The “C” Word
The Cannabis and Cancer-Care Conundrum
By Dianne Armitage As a three time breast cancer survivor, I was excited to write These included data on: about the progress being made when it comes to using • Cannabidiol (CBD) taken by mouth to treat solid tumors cannabis to combat the side effects of, and perhaps even that have recurred (come back). create a cure for, cancer. It didn’t take much research to turn • An oral spray combining two cannabinoids (deltamy hopes into a mixture of frustration and anger. 9-THC and CBD) given with temozolomide to treat recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (an aggressive brain I’ve lived within the been there, done that cancer bubble cancer). since 1996, hoping if the cancer returns, my treatment • CBD taken by mouth to treat acute graft-versus-host options would be vastly improved. Unfortunately, I’ve been disease in patients who have undergone a stem cell appalled by the snail’s pace at which progress is made in transplant. terms of treatment modalities, outside of the box thinking, What about cannabis-based therapies to combat and compassionate consideration when it comes to letting nausea, vomiting, and pain relief for individuals undergoing people fighting for their lives try treatments that haven’t been chemotherapy? scientifically proven, but show promise. Dr. Marisa Weiss, founder and president of www.breastcancer. A study published by the National Institute of Health’s org, an oncologist, internationally recognized breast (NIH) National Cancer Institute (NCI) in June of this year cancer specialist, and breast cancer survivor, recently determined that no ongoing studies of cannabis as a conducted the first ever study to evaluate the underlying treatment for cancer in people had been found in the CAM reasons that women with breast cancer use cannabis as (Complementary and part of their treatment regimen. Weiss, who is Alternative Medicine). based in Philadelphia, decided to incorporate A 2018 study of clinical They did note that small cannabis into her pain management program in oncologists’ attitudes about studies have been done, 2018 when Pennsylvania first opened its medical cannabis for therapeutic use but either the results marijuana program, because even more than the found that, while 80 percent have not been reported nausea associated with their treatments, women were discussing cannabis with or suggested a larger with breast cancer experience pain. their patients, only about 30 study was needed.
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percent said they knew anything significant about it. 10 Cannabis by the Sea
Fall 2021
