cannabis to cancer rates & they level the charge of “ecological fallacy”
Letter to the editor on “Geotemporospatial and causal inferential epidemiological overview and survey of USA cannabis, cannabidiol and cannabinoid genotoxicity expressed in cancer incidence 2003-2017, parts 1-3”
2021: This review looks at the endocannabinoid’s involvement with cancer & the tumor microenvironment
Endocannabinoid System and Tumour Microenvironment: New Intertwined Connections for Anticancer Approaches
2021: A meta-analysis of cannabis for chronic pain & pain from cancer
Medical cannabis or cannabinoids for chronic non-cancer and cancer-related pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials
2021: An article on why oncologists are excited about medical cannabis
Is medical cannabis a new discovery for oncology research?
2021: A review of the cannabinoids as anticancer drugs & neuroprotective agents
Cannabinoids as anticancer and neuroprotective drugs: Structural insights and pharmacological interactions—A review
2021: This review looks at using cannabinoids for ameliorating the neurotoxicity of chemotherapy for cancer treatment
Cannabinoids: an Effective Treatment for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity
2021: Cannabinoids & their receptors for cancer treatment
The strengths and limits of cannabinoids and their receptors in cancer: Insights into the role of tumorigenesis-underlying mechanisms and therapeutic aspects
2021: Phytocannabinoids for various aspects of cancer-fighting
Cancer Initiation, Progression and Resistance: Are Phytocannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L. Promising Compounds
2021: This review looks at the endocannabinoid system & cancer as well as how targeting the CB1 & CB2 receptors may be a potential therapy
The Interplay between the Immune and the Endocannabinoid Systems in Cancer
2021: A review of how the cannabinoids fight cancer
Molecular Mechanism of Cannabinoids in Cancer Progression
2021: A review of targeting the endocannabinoid system for pediatric cancers
The Role of Cannabinoids as Anticancer Agents in Pediatric Oncology
2021: In humans with cancer, even short-term treatment with medical cannabis produces beneficial effects
Short-Term Medical Cannabis Treatment Regimens Produced Beneficial Effects among Palliative Cancer Patients
2020: A review of the history of using cannabis for cancer & an explanation of the biochemistry of why that makes sense
Cannabis and its Constituents for Cancer: History, Biogenesis, Chemistry and Pharmacological Activities
2020: A review of how much the endocannabinoid system is involved in the biology of cancer
The Interplay between Cancer Biology and the Endocannabinoid System-Significance for Cancer Risk, Prognosis and Response to Treatment
2020: Meta-review of anticancer properties of the components of the cannabis plant
Anti-Cancer Potential of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids Present in Cannabis
2020: A very positive review of the latest findings of using cannabinoids for the symptoms of cancer – includes 96 studies
A systematic review of evidence for cannabis and cannabinoids as adjuvant therapy in palliative and supportive oncology care
2020: Using cannabis for cancer treatment & bone marrow transplantations
The Highs and Lows of Cannabis in Cancer Treatment and Bone Marrow Transplantation
2020: This article reviews 48 clinical trials involving cannabis & cancer treatment
High Expectations: The Landscape of Clinical Trials of Medical Marijuana in Oncology
2020: A review of targeting the endocannabinoid system for cancer
The Endocannabinoid System: A Target for Cancer Treatment
2020: A review finds that cannabinoids not only help with the symptoms of cancer but show promise in their antitumor effects
The role of cannabinoids in the treatment of cancer
2020: In late-stage cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy, medical cannabis was correlated with worse clinical outcomes (a significant decrease in time to tumor progression & decreased overall survival)
Cannabis Consumption Used by Cancer Patients during Immunotherapy Correlates with Poor Clinical Outcome
2020: In cancer cells, a FAAH inhibitor prevented them from shedding certain proteins that led to an enhancement of antitumor immunity
The fatty-acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 inhibits MICA/B shedding
2020: In cancer cells, CBN inhibited their proliferation, arrested their cell cycle and increased their apoptosis (regulated cellular suicide)
Cannabinol inhibits proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in glioblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and breast cancer cells
2020: This roundup of research showcases several articles on the use of cannabinoids in cancer and pain treatment
Editorial: The Canonical and Non-Canonical Endocannabinoid System as a Target in Cancer and Acute and Chronic Pain
2020: A study concluded that medical cannabis “improved oncology patients’ [pain] scores despite opioid dose reductions and should be considered a viable adjuvant therapy for palliative management”
The Efficacy of Medical Marijuana in the Treatment of Cancer-Related Pain
2019: Targeting the ECS for cancer pain
Cannabinoids: a new approach for pain control?
2019: Review of cannabinoids for cancer treatment & chemotherapy management
Emerging role of cannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoid receptor 1/cannabinoid receptor 2 receptor agonists in cancer treatment and chemotherapy-associated cancer management
2019: In humans, cannabis use reduced cancer risk in patients with Crohn’s disease – but increased other negatives
In-hospital outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease in cannabis users: a nationwide propensity-matched analysis in the United States
“We found a lower frequency of colorectal cancer, parenteral nutrition, anemia but a higher occurrences of active fistulizing disease or intraabdominal abscess formation, lower GI hemorrhage and hypovolemia in the CD cohort with cannabis usage.”
2019: A focus group study on the questions of cancer survivors about medical cannabis
Exploring cancer survivors’ attitudes, perceptions, and concerns about using medical cannabis for symptom and side effect management: A qualitative focus group study
2019: The use of electrical stimulation to decrease pain from cancer seems to involve the endocannabinoid system via CB1 and AEA levels
Investigation of the Involvement of the Endocannabinoid System in TENS-induced Antinociception
2019: A study found that “the addition of [medical cannabis] to standard oncology care in patients with [advanced cancer] was well-tolerated and may lead to improved pain control and lower opioid requirements.”
A randomized trial of medical cannabis (MC) in patients with advanced cancer (AC) to assess impact on opioid use and cancer-related symptoms
2019: Omega-3 fatty acids and their endocannabinoid derivatives may have anti-cancer effects
Anticancer effects of n-3 EPA and DHA and their endocannabinoid derivatives on breast cancer cell growth and invasion
2019: A flavonoid of the cannabis plant may have anti-cancer properties
Flavonoid Derivative of Cannabis Demonstrates Therapeutic Potential in Preclinical Models of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
2019: A CB2 receptor agonist reduces growth of brain cancer cells
A Novel Highly Selective Cannabinoid CB2 Agonist Reduces in Vitro Growth and TGF-beta Release of Human Glial Cell Tumors
2019: Atypical cannabinoids represent an intriguing research area for cancer
Antitumor Activity of Abnormal Cannabidiol and Its Analog O-1602 in Taxol-Resistant Preclinical Models of Breast Cancer
2019: Selective cultivation might have led to certain terpene profiles evolving to match and enhance the efficacy of the cannabinoid profiles
Terpenoids and Phytocannabinoids Co-Produced in Cannabis Sativa Strains Show Specific Interaction for Cell Cytotoxic Activity
2019: A test of 12 cannabis extracts on 12 cancer lines reveal the complexity of cannabinoids & cancer
The heterogeneity and complexity of Cannabis extracts as antitumor agents
2019: In humans, researchers used Minnesota patient’s self-reported scores to find the help of cannabis for cancer symptoms
Impact of Medical Cannabis on Patient-Reported Symptoms for Patients With Cancer Enrolled in Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Program
2017: In cancer tissue, cannabis extracts reduced gene expression and cancer metastasis
Standardized Cannabis sativa extract attenuates tau and stathmin gene expression in the melanoma cell line
2007: Medical cannabis did not interfere with anticancer drugs
Medicinal cannabis does not influence the clinical pharmacokinetics of irinotecan and docetaxel
2006: In humans, first clinical study of antitumor effects of THC found increased survival and slowed tumor growth
A pilot clinical study of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme
1975: First cancer study: 36% increase in survival time (study buried by bureaucrats) Antineoplastic activity of cannabinoids.
in J Natl Cancer Inst by Munson & Carchman of Med College of Virginia

Cannabis for Side Effects from Chemotherapy & Radiation

2022: In a mouse model of pain from chemotherapy, PEA helped with the pain as well as the mood disorders
The Beneficial Effects of Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide in the Management of Neuropathic Pain and Associated Mood Disorders Induced by Paclitaxel in Mice
2022: In a rat model of chemotherapy treatment, cannabis extract increased body weight & normal diet intake as well as decreasing oxidative stress & inflammation
Protective Effects of Cannabis sativa on chemotherapy-induced nausea in a rat: Involvement of CB1 receptors
2022: In a tissue study, PEA protects heart cells from the toxicity & inflammation of anti-cancer treatments
The analgesic compound palmitoylethanolamide reduces inflammation in human cardiomyocytes and vascular endothelial cells exposed to doxorubicin and anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody through PPAR-α and NLRP3-related pathways
2022: In a cancer patient, after years of nabilone (synthetic THC) to manage her pain, increasing the dosage during her chemotherapy treatments led to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome & cyclical vomiting
A case report on cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in palliative care: how good intentions can go wrong
2022: In 83 cancer patients, cannabis helped them with pain, nausea, appetitive improvement & reduced anxiety
Cannabis for Symptom Clusters in Patients with Advanced Illness: What Is the Evidence?
2022: For cancer patients, cannabis helped them with pain & to use fewer opioids
Experience With Medical Marijuana for Cancer Patients in the Palliative Setting
2021: In humans with cancer experiencing poor appetite as well as diminished taste & smell, 2.5 mg of THC made their food taste better, increased the calories consumer & increased sleep quality & relaxation
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol may palliate altered chemosensory perception in cancer patients: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial
2021: In rats getting chemotherapy, anandamide helped to protect against the neuropathic pain
Protective effects of anandamide against cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in rats
2020: In mice being treated with the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, their 2-AG levels drop. So supplementation of 2-AG seems to help with the neuropathic pain caused by the drug
Peripheral deficiency and antiallodynic effects of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol in a mouse model of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain
2020: In rats exposed to the chemotherapeutic agent bleomycin, CB2 activation protected the heart against inflammation & scarring (fibrosis)
Effects of cannabinoid receptor 2 synthetic agonist, AM1241, on bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis
2020: A review of the literature suggests that cannabis helps with the anxiety & nausea of radiation therapy – but more trials are needed
Cannabis and Radiation Therapy: A Scoping Review of Human Clinical Trials
2020: A review of oral cannabinoids for the nausea of chemotherapy
Oral cannabinoid for the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting—a systematic review and meta-analysis
2020: A pilot study in using Sativex for cancer patients with uncontrolled pain
Pilot Clinical and Pharmacokinetic Study of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Oro-Buccal Spray in Advanced Cancer with Uncontrolled Pain
2020: This survey by oncologists suggest that cannabis is both efficacious & cost-effective for the nausea, anxiety & pain of cancer
The Financial and Psychosocial Impact of Medicinal Cannabis
2019: A combination of cannabinoids and opiates may reduce chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
Targeting Cannabinoid 1 and Delta Opioid Receptor Heteromers Alleviates Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Pain
2019: Cancer-related anorexia was improved by oral cannabis in a small study
The Effects of Dosage-Controlled Cannabis Capsules on Cancer-Related Cachexia and Anorexia Syndrome in Advanced Cancer Patients: Pilot Study

Research Surveys of Cancer Patients

2022: In a survey of cancer patients, cannabis was used the most for sleep, pain & anxiety – with the biggest barrier being cost
Medical Marijuana Use for Cancer-Related Symptoms among Floridians: A Descriptive Study
2022: In a survey of young adults with cancer, the most frequent reasons for cannabis use were pain, anxiety, nausea, sleep & recreation
Cannabis consumption in young adults with cancer: descriptive study
2022: In male vs female cancer patients, cannabis helped both groups with pain, sleep, anxiety & well-being – but in females, it helped with nausea, lack of appetite & shortness of breath while in males it helped more with pain
Sex differences exist in the perceived relief of cancer symptoms with medical cannabis: results from the Quebec Cannabis Registry
2022: A survey of cancer patients found that the ones using cannabis preferred the oral or vaporizer route & the use of high THC:CBD products
Self-reported efficacy and usage of cannabis among patients with cancer within the Minnesota Cannabis Program
2022: A survey of cancer patients found the majority liked to use CBD but a survey of oncologists find that the majority do not favor CBD-dominant cannabis
Letter to the Editor: The Role of Cannabidiol in Cancer Care: Oncologist and Cancer Patient Perspectives
2022: In cancer survivors, almost 10% responding to this survey said that they used cannabis
Marijuana use among US adults with cancer: findings from the 2018-2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
2022: A survey of patients with cutaneous lymphoma (a cancer of the T cells that can lead to itchiness), found that ~20% of them endorsed cannabis use for their itching
Cannabis use among patients with cutaneous lymphoma: A cross-sectional survey
2022: This survey of breast cancer patients lays out why they find CBD helpful
Characterizing cannabidiol use in a breast cancer population
2022: According to this survey, the majority of humans with head & neck cancer consider cannabis as a treatment for the pain & anxiety
Attitudes Toward and Acceptability of Medical Marijuana Use Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients
2022: A survey of invasive cancer patients found that a sizeable minority uses cannabis for symptom relief
Prevalence, symptom management, and reporting of cannabis use among invasive cancer patients
2021: A survey of pediatric oncologists found that most recognize a potential role for cannabis in symptom control
Perspectives of pediatric oncologists and palliative care physicians on the therapeutic use of cannabis in children with cancer
2021: A survey of cancer patients using CBD
Cannabidiol: Knowledge, Beliefs, and Experiences of Patients With Cancer
2021: This survey finds that many survivors of cancer use CBD for sleep, anxiety & easing pain
Cannabidiol (CBD) use among cancer survivors
2020: At a cancer center, they found that many of the teens and young adults found help with cannabis – and their caretakers often didn’t know they were using it
Cannabinoids use in adolescents and young adults with cancer: a single-center survey
2019: A survey of oncologists found that “about half thought [medical marijuana] was beneficial for older adults with cancer”
Oncologists’ perspectives on medical marijuana for the elderly
2019: A survey saw that while 73% of oncology providers thought cannabis could help their cancer patients, but only 46% felt comfortable enough to recommend it
Oncologists see benefit of medical marijuana, but not comfortable prescribing

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