Almost every family touched by cancer hears a story about CBD. Some of those stories are real and moving. Here is what the science can and can't tell you yet, so you can ask your doctor the right questions.
Can CBD cure cancer?No human study has shown that CBD or cannabis cures or shrinks cancer. Lab and animal studies are interesting, but the U.S. National Cancer Institute reports no ongoing studies of cannabis as a cancer treatment in people.
What is approved?Two cannabinoid drugs are FDA-approved for nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy: dronabinol and nabilone. A prescription CBD drug (Epidiolex) is approved for certain seizure disorders, not cancer.
What patients use it forMany people use cannabis or CBD for pain, sleep, anxiety and nausea during treatment. Small studies show some benefit for some symptoms; the evidence is still limited.
Tell your oncologistCBD changes how the liver processes many medicines, and one study found cannabis users benefited less from immunotherapy. Your care team needs to know before you start.
“But it worked for someone I know”
Stories of remarkable recoveries are real experiences, and they matter to the people who lived them. The problem is that a single story can't show what caused the recovery: the cancer treatment, the person's biology, or something else. That is exactly what clinical trials are for. Until trials are done, the safest path is to use CBD alongside your doctor's treatment, never instead of it.
If you decide to try CBD, buy it safely
Ask for the lab reportReal products have a certificate of analysis (COA) from an independent lab. The batch number on it should match the package.
Licensed shops test everythingCBD sold in a licensed California cannabis shop has passed state testing for pesticides, mold and heavy metals. Find one near you →
Run from cure claimsThe FDA has repeatedly sent warning letters to CBD sellers who claim their products treat or cure cancer. A seller making that promise is breaking the law.
Medical card = lower taxPatients with a state medical card skip the sales tax at licensed shops. How it works →
Questions to bring to your next appointment
Will CBD or cannabis interact with any of my medicines, including my chemo or immunotherapy? Would dronabinol or nabilone help my nausea? What dose and form would be safest for me, if any? Who should I tell if I start?
Sources: U.S. National Cancer Institute, “Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ®) – Patient Version” (cancer.gov, updated Aug 15, 2023); U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning letters and drug approvals. This page is general information, not medical advice. MJC420 does not sell CBD or any product.