Introduction 

Scientists have explored the potential therapeutic benefits of organic hemp extracts for over 100 years now. The benefits of these hemp extracts were recognized in different folklore medicine from the famous Chinese Traditional Medicine to several other cultures globally. Evidence from research shows organic hemp extract has been used medicinally and recreationally for as long as we can remember. Thanks to its rich cannabinoid content and potential therapeutic properties, it’s garnering attention for medical conditions from anxiety to chronic pain, but could it help those affected by cancer? 

Overview of cancer 

Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the abnormal growth and spread of cells within the body leading to the formation of tumors or the infiltration of healthy tissues. It can manifest in various forms, affecting different organs and systems throughout the body.

Each type of cancer exhibits unique characteristics, including specific genetic mutations, cellular behaviors, and patterns of metastasis. From the relentless progression of breast, lung, and prostate cancer to the silent infiltration of leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors, cancer poses immense challenges for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. 

The battle against cancer involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and complementary approaches such as organic hemp extract. 

Although research on cannabinoids and hemp extracts as potential cancer treatments is in the early stages, the initial results of small studies on cancer cells are promising. 

Additionally, organic hemp extract may help manage cancer symptoms and treat side effects.

What does research say about CBD and cancer?

Several research papers have attested to the possible supporting anticancer and anti-tumor role of CBD in different types of cancer. A 2022 study reported how CBD supports alleviating cancer-related pain and mitigating the adverse effects of chemotherapy. While research on CBD's mechanisms in cancer treatment is ongoing, studies suggest its potential efficacy in addressing symptoms and signs associated with the disease. Additionally, CBD's ability to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) in various cancer models, such as glioma, leukemia, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer, indicates its potential as a therapeutic agent. 

Furthermore, recent findings highlight CBD's potential as a future chemotherapeutic option for prostate cancer.

Does CBD support cancer care? 

Some of the possible roles of CBD in cancer include but are not limited to the following; note that this information was extracted from research findings and claims are fully backed by the right source. 

1. Supports the reduction of tumor growth

Cannabinoids may support the reduction of tumor growth, and evidence in animal models of cancer supports this theory.

There are other interesting studies that suggest organic hemp extract could be useful supporting cancer care. For example, a scientific review focusing on pancreatic cancer found that cannabinoids helped slow tumor growth and invasion and caused cancer cell death. 

Another study also noted that CBD supported the death of cancer cells. The researchers also found that it made glioblastoma cells more sensitive to radiation without affecting healthy cells. 

Glioblastoma is an aggressive and common form of primary brain tumor. Glioblastoma cells exhibit highly invasive behavior, infiltrating healthy brain tissue and making complete surgical removal challenging. They are also known for their resistance to conventional treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, making this CBD-related discovery potentially extremely valuable. 

Furthermore, a large, long-term study of men discovered a link between cannabis use and reduced bladder cancer risk. However, further research is needed to see if this is a cause-and-effect relationship.

2. Reduces anxiousness

A cancer diagnosis can understandably cause anxiety, and people may feel weighed down by worry and fear. The diagnosis, treatment modalities, and uncertainty of the future can evoke a whirlwind of emotions, while the physical discomfort, pain, and side effects of treatments further amplify the distress. 

However, organic hemp extract may promote a sense of tranquility and balance. By modulating the stress response and promoting a sense of inner calm, it could help restore equilibrium to the tumultuous seas of anxiousness. 

Researchers think that cannabidiol (CBD) may change the way the brain’s receptors respond to serotonin, a hormone and neurotransmitter linked to mental health. 

There are no specific studies looking at anxiety in cancer and CBD. But, one study found that a 600mg dose of CBD significantly helped anxious people in a simulated public speaking test. They showed a significant reduction in physical and psychological anxiety symptoms and discomfort. Additionally, they showed enhanced cognitive performance. 

Other animal studies suggest that CBD could relieve anxiousness by reducing stress, improving sleep, and decreasing the physiological effects of anxiousness, such as an increased heart rate.

3. supports pain relief

Cancer can cause a myriad of physical manifestations, including discomfort and pain. Pain can manifest in various forms, ranging from localized discomfort to generalized sensations of throbbing, aching, or sharpness. Tumors pressing on nerves, inflammation, tissue damage, or the side effects of treatments such as surgeries, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy can all contribute to the complex tapestry of pain.

In addition to its physical dimensions, cancer pain also carries emotional and psychological weight. It can cause distress, anxiety, and fatigue, impacting overall well-being and quality of life. The burden of pain can disrupt sleep, appetite, and multiple aspects of daily life.

Within this challenging landscape, organic hemp extract is a gentle ally, offering the potential for holistic relief and comfort. CBD may offer relief by supporting the physical and emotional aspects of pain through its interaction with the brain's receptors. It may also reduce swelling, an underlying factor in many types of pain.

4. Lessens nausea

Nausea is a distressing sensation often accompanied by the urge to vomit. Cancer can trigger nausea as tumors grow, exert pressure on surrounding organs, or disrupt the body's delicate balance. 

Additionally, cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, can wreak havoc on the body, causing gastrointestinal disturbances and triggering nausea and vomiting as unwelcome side effects. 

People enduring nausea may find organic hemp extract a valuable solution. Animal studies show that CBD might quell nausea through interaction with serotonin receptors. 

Interestingly, while CBD may support the reduction of  nausea, researchers have concluded that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary intoxicating component of cannabis, is more important in this context. This finding underpins the importance of choosing a high-quality full-spectrum CBD product that contains THC besides other cannabinoids rather than a broad-spectrum or isolate product.

Additionally, studies show that treatments combining CBD and THC can relieve nausea in people having chemotherapy. Chemotherapy also affects appetite, and cannabinoids can help. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two synthetic cannabis-derived drugs — Nabilone and Dronabinol — for chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. 

Organic hemp extract is promising

Through its multifaceted properties, organic hemp oil and its constituents have shown promise in alleviating pain, reducing anxiousness, easing nausea, and supporting sleep, common issues in those living with cancer. They may also directly affect tumors and cancer cells, but research is in the preliminary stages. 

As a natural and plant-based remedy, organic hemp extract embraces the principles of holistic healing and sustainability, providing a gentle touch to enhance wellness. It could be included in a comprehensive treatment plan besides conventional approaches. 

At Nesas Hemp, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality organic hemp extract on the market. Our commitment to purity, sustainability, and the preservation of the plant's natural integrity ensures that you receive the full transformative potential of hemp's therapeutic properties, allowing you to embrace the healing wisdom of nature.

Sources 

Heider CG, Itenberg SA, Rao J, Ma H, Wu X. Mechanisms of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Cancer Treatment: A Review. Biology (Basel). 2022 May 26;11(6):817. doi: 10.3390/biology11060817. PMID: 35741337; PMCID: PMC9220307.

Cannabidiol Inhibits the Proliferation and Invasiveness of Prostate Cancer Cells. Eve O’Reilly, Karima Khalifa, Joanne Cosgrave, Haleema Azam, Maria Prencipe, Jeremy C. Simpson, William M. Gallagher, and Antoinette S. Perry. Journal of Natural Products 2023 86 (9), 2151-2161.DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00363

Dariš, B., Verboten, M. T., Knez, Ž., & Ferk, P. (2019). Cannabinoids in cancer treatment: Therapeutic potential and legislation. Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 19(1), 14-23. https://doi.org/10.17305/bjbms.2018.3532

Abrams, D. I. (2022). Cannabis, Cannabinoids and Cannabis-Based Medicines in Cancer Care. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 21. https://doi.org/10.1177/15347354221081772