Cannabis and mesothelioma: can cannabis help with disease and treatment side-effects?
Last week, during the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, Dr. Carol Parise presented on the topic of cannabis and mesothelioma. This is a topic of interest to many because while cannabis is already in use by many cancer patients outside of the medical setting, the drug itself is still categorized as a Schedule I drug on a federal level, in direct conflict with state policies that make it legal medically in most states and recreationally in some. Such Schedule I classification requires that cannabis be as tightly regulated by the federal government as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy thus limiting greatly the amount of research possible into this compound.
Cannabis reclassification from Schedule I to Schedule III substance
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Recently, in an extraordinary move from its strict historical policy, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has indicated that it will begin the process of reclassifying cannabis from the most restricted Schedule I category, to a more lenient Schedule III drug classification. The ripple effects of this change are expected in the criminal system by preventing incarceration of cannabis offenders, and in the political system by erasing the inconsistencies between federal and state governments. Ultimately, medical research into this compound is expected to finally yield important scientific information about the benefits of cannabis for cancer patients. The exact timeline of these changes remains unknown at this time.
Cannabis types and consumption
Cannabis is a plant that contains cannabinoids, which are compounds that affect the central nervous system. Not all cannabinoids are psychoactive, however. Cannabidiol, which is best known as CBD, has been known as potentially having beneficial effects for cancer patients, without the “high” that is more typical of “marijuana.” The psychoactive compound in cannabis is known as delta-9-THC.
Before taking any drug, substance, or supplement, especially while on active treatment, a patient is encouraged to speak with their physician to avoid any drug interactions that would make their treatment less effective.
Some early studies have shown a potential decrease in effectiveness from immunotherapy when coupled with cannabis consumption.
Cannabis can be taken either by ingestion as an edible or drink, or it can be inhaled as smoke or vapor. Absorption into the bloodstream follows different processes depending on method of consumption, with a much quicker activity seen in inhaled cannabis. However, pleural mesothelioma patients may have to rely on ingestion to avoid further tasking the lungs. Similarly, peritoneal mesothelioma patients might have an easier time with inhalation.
Cannabis and Mesothelioma
There are currently no studies looking into the ability of cannabis to treat cancer, including mesothelioma. However, the use of cannabis to mitigate disease symptoms and side-effect from treatments like chemotherapy has scientific data behind it. Often, patients use cannabis to stimulate their appetite and fend off nausea during chemotherapy treatments when patients have difficulty eating. Cannabis is also used as pain relief and for help managing anxiety and sleep disturbances. Uses that have shown empirical benefit include:
- Using cannabis to relieve nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
- Using cannabis to improve appetite and caloric intake of patients who have difficulty eating due to disease effects and chemotherapy symptoms
- Pain relief during all stages of a cancer diagnosis
- Management of anxiety and as a sleep aid
Downsides of cannabis use for mesothelioma
Due to its classification as a Schedule I drug, cannabis has not been studied enough to understand the potential pitfalls of using it. Patients using cannabis should exercise caution particularly as they choose the method of cannabis consumption.
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