Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of this disease, mostly because it is not immediately detectable, there is no screening for it, therefore by the time it is discovered, this type of cancer may have been in the body for a while. CBD oil looks promising as a treatment that could alleviate some symptoms of this ailment.

The CBD used for pancreatic cancer is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, it does not produce any euphoric effects. What’s responsible for the ‘high’ feeling from this plant is THC, which is usually derived from the marijuana plant. 

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD is legal, if it comes from the hemp and not the marijuana plant. Also, the CBD must contain 0.3% or less of THC.

THC and CBD are recognized in our bodies through the endocannabinoid system, which has several receptors: CB1, or Cannabinoid receptor-1, is found in the brain and neural tissues, and to a lesser degree in respiratory, digestive, reproductive systems and urinary tracts. 

THC, the psychoactive part of the cannabis plant is recognized by CB1 receptors, and it handles memory and cognitive perceptions. 

CBD, or cannabidiol, is recognized by Cannabinoid receptor-2, or CB2, which is found in peripheral organs, and handles inflammation, pain and the immune system. This is why CBD can be useful to treat inflammation, pain and immunity issues.

The endocannabinoid pathways have become of major interest to researchers when it comes to pancreatic cancer, and scientists are currently researching its receptors in managing issues such as pain and life-expectancy

The CBD oil on the market is derived from the extraction of flowers, leaves, and stems of the hemp or marijuana plant. This extract is usually infused into hemp, jojoba, coconut, or olive oils. Hemp and CBD oil are not the same product, although CBD oil can be infused in hemp oil. Hemp oil is when its seeds are pressed into an oil format.

Pancreatic Cancer Facts

Almost 60,000 people in the U.S. in 2019 will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Almost 50,000 of these people will die, according to these same statistics. Pancreatic cancer accounts for 3% of all cancer and accounts for 7% of all cancer mortalities.  

Men are a little more likely to get pancreatic cancer and there is a 1 in 64 chance of getting this condition. Chances of getting pancreatic cancer are determined by either controllable risk factors or uncontrollable ones such as hereditary influences.

Controllable factors include tobacco use, obesity, diabetes, alcohol use, exposure to certain chemicals, as well as chronic pancreatitis. Uncontrolled risk factors of getting pancreatic cancer include age, gender, ethnicity, inherited genes and chronic pancreatitis due to genetics.

CBD Testing in Clinical Studies

A research review concluded that cannabinoids such as CBD can reduce cancerous tumors and growths and block its development through the endocannabinoid system. In pancreatic cancer, CBC and other cannabinoid receptors ‘appear to be more highly expressed compared with normal pancreatic tissue’. These processes allow the body to fight cancer cells and return the body to its natural chemistry, especially when combined with more standard cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery.

A clinical study tested mice with pancreatic cancer CBD and chemotherapy. The researchers felt that over the past 40 years, there has been little progress in helping pancreatic cancer patients live longer because the few treatments available are mostly the only palliative in nature. The mice were given CBD as well as the chemotherapy drug, Gemcitabine. 

The researchers showed that CBD contributed to the inhibition of the G protein-coupled receptor GPR55, and reduced pancreatic cancer cell growth. The study found that the combination allowed the mice to love almost three times longer than the rodents from the control group. The researchers are hoping to reproduce this same effect in humans through deeper clinical trials.

According to Kyro CBD, CBD oil research though still in its infancy has shown that the treatment can help with symptoms of cancer in general. Anecdotal evidence, however, points to many cancer patients reporting positive results with reducing symptoms after using CBD oil.

Pain Management in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a very painful condition, and this recent clinical study sought to test cannabis’s impact on improving painful chronic pancreatitis — a condition that can lead to pancreatic cancer. The researchers cited that this type of management involved alcohol and tobacco abstinence, opioid administration, antidepressants, and pancreatic enzyme replacement. 

The study said that cannabis users fared better than the control group, reporting less pain, used fewer opioids and reduced emergency room visits.

Other studies prove CBD may help with pancreatic pain management as well. In 2007, this small study sought to test CBD and other cannabinoids to manage pain in acute pancreatitis. The study concluded that CBD has potential therapeutic use in managing pain associated with acute pancreatitis, as well as helping to reduce inflammation and disease pathology without side effects.

CB2 receptors are currently being researched for its pain management potential. To this end, a study wanted to test the analgesic effects of a CB2 agonist on rats with pancreatitis pain due to cancer. 

The study concluded that the agonist had tissue protecting ad well as pain relief properties, without effects on higher brain function.

According to Cool Things Chicago, CBD oil’s effect on CB2 receptors may help with pain management, and reduce the need for opioids, and can help with overcoming an addiction to painkillers.

Seek Professional Advice

Pancreatic cancer is a serious ailment, and researchers and users are turning to CBD for pain management and other symptomatic relief. Many practitioners are aware of this research and can recommend a dosage and other information related to using CBD for this purpose.

According to Healthcare Weekly, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD could help the body fight leukemia, several cancers, acne, Crohn’s disease, heart disease, lupus, and much more.

Also, CBD is a supplement and is not regulated by the FDA. Check labels for certificates of authenticity and do some research before deciding to use it to treat pancreatic or any other cancer.