“We have demonstrated that regulated medical cannabis products can be incorporated into the care of cancer patients safely and effectively. After three months, the patients we followed showed clinical and statistically significant reductions in pain scores, which were maintained over one year. They were also able to reduce their pain medication over time.” – Dr. Antonio Vigano, a scientist in the Cancer Research Program at the RI-MUHC and the director of the Cancer Rehabilitation Program and the Medical Cannabis Oncology Program at the Cedars Cancer Centre of the McGill University Health Centre.1
Understanding Chemotherapy-Induced Pain
Chemotherapy, a cornerstone of current cancer treatment, can be a double-edged sword for many patients. While it does kill cancer cells, it often also causes a wide range of unwanted and challenging side-effects. One of the most debilitating of these is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a condition that affects a significant number of cancer survivors. This neuropathic pain can severely impact quality of life, causing discomfort that ranges from mild tingling to severe, debilitating pain. CIPN is particularly common in patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer. As the medical community continues to seek effective neuropathic pain treatments, medical cannabis has emerged in the last decade as an area of interest.
This blog post will explore the intersection of medical cannabis and chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, shedding light on a topic that’s gaining traction in both oncology and pain management circles. Learn about how medical cannabis works in the body, unwanted symptoms it can provide relief for, published research, and how to get a medical cannabis prescription in Canada for free.
Can Medical Cannabis Help With Neuropathic Pain From Chemotherapy?
Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, such as CBD & THC, have become well known now for having medicinal properties, ranging from pain relieving to anxiety reducing – but how is it that they can help with so many different condition and symptoms? This is due to our body’s naturally existing endocannabinoid system which we are born with and helps manage many functions in our body including pain response, mood, memory, hunger, and more. With receptors throughout our body, including the brain, endocannabinoids produced by our body act on these receptors to help keep our body in homeostasis. Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant can also act on these receptors, influencing these systems and functions.
Using medical cannabis to help treat unwanted side-effects of chemotherapy has now been well documented in Canada for years, as it has the ability to assist with pain management, sleep assistance, appetite stimulation, anxiety, and depression. Health Canada-approved cannabis products, when used under medical supervision, have shown promising results in cancer pain management. THC, in particular, has demonstrated efficacy comparable to morphine in reducing chronic neuropathic pain, while CBD offers additional benefits without psychoactive effects. As specialists in cannabis-based therapies, we believe that a tailored approach, considering the unique needs of each patient, can optimize the potential of medical cannabis in alleviating chemotherapy-induced pain and improving overall quality of life for cancer patients.
Addressing Chemotherapy Side Effects with Cannabis
As we know, chemotherapy brings with it a slew of challenging side effects that can drastically impact a patient’s quality of life. As the field of oncology continues to evolve, an increasing number of healthcare providers are considering medical cannabis as a complementary approach to traditional symptom management strategies in cancer care. In the last decade, medical cannabis has emerged as an ally in addressing these chemotherapy-induced symptoms that include:
Pain Management
- Neuropathic pain
- Inflammatory pain
- Breakthrough pain
Nausea and Vomiting
- Cannabis is known to have antiemetic effects when used in the right doses
Sleep Disturbances
- Anxiety, pain, and sleep can all be related and intertwined
- Sleep is an important part of recovery
- Medical cannabis is a useful tool in assisting with both sleep onset time and sleep duration
Loss of Appetite & Weight Loss
- Often accompanied with nausea, loss of appetite can lead to reduced nutrients and resources for your body to heal and recover
- Medical cannabis (especially THC) is a known appetite stimulant
Oncology, Pain, & Medical Cannabis Research
There are many published studies out now that look at medical cannabis as a tool for both pain and cancer-related issues:
One large study done at the McGill University Health Centre has concluded that medical cannabis has a complementary role to play in fighting cancer pain. The researchers recruited 358 adult cancer patients for their study. After three months, the team said they saw “clinically significant reductions in pain scores in patients.” These reductions persisted for a year, and the patients were able to gradually reduce their use of pain medication.2
A separate observational study of 25 cancer patients using cannabis found that sustained cannabis use was associated with improvements in pain intensity, pain interference, sleep quality, subjective cognitive function, and reaction times.3
And a study completed by Apollo Cannabis Clinics had a total of 751 chronic pain patients who initiated medical cannabis treatment at Apollo Cannabis Clinics. After following Apollo’s personalized treatment plan, patients reported a 43% reduction in pain interference with their daily activities and a 37% reduction in the severity of their pain. The patients in the study also reported significant improvements in mental health after initiating treatment.4
While cannabis is not a cure all solution, and may not work for everyone, it is clearly a promising option that should not be ignored by the medical oncology community, or those looking for symptom relief. Dosage, product and strain type, and ingestion methods can all impact the effectiveness of medical cannabis and will be different for every person.
CBD & THC For Cancer Pain
While from the same plant, CBD & THC typically act on different receptors in our bodies and have different effects, especially when it comes to any psychoactive traits. Most people know THC as the recreational cannabinoid that gets people “high”, but at the right dose, it can be an amazing pain relief tool without the intoxication. CBD is known to be anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety, making it a great option for both pain and sleep. THC is known for helping slow pain response and helps nerves regulate pain by activating receptors in the brain. It is also recognized as anti-nausea and appetite stimulant.
While they are both different, they often work best together, even in small doses. A study already mentioned above found that products with a balance between the active ingredients tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), rather than a dominance of one or the other, seem to be more effective.2
Finding the right balance is crucial, which is why it is so important to work with a medical cannabis specialist, like those at Apollo Cannabis Clinics. Our doctors, nurse practitioners, and education team will work with your own doctors to ensure everyone is kept up to date in your circle of care. (Plus, appointments are free and can be completed virtually from the comfort of your own home!)
Choosing the Right Cannabis Products
With so many different product options available, it can be overwhelming when trying to choose what dosage, product, and ratio will be most effective in helping you manage your symptoms. Different products have different ingestion and application methods which can drastically change the onset time and length of effects.
Typically, patients will look to start on soft gels or ingestible oils, which are easily dosed. By working with a patient educator, the patient can easily increase their dosage when trying to find relief with measured soft gels and oils. As each person’s endocannabinoid system is different, it is important to create a personalized dosing strategy in order to maximize relief and minimize cost and unwanted side-effects.
Some medical cannabis product options include ingestible oil, ingestible soft gels (oil in a pre-sized pill), infused edibles and beverages, topical creams and gels, dried flower (vaporization), and pre-filled vaporizer cartridges. All of these can have varying amounts of different cannabinoids in them (CBD & THC).
Working with Healthcare Practitioners
When considering medical cannabis for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, it’s crucial to work with a healthcare practitioner or medical cannabis specialist. A reputable Canadian cannabis clinic like Apollo Cannabis Clinics can provide invaluable guidance in obtaining a medical marijuana prescription in Canada. These specialists collaborate with your existing healthcare team to ensure a comprehensive approach to your treatment, keeping all your doctors informed and included in your circle of care. They carefully assess potential drug interactions and create personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. Apollo’s team of experts is available to help with dosage recommendations, monitor your progress, and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. This ongoing support and expertise are essential for maximizing the benefits of medical cannabis while minimizing potential risks, ultimately improving your quality of life during cancer treatment.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Patients should be aware of potential precautions and side effects, just like any medication. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite. There’s also a risk of cognitive impairment, particularly with THC-rich products, which could affect daily activities when used at higher doses. Drug interactions are possible, especially with medications metabolized by the liver, so it’s crucial to inform healthcare providers about all current medications. Working with a medical cannabis clinic like Apollo is essential to ensure proper dosing, strain selection, and ongoing monitoring for safety and efficacy. These clinics provide free appointments, personalized treatment plans, and education to minimize risks and maximize benefits for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Cancer Care
A holistic approach to cancer care involves considering all aspects of a patient’s well-being, and medical cannabis can play a significant role in this comprehensive strategy, especially when it comes to finding relief from side effects caused by chemotherapy. By incorporating cannabis into a treatment plan, patients may find relief from chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain and other unwanted side effects, potentially improving their quality of life during cancer treatment.
The interplay between THC and CBD in the body’s endocannabinoid system offers a unique mechanism for managing symptoms, as supported by growing research in this field. At Apollo Cannabis Clinics, we believe in empowering patients with knowledge and options, working closely with their existing healthcare providers to ensure a well-rounded approach to care. Our free appointments, available to all Canadians, provide an opportunity to explore how medical cannabis might complement other treatments, potentially reducing reliance on conventional medications and offering a more natural alternative for symptom management. By considering medical cannabis as part of a holistic cancer care plan, patients may find additional tools to navigate their treatment journey with greater comfort and control.
