Using CBD/THC Oil to fight metastatic lung cancer

Hi @lighthouse68, welcome to Connect. I moved your message to the Lung Cancer group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lung-cancer/)

There have been recent news stories about the potential promise of CBD and/or THC oil and fighting lung cancer, such as these news stories:
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/Healthday/story?id=4506595&page=1
https://metro.co.uk/2018/03/25/could-cannabis-help-cure-lung-cancer-this-man-thinks-so-and-hes-already-spent-1-5m-on-research-7266643/
However, you'll note that both articles are quick to point out that any potential positive effects have only been studied in petri dishes or on mice in a laboratory (in vitro). This is not the same as testing and discovering positive effects in humans. So far CBD/THC is still less effective than current drugs and dosages have not been tested or proven.

Here is more information about studies done so far in vitro from the National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq#section/_7 (medical professional version)
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/cannabis-pdq#section/_3 (patient version. See answers to questions 6 and 7)

What type of lung cancer do you have, Lighthouse? What treatment are you currently on?

Stage 4, metastatic squamous cell lung cancer. One lung already removed. Currently on Keytruda and Taxol, which so far are not working. Am wanting to try cbd and thc oil, but not sure of initial dosing.

Hello Lighthouse 68 & welcome to Connect.
I am a 10 year lung cancer survivor who was properly diagnosed and then properly treated at Mayo clinic with VATS surgery to remove most of my left lung.

I have found meditation thru Mindfulness has helped me learn how to breath with my diaphragm. This also helps reduce stress. I have found great help with Dr Amit Sood’s Mindfulness. He has written some great books!

I presented a talk about lung cancer. I had 18 slides and 18 seconds per slide to present my PK Talk about “To The Brink & Back.” The goal was to create awareness about the #1 Cancer Disease - Lung Cancer. With fun & interesting facts.

A doctor/friend/researcher taught me one thing: Men are not mice!!! One slide shows the effects of MJ. Shocking and frankly dangerous.

I am an active lung cancer advocate who goes to WashDC each year to ask congress for lung cancer research funds for NIH. July 2018, There were 3 different panel discussions about lung cancer & research with 12 physicians, researchers & 163 patients/advocates. When THC was questioned the feeling was the same...men are not mice.

There was/is much promise in the direction that lung cancer awareness and research now going on with lung cancer. 10 years ago when I was diagnosed there was no promise. I had an 15% chance of living...and I took full advantage of just that!

Good diet, exercise, paced breathing, positive attitude and great doctors have all helped me along with the support of Connect keep me moving on!

So stay Connected, ok?

Best

I would like the dosages and recommendations for this as well for my husband. My husband still has no definitive diagnosis on his cancer and all the doctors will do is repeat PET scans at this point. It's frustrating and scary. We are looking into as many natural and supportive options possible and CBD/THC is one that we have started but we could use any additional information. Thank you Colleen for the links to the articles.

Actually, it's more trial and error, I think. Also depending on your state it might not be available. I am a 20+ yr lung cancer survivor and take it mostly for anxiety/PTSD. I have had 4 lung cancers

Curious- with all the state regulations and time required to get approved what do folks think about the cbd oils as an immediate option? Is it a scam like weight loss herbs? Or have folks seen results?

We are lucky here in Colorado. Marijuana is legal both medically and recreationally. Our doctors recommended it and gave my husband the medical marijuana card but we can also supplement as need be with recreational. My husband has a Stage 4 cancer of 'unknown primary' (after 10 months of testing and appointments)....we still don't know the cancer type BUT.......his tumor has gotten smaller and the overall lymph node activity has dropped every 3 months (confirmed via PET Scan) since he started using CBD and THC. Since we are doing no other treatment, we are cautiously optimistic that the marijuana is contributing to the decline in cancer activity. Our doctors are on board. There is an interesting article you can Google from the National Institutes of Health about the effect of CBD and THC for a number of medical concerns......there isn't much research yet because of the legal status but it being used for pain, inflammation and can in some way 'bind' to cancer cells they believe and kill the cells without harming healthy cells.
I am, as of tomorrow, 3 years cancer free from my breast cancer diagnosis and I too have started to use CBD only as a 'preventative'. I have noticed no ill effects. I use a small amount (vaping) before bed and it does relax me somewhat and I sleep well (ha ha). The CBD doesn't create the brain effects of THC but it seems to relax me and reduce some of my old lady pains that might otherwise keep me awake.
My husband has had no negative effects either......marijuana has been used for years and there don't seem to be long term effects for adults that are documented, so I figure........adding it to all the other treatments and options..........why not!!
Hugs.....

@dadsangel- Hello. CBD oil is great for lowering anxiety, helping with seizures, etc. You would have to look up the list on google. It is not a scam at all.

I think that any claims that cannibis can cure cancer is a public perception and not a scientific one. From the Conversation: "Let’s start by asking what the medical efficacy might be. Contrary to what most people believe, medical uses of cannabis have been widely studied. A 2017 review by the National Academy of Science looked at over 10,000 studies. They found evidence for some applications of cannabis, including managing chronic pain and spasms associated with multiple sclerosis. There was also good evidence that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, can reduce the nausea caused by chemotherapy. Indeed, a synthetic form of THC, called dronabinol, has been prescribed for just this use for decades.

But, crucially, there is zero evidence that cannabis has any curative or even helpful impact on cancer, despite enthusiastic claims to the contrary."

There are several articles and studies (early stage and in progress) on the National Institutes of Health website (Search, National Institutes of Health - CBD and THC) that outline research into the uses and possible effectiveness of the marijuana plant compounds for the use in cancer. It's a tough read (very 'medical, ha ha) but there seems to be some promise there. As an addition to standard medical care, I believe CBD and THC show great promise. I am not stating that it is a 'cure', not without additional treatment and serious consideration, but it does provide another option for those who can't tolerate the chemical/medical treatments or as an add-on to treatment methods.