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The potential of cannabis in cancer treatment
Canada, one of only three countries to have passed a national cannabis legalisation measure, is currently a leading hub for cannabis research. The country's favourable laws and large consumer and patient populations make it a rich source of data for cannabis-focused studies.
One such study recently conducted involved cancer patients who underwent medical cannabis treatments. The results provide insightful data on the potential of cannabis in managing cancer pain.
Study findings: Reduced pain and opioid usage
Researchers affiliated with McGill University assessed the safety and efficacy of plant-derived cannabis in 358 cancer patients over a year. The study, published in the journal BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, reported statistically significant decreases in pain within three months of cannabis treatment. This pain relief was sustained throughout the study. Patients who consumed cannabis flower containing nearly equal percentages of THC and CBD experienced the greatest relief.
Side effects of cannabis treatment
While some patients reported side-effects from cannabis, most of these episodes were categorised as "non-serious", with sleepiness or fatigue being the most common. The study concluded that medical cannabis could be a safe and effective treatment option for cancer pain relief. Furthermore, it suggested that THC/CBD balanced products appear to perform better compared to THC-dominant and CBD-dominant products.
Impact on opioid usage
One of the significant findings of the study was the consistent decrease in opioid use among the patient population. This aligns with dozens of studies documenting decreases in patients' consumption of opioids, benzodiazepines, and other prescription medications following their use of cannabis.
Implications for chronic pain management
The study's findings add to the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of cannabis in managing chronic pain. A 2017 review by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine concluded that "conclusive or substantial evidence" exists for cannabis' efficacy in patients suffering from chronic pain.
As such, the study suggests a role for medical cannabis as a safe and complementary treatment option in patients with cancer who fail to achieve adequate pain relief through conventional analgesics, such as opioids.
