Everyday we receive enquiries from people wanting advice on using CBD oil for cancer.
Unfortunately, we can’t help. We don’t sell medicines, we sell CBD oils and food supplements.
None of our products have been subject to the sort of clinical trials which would be necessary to use them for treating cancerous disease.
And although we appreciate the seriousness of the situation some of our customers may find themselves in, how to use CBD oil for cancer is not a subject we can legally advise on.
Is CBD safe for people with cancer?
Research into CBD oil for cancer is limited. Many people ask us how to use CBD oil for cancer, but as we have explained, we cannot legally advise on medical applications of CBD.
However, it is true, there is evidence from laboratory experiments that cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids have powerful anti-cancer effects.
However, these are all studies conducted ‘in vitro’ (in test tubes or petri dishes) or ‘in vivo’ (in animals, usually rats or mice).
Even though some of these actually involve using human cells, the results cannot be applied to living, breathing human beings.
There are clinical trials taking place and there is good reason to believe that in years to come, cannabinoids will be used in the treatment of cancer, but we are not there yet.
Already there are some very exciting results, particularly on skin cancer and brain tumours, often using cannabinoids in combination with chemotherapy drugs.
Read this article on What are cannabinoids?
While it’s very easy to get carried away with some of the remarkable stories published on the internet, it’s best to stick to what is proven an always take your doctor’s advice.
We need to make it clear that legal full spectrum CBD oils, like those sold in shops and online, are different to medical cannabis oils which are often associated with the treatment of conditions like cancer.
So, although there have been some studies into CBD oil for cancer, the substances tested in these trials are not the same as the hemp-derived CBD products we sell.
To avoid confusion, let’s spend a moment discussing the differences between CBD oil and medical cannabis.
CBD oil versus medical cannabis oil
So, what exactly is the difference between legal CBD oils and medical cannabis products?
While there are licenced cannabis-derived medicines that are CBD only, the majority are THC based. CBD vs THC, what’s the difference?
THC is the compound most associated with the treatment of conditions like cancer and some forms of epilepsy.
While CBD oil has many beneficial properties it only contains trace amounts of THC.
High THC oils are often referred to as ‘Full extract cannabis oils’ or FECO, but cannabis-derived THC medicines also exist like Sativex which is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Good quality CBD oils contain an array of beneficial cannabinoids, but only trace amounts of the controlled or illegally cannabinoids like THC and CBN.
Unfortunately, there are a few unscrupulous sellers who attempt to misguide consumers into thinking that the CBD oil they purchase from them has the same properties as a full spectrum cannabis oil (including THC).
This is not the case. Please do not buy from companies making these claims.
Also, if a CBD company is making ANY medical claims they are breaking the law.
Having said that, even after the introduction of medical cannabis under prescription it looks like legal medical cannabis will only be an option for the few, not the majority.
Many will simply not qualify under the strict guidelines and limitations which are likely to be placed on the application process.
This of course may change.
But for many, medical cannabis also isn’t a favourable option.
Concerns over the potential side effects of THC act as a big deterrent to pursuing this treatment option for many.
It also needs to be noted that the limited options available for licenced cannabis medicines do not give patients the wide variety of choices available in the thriving UK CBD market.
The stance in the development of cannabis-derived medicines seems to be geared towards isolated single cannabinoid products rather than full spectrum.
As many are aware, full spectrum cannabis products, with an array of cannabinoids and terpenes, are seen to be more beneficial than single isolated compounds alone.
However, the potential therapeutic benefits of THC cannot be ignored and it may be a more suitable treatment option than CBD oil for cancer, and a variety of other medical conditions.
Time will tell.
CBD vs THC. what’s the difference?
Both cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are phytocannabinoids.
They cause various effects within our bodies as a result of interacting with certain cells, particularly those in our brains.
As cannabinoids, they both have their similarities. For starters, they are the two most abundant cannabinoids that you could find naturally in hemp.
On top of this, the various applications they could be used for at a molecular level are quite similar.
Such resemblances are so strong that, until recently, the scientific community actually believed they were the same substance.
But this hypothesis has since been proven false.
The obvious and visible difference between THC and CBD is that THC can get you high, while CBD cannot.
Both are known to have healing properties, but high amounts of THC are less likely to be tolerated by patients, while CBD is known to be tolerable even at high doses.
Both THC and CBD affect the body through the endocannabinoid system, but in different ways.
Synergy is as important in the plant world as it is in the animal, as it is in your own life.
We seek balance and harmony, instinctively, because of the way our brains are wired.
CBD and THC have a largely harmonious relationship in the body, working opposite ends to bring you good health.
CBD is a safe options for all the family to use on a regular basis, and research has shown that CBD can be an effective treatment option for a myriad of ailments.
The reason for this is it’s positive interaction with our native endocannabinoid system (ECS).
But, as CBD can only be legally sold as a food supplement, not a medicine, we are unable to give medical advice. Please consult with your doctor if you have any queries.
CBD supplements AND CANCER
It may be some time until medical cannabis is readily available.
In the future, science may discover how to use CBD oil for cancer.
But in the meantime, our CBD products can be used as food supplements to help support health.
CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system, the largest neurotransmitter network in the body which is directly involved in maintaining ‘homeostasis’, that is stability of all physical and mental processes.
Just as vitamins, minerals and other food supplements can help, so CBD should be part of your daily routine too.
If you are unwell then unless it’s just a cold you should see your doctor.
They can advise you on what medicines you need to take and also on your diet.
It’s a good idea to tell your doctor if you’re using CBD as there are some medicines which it can interact with.
Generally, CBD is very safe but it is still important to stick to the recommended doses.
For adults this means you should never take more than 200mg per day.
Remember, our high quality CBD products come in many different forms.
This means you can choose from oils, capsules, creams and e-liquids.
It’s up to you, whichever method suits you best.