Recent research indicates that cannabis usage in cancer patients not only alleviates pain and improves sleep but also has a positive impact on cognitive function over time. In a pioneering study, which examined the effects of over-the-counter cannabis products, it was discovered that consistent use for several weeks led to enhanced cognition, potentially due to pain reduction.
Addressing “chemo brain” with cannabis.
A study conducted at the University of Colorado Boulder has shed light on the benefits of cannabis for cancer patients seeking to manage their symptoms. In addition to experiencing reduced pain and improved sleep quality, patients also reported a surprising cognitive advantage after using cannabis continuously for several weeks.
Professor Angela Bryan, a senior author of the study, cancer survivor, and expert in psychology and neuroscience at CU Boulder, explained, “When you’re in a lot of pain, it’s hard to think. We found that when patients’ pain levels decreased after using cannabis for an extended period, their cognition improved.”
The study, published in the journal Exploration in Medicine, is one of the first to investigate the impact of dispensary-bought cannabis products on cancer symptoms and chemotherapy side effects, deviating from previous studies that focused on government-issued or synthetic cannabis.
Examining the wide range of cannabis products used by cancer patients.
Approximately 40% of cancer patients in the United States reportedly use cannabis, yet only one-third of doctors feel comfortable providing guidance on the topic. Research on cannabis is complicated by federal laws that prohibit university researchers from possessing or distributing cannabis for research purposes unless it’s government-issued or of pharmaceutical grade. Consequently, most studies have been limited to prescription products such as nabilone or dronabinol and government-supplied cannabis strains, which are typically less potent and lack the variety found in over-the-counter offerings.
To overcome these limitations, the research team employed a different approach. Collaborating with oncologists at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Professor Bryan observed 25 cancer patients who used cannabis for a period of two weeks. Initially, the patients’ pain levels, sleep patterns, and cognition were assessed, after which they were instructed to purchase their preferred edible cannabis product from a dispensary. Surprisingly, the available options were diverse, encompassing 18 brands ranging from chocolates, gummies, tinctures, and pills to baked goods, each offering different ratios of THC and CBD at various potencies.
Bringing the laboratory to the patients’ homes.
To examine the acute effects, researchers utilized a “mobile laboratory” referred to as the “cannavan,” a Dodge Sprinter van. The van was driven to each patient’s home, where physical and cognitive assessments were conducted before and after cannabis use. After two weeks of sustained cannabis use at a frequency chosen by the patients, a follow-up examination was conducted.
The study found that cannabis provided significant pain relief within an hour of consumption, but it also temporarily impaired cognition and induced a “high” feeling (with higher THC content intensifying the effect). However, over the long term, a different pattern emerged. After two weeks of continuous use, patients reported improvements in pain levels, sleep quality, and cognitive function. Certain objective measures of cognitive function, such as reaction times, also demonstrated improvement.
Professor Bryan commented, “We expected to observe some cognitive function issues since both cannabis and chemotherapy have been associated with impaired thinking. However, people actually felt like they were thinking more clearly.”
The study revealed that as patients experienced a decrease in pain, their cognitive function seemed to improve. Patients who consumed more CBD, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, reported greater improvements in sleep quality and pain intensity.
While larger controlled studies are necessary, the findings suggest an intriguing possibility: certain cannabis forms and dosages used for pain relief may temporarily impair thinking, but in the long run, they could enhance cognition by reducing pain.
Personal experience drives the research.
Professor Bryan had been studying cancer prevention for years when her personal health journey intersected with her work life in 2017, following her breast cancer diagnosis. After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, she turned to cannabis to alleviate her pain. She explained that while her doctors supported her decision, they were unable to provide guidance due to the lack of data available at the time.
Preferring to avoid opioids, Professor Bryan developed her own customized regimen that included THC-heavy products for intense pain episodes when she could tolerate reduced mental acuity, and CBD-heavy products to manage pain on a day-to-day basis. Although she still experienced some pain, she did not require any opioids during her treatment.
She expressed gratitude for her fortunate situation, stating, “I was extremely lucky because I had some knowledge about this. Most patients don’t.” Her hope is that her research, along with future studies, will empower individuals to make more informed decisions regarding cannabis usage.
Reference: “Cannabis use in cancer patients: acute and sustained associations with pain, cognition, and quality of life” by Gregory Giordano, Renée Martin-Willett, Laurel P. Gibson, D. Ross Camidge, Daniel W. Bowles, Kent E. Hutchison and Angela D. Bryan, 26 April 2023, Exploration of Medicine.
DOI: 10.37349/emed.2023.00138
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about cancer patients cannabis use
What were the findings of the research on cannabis use in cancer patients?
The research found that cannabis use in cancer patients not only reduces pain and improves sleep but also leads to enhanced cognitive function over time. After several weeks of consistent use, patients reported improved cognition, potentially due to the reduction in pain levels.
Did the study assess the effects of over-the-counter cannabis products?
Yes, the study specifically focused on assessing the effects of over-the-counter cannabis products obtained from dispensaries, rather than government-supplied or synthetic cannabis. It aimed to understand how these products impact cancer symptoms and chemotherapy side effects.
How was the study conducted?
The study involved 25 cancer patients who used cannabis continuously for two weeks. The patients purchased their preferred edible cannabis product from a dispensary, choosing from a variety of options. Physical and cognitive assessments were conducted before and after cannabis use, including measurements of pain levels, sleep patterns, and cognitive function.
What were the short-term and long-term effects of cannabis use?
In the short term, cannabis provided significant pain relief to the patients, but it temporarily impaired cognition and induced a “high” feeling. However, in the long term, after two weeks of sustained use, patients reported improvements in pain, sleep quality, and cognitive function. Some objective measures of cognitive function, such as reaction times, also showed improvement.
Did the study address the variety of cannabis products used by cancer patients?
Yes, the study acknowledged the wide range of cannabis products used by cancer patients. Patients were given the freedom to choose their preferred edible product from a selection of 18 brands, including chocolates, gummies, tinctures, pills, and baked goods. These products contained varying ratios of THC and CBD at different potencies.
What is the potential significance of these findings?
While larger controlled studies are needed, the findings suggest that certain forms and dosages of cannabis used for pain relief may temporarily impair thinking but could enhance cognition in the long run by reducing pain. The research provides valuable insights into the potential cognitive benefits of cannabis use in cancer patients.
More about cancer patients cannabis use
- “Exploration in Medicine” journal: Link
- University of Colorado Boulder: Link
- “Cannabis use in cancer patients: acute and sustained associations with pain, cognition, and quality of life” research article: Link
5 comments
interesting study i never new that cannabis could help cancer patients not just with pain but also with their brain function it’s amazing. this is important research and should be shared with doctors and patients.
wow! i always thought cannabis was just for pain relief but now it seems like it can do even more! this study shows that it could actually help cancer patients think better after using it for some time. really cool!
this study is groundbreaking! finally, some scientific evidence to support what many cancer patients have been experiencing. cannabis not only helps with pain and sleep but also improves cognitive function. it’s time to change the perception of cannabis in the medical field.
i’m not surprised at all! i’ve been saying this for years that cannabis has so many benefits. this research just proves what i’ve been saying all along. it’s great to see more studies like this being done.
as a cancer survivor myself, this study resonates with me. when i was going through treatment, cannabis helped me manage my pain and think more clearly. it’s a shame that doctors are hesitant to discuss it with patients. more research like this is needed to spread awareness.