Childhood cancers have made tremendous strides in terms of diagnosis, therapy, and survival rates thanks to advances in oncology, the study of cancer and tumors. Despite this development, cancer continues to be the leading cause of death of both children and adults.

Oncology’s outlook will be shaped by molecular testing and better care choices. The discovery of such “cancer genes” has resulted in major advancements in cancer research. To fully comprehend cancer, much further research into human genes and growth is necessary. 

Because of advancements in diagnosis and care, a growing number of people are dealing with or surviving cancer. Patients who survive cancer, on the other hand, can develop physical disorders that affect their fitness, standard of living, and capacity to work. To overcome these disabilities, multidimensional oncological recovery services have been designed to assist cancer victims and long-term survivors in reducing morbidity and improving quality of life. Oncological recovery interventions with physical, psycho-educational, and occupational elements have been shown to improve quality of life and increase the likelihood of return to work as compared to standard treatment. 

Medicinal cannabis is a contentious topic in American culture. Although states consider legalizing cannabis for medicinal and/or recreational use, further research is required to determine the risks and clinical benefits of cannabis treatment. The legal status of cannabis uses in the United States, for both medicinal and recreational reasons, is hotly contested. Although marijuana remains illegal on the federal level, several states have taken steps to reclassify and/or regulate it for medicinal purposes. Marijuana delivery in Hollywood is everywhere and increasing.

The precise cause of cannabis activity is unknown. Flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids are the three bioactive compounds used in cannabis. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant’s most potent component, is the most well-studied cannabinoid. Small changes in the composition of cannabinoids like THC can have a big impact on their effectiveness. Marijuana acts by binding to cannabinoid receptors, which are found in the body and make up the endogenous cannabinoid framework. These cannabinoid receptors (1 and 2), inhibit and activate calcium and potassium channels. 

Cannabis also contains high levels of cannabidiol (CBD), a non psychotropic component of the plant, in addition to THC. Cannabidiol’s exact mechanism is unknown, but it is believed to alter THC metabolism and impact and function as a CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonist due to its poor binding affinity. Cannabidiol also has anti-inflammatory properties. Cannabis has been investigated as a possible cure for a variety of cancer-related symptoms.

In the United States, the weed delivery and medicinal marijuana industry and is expanding, especially in terms of its experimental applications in oncology. Christine Roussel, PharmD, BCOP, the director of pharmacy at Doylestown Hospital, spoke at the Community Oncology Alliance’s (COA) interactive Community Oncology Conference 2020 about some scientific implications regarding the use of medicinal cannabis in cancer patients.

Roussel began by demonstrating that cannabis is still a DEA Schedule 1 drug with no FDA-approved use for cancer treatment, so its use in oncology must be considered experimental. Moreover, owing to its high potential for misuse, any effort by pharmaceutical firms to grow cannabis must first receive clearance from the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Food and Drug Administration.

Presently, the FDA has approved a cannabidiol (CBD) medication (Epidiolex) for the treatment of two unusual and serious epilepsy syndromes. This is the first time the FDA has given its authorization to a prescription that includes a purified drug ingredient obtained from cannabis.

However, the US government has held a patent on the use of marijuana as an antioxidant and neuroprotectant since the 1990s. Studies have been trying to illustrate the protective effects of cannabis during debates about this patent.

The main enzyme responsible for pain relief, sleep induction, euphoria, and muscle relaxing is THC. In terms of oncology, these advantages will help people who are seeking treatment for cancer. THC is both an antiemetic and an appetite stimulant, which means it can help patients increase mealtime socialization by helping them to feed without being distracted by nausea-inducing triggers. Many patients avail weed delivery in Los Angeles to aid sleeping problems and stress.

CBD has a variety of benefits that can help cancer patients, including pain relief. CBD, on the other hand, can be used with precaution in cancer patients due to its potential to suppress appetite and induce diarrhea, all of which may be dangerous for patients receiving therapy.

Throughout this way, when determining how to treat cancer patients, clarification about dosing and the dominance of THC or CBD in medical cannabis is critical. Roussel went on to say that these topics will continue to need scientific care as researchers explore how to best treat cancer patients with medical marijuana.

Cannabis’s Safety Profile

When compared to other analgesic drugs, cannabinoids have a desirable safety profile. THC was shown to be more sedating than codeine in the experiments described above, but unlike opioids, it was not linked to respiratory depression. Overdose is impossible since the approximated average lethal dose of cannabinoids from animal experiments is roughly 700 kg smoked in 20 minutes. Euphoria, loss of balance, sleepiness, dizziness, motor loss of coordination, and low control are all side effects of the central nervous system. 

Cannabis’ risk for addiction is a source of concern. Long-term cannabis patients face a 9% chance of becoming addicted,58 which is considerably lower than the average of addiction to heroin, cocaine, tobacco, and prescription drugs.

Final Thoughts

Cannabis in oncology may be useful for preemptive and refractory CINV, patients with relapsed cancer pain, and as an antitumor agent; however, much of the evidence is focused on animal experiments and limited clinical trials. Furthermore, several articles that have been conducted are out of date. In all fields including the medicinal use of cannabis, THC, and/or other cannabinoids, further study is needed. Cannabis is not currently used as a primary cure for cancer or treatment-related side effects. This could change as drug regulation, access, and study become more widespread.