Risk of use in cancer may be low
Research suggest that patients with cancer use cannabis as much as other people and perhaps even more, Dr. Stellini said. But are they facing any extra risks? In general, he said, it doesn’t appear that way.
Cannabis seems to be safe when used with chemotherapy, he said, and drug-drug interactions in cancer appear to be rare. Some studies have suggested that cannabinoids—a component of marijuana—may be an effective treatment for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
However, he said, 1 study has raised a red flag about a possible interaction with cancer immunotherapy. Researchers found evidence that patients who used cannabis had lower tumor response rates to nivolomab for advanced melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and renal clear cell carcinoma. However, survival wasn’t affected. 2
Meanwhile, he said, there’s no strong evidence that cannabis is a useful treatment for cancer, he said, although it’s worth investigating.
Cannabidiol is the hot new product
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, has become hugely popular, Dr. Stellini said. It is derived from hemp and doesn’t cause a “buzz” like cannabis.
Due to lack of regulation, he said, buyers should beware. And, he said, CBD has multiple EAs. Standard doses can cause drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, hypotension and lightheadedness.
Dr. Stellini reports no relevant disclosures.
