Many people living with breast cancer including MBC use cannabis products to manage symptoms and side effects. CBD and THC are compounds present in cannabis plants. CBD is legally available in oils, lotions, and chewables. It is not psychoactive (mind-altering), and may help with sleep problems, anxiety, and pain including neuropathy. THC is mind-altering and can help with pain and nausea. The FDA has approved synthetic (manmade) versions of THC, called dronabinol and nabilone, to help with nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
Read below for more information about cannabis use by people with breast cancer, including new research results showing that cannabis is commonly used by people with breast cancer and that opioid use is reduced in people with stage IV cancer who use cannabis.
- Dr. Susan Love Foundation: Cannabis in The World of Breast Cancer by Dr. Susan Love
- Journal article and a lay summary: Breast Cancer Patients’ Use of Cannabis Before, During, and After Treatment
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer: All About CBD for Side Effects
- Abstract: A Randomized Trial of Medical Cannabis in Patients with Stage IV Cancers
- NEWUnite for HER: Funding and delivering integrative and supportive therapies to help empower and restore your body, mind, and soul
Last Modified on August 2, 2023