Cancer sucks. There’s no pretty way to say how terrible it is because there is no reason to romanticize something like cancer. Luckily we live in an age where scientists are finding ways to make us live longer, battle disease, and defeat death when it’s on our door. While cannabis is widely used to treat cancer, many people are using the power of chemo and cannabis together to make sure that they win the tiresome battle they are struggling through. If you are thinking about taking CBD oil for your chemotherapy side-effects, you should learn how it works to know if this is the right route for your recovery.

How Cancer Works

We know cancer sucks, but why is it so dangerous? Did you know that your body is producing cancerous cells all of the time? Luckily, your body has a built-in system to help protect your inner goods. But sometimes your cells are overwhelmed, and your DNA gets damaged. These cells with this new genetic code begin to multiply faster than your body can handle, and cancerous tumors are formed. This is especially true when you expose yourself to things like cigarette smoke, causing more cancer cells to form than your body knows what to do with. That is when chemotherapy comes in like the A-Team guns a blazing.

How Chemotherapy Works

Chemotherapy is like a little militia that goes through your bloodstream and takes out dividing cells. This is great news when it comes to cancer because that’s the whole problem, it’s growing out of control! Chemotherapy comes in and targets the cells that grow and divide quickly throughout your entire body, unlike radiation or surgery which just attacks cancer in a specific area. In some cases, chemotherapy can be so effective in destroying cancer cells that your doctor can’t detect them in your body anymore. Sometimes it’s a little less effective and just stops the growth from spreading or shrinks tumors that are causing pain. But one thing chemotherapy does that we wish it didn’t is attacking healthy cells.

The chemotherapy A-Team really does have guns a blazing. They aren’t only attacking cancer cells, but they are also attacking other dividing cells like in your bone marrow, skin, mouth, throat, areas in the digestive system, and hair. This is why some of the most common side effects are losing your hair, skin lesions, and brittle bones. Chemotherapy does a lot of good for a lot of people, but it is a painful experience that isn’t just one trip to the doctor.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

The severity of the side-effects vary depending on the individual and the dose that they are taking. Not all chemotherapies have risky side-effects and a lot of the cell loss that you experience will recover after treatment.

• Anemia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Infections
• Hair loss
• Exhaustion
• Bruising easily
• Appetite change
• Generalized pain
• Mouth sores
• Skin rash
• Trouble breathing
• Depression
• Aggression
• Anxiety
• Low blood pressure*

*If you are experiencing low blood pressure from your chemotherapy, CBD oil may make this symptom worse. CBD oil has shown in studies to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension, so talking to your doctor before using CBD oil is a must. Even if you don’t have low blood pressure! Your doctor should always know what medicines you are taking to make sure they are treating you to the best of their abilities.

How Can CBD Oil Help?

What Is CBD Oil

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis or hemp plant. In the United States, hemp is the way that many manufacturers use to comply with the laws that blanket over the entire country while still getting medical cannabis out to our communities. At CBD Instead, all of the products in our shop come from hemp plants to make sure that we can get to everyone in all 50 states.

How does CBD Oil Work?

A cannabinoid is a term used to label the chemicals in cannabis that interact with your brain and body when it is consumed. Some of these chemicals bind to receptors while others elevate compounds that are produced in your body to cause a reaction that makes a biological response. CBD is a cannabinoid that doesn’t directly bind with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, but instead, it elevates endocannabinoids to make the endocannabinoids system more effective. But for this to mean anything to you, you need to know what the endocannabinoid system is.

The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is in charge of how regulated your body is, also known as homeostasis. A good ECS will maintain the right body temperature, keep you in an overall good mood, and keep your metabolism healthy. The way that the ECS works is through endocannabinoids and cannabinoids receptors.

Cannabinoid receptors are all over your body from your toes to your colon to your brain. There are two receptors that we know of, possibly a third but scientists are still working on that one, and they are called CB1 and CB2. CB1 is mainly located in the brain while CB2 receptors are more evenly spread throughout your body. CBD interacts with these receptors by elevating endocannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids are chemicals that your body already produces with the purpose of binding to cannabinoid receptors to regulate the body. The endocannabinoid anandamide binds mainly with the CB1 receptor which helps to regulate your neurological functions. The endocannabinoid 2-AG binds primarily with the CB2 receptor which helps to regulate your immune functions.

CBD For Chemo Side Effects

Being able to interact with the endocannabinoids system gives CBD oil a lot of range when it comes to the treatment of side-effects. CBD can’t help with every side-effect you encounter, but it may make your life a lot easier when dealing with chemotherapy.

Nausea

Nausea is unpleasant, and it can lead to vomiting and starvation. How can you eat when you feel like you can barely hold down water? Without food, how will your body be strong enough to continue on the fight? You are caught in a vicious cycle, but CBD oil may be able to help you break out.

When you get nauseous, your body is just trying to protect you. It’s like “Hey! There’s something in here, and we are just gonna go ahead and flush it out for you.” It is how your body combats food poisoning or ingesting dangerous chemicals. And you know those super awesome chemicals dopamine and serotonin that make us happy? Well, they betrayed us because they are at the heart of nausea. CBD oil has shown in studies to help with nausea by reducing the production of serotonin neurotransmitters that cause nausea.

Pain

Pain is another common symptom of chemotherapy that patients are tired of dealing with. Pain is another thing your body does to protect you. Don’t you notice how angry you get when you’re in pain? Your body uses this sensation as a threat detector, making changes in the body so that you can fight off predators. However, you don’t want to fight off chemotherapy, just cancer.

CBD oil has shown to help reduce pain by making your body less sensitive to it. The only reason you feel pain is because your brain tells your body to, so what would happen if that transmission was interrupted?

CBD elevates the endocannabinoid anandamide which binds to the CB1 receptor which we covered above. What you now know is that it helps with your neurological system, which includes your body’s sensitivity to pain. Anandamide will bind to the CB1 receptor and tell it to stop sending out so many pain signals. This interrupted transmission is how CBD oil is able to help relieve you of pain all over your body.

Depression

Did I mention that cancer sucks? It sucks so much it’s depressing. There is a lot to unpack when you get diagnosed with cancer, and a traumatic life event like this can lead to isolation and depression. It is imperative that you have a healthy support system to keep your mood uplifted when you feel like you have every right to be angry and depressed all of the time. It’s not that you don’t have the right, because you absolutely do, it’s just that it makes the whole experience worse and depression just plain isn’t healthy.

Taking CBD oil may be able to help with depressive symptoms by uplifting your mood and manipulating your brain chemistry. In studies, CBD hemp oil has shown that it elevates chemicals that are usually lacking in the depressed brain, and the CB1 receptor helps with more than just pain; it moderates your mood as well.

Stress and Anxiety

It can be stressful undergoing chemo. Having an illness is stressful enough, but cancer comes in with the gold medal for anxiety. But stress isn’t good for you either! It has shown to wreak havoc on your immune system and cardiovascular system. So if you are stressing out and feeling anxious, take some CBD.

When the anandamide that is elevated by the CBD oil binds to the CB1 receptor, it tells the receptor to stop sending out panic signals. Your amygdala is in overdrive, and CBD oil has shown in studies that it is able to reduce this overactivity.

Appetite

Everyone is trying to lose weight, but many patients undergoing chemotherapy are trying to gain it. With nausea, pain, depression, and anxiety, hunger is nowhere to be found. But CBD oil may be able to help with this side-effect as well.

Remember that good old endocannabinoid anandamide? It does a whole lot of work in your body because it plays a role in your appetite as well. Studies have shown that by elevating anandamide in rodent models, their appetite was stimulated leading scientists to believe that CBD oil could be a valid treatment option for cancer and HIV patients with no appetite.

Brain tumors can be a nuisance, or they can turn into a deadly cancer. It is important that you know the symptoms considering some cancers can be fast moving. Every brain cancer patient is different because every brain and every tumor is different. There are over 120 different types of brain tumors, the most common being primary brain tumors called gliomas. Cancer can also occur in the brain from cancer cells being spread from cancer somewhere else in the body.

Unfortunately, many of the symptoms can go unnoticed or can seem like symptoms of other illnesses. To top it off, many symptoms of brain cancer are caused by the pressure build up from the tumor growth, making it hard to figure out what you are experiencing without the help of a professional. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should let your doctor know.

Acoustic Neuroma

Acoustic neuroma arises from cells that form a protective sheath around nerve fibers. It typically grows around the eighth cranial nerve, but they can also be found around other cranial or spinal nerves.

Symptoms

• Hearing loss in one ear
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• Tingling or numbness in the face
• Walking and balance problems
• Lack of coordination

Grade I – Pilocytic Astrocytoma

Astrocytes are star-shaped cells that support nerve cells. Astrocytoma is a type of glioma that develops in these cells. Grade I tumors in these cells are called pilocytic astrocytoma or juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA). These tumors are slow growing with well-defined borders. These tumors grow in the cerebrum, optic nerve pathways, brain stem, and cerebellum. These types of tumors are the most common in children and teens and account for 2% of all brain tumors.

Symptoms

• Headache, particularly in the morning or made better by vomiting
• Severe or frequent vomiting without other signs of gastrointestinal illness
• Vision problems, such as double vision, blurry vision or loss of vision
• Difficulty walking or balancing
• Seizures
• Weight gain or loss
• Premature puberty
• Clumsiness
• Confusion
• Sleepiness
• Changes in behavior

Grade II – Low-grade Astrocytoma

Grade II low-grade astrocytoma tumors are slow growing, rarely spread to other parts of the central nervous system, and have borders that are not well defined. This type of tumor is more common among men and women who are in their 20s through 50s. The most common symptoms for these tumors are seizures and headaches.

Grade III – Anaplastic Astrocytoma

An anaplastic astrocytoma is considered a grade III tumor. These tumors grow faster than grade II astrocytoma and spread to neighboring tissue. These tumors aren’t uniform in appearance and are common in people in between ages of 30 and 50 being more common in men than women. The symptoms can vary depending on where the tumor grows.

Symptoms

• Headaches
• Lethargy
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Personality changes
• Seizures
• Vision problems
• Weakness
• Lack in coordination
• Memory problems
• Paralysis
• Hormone imbalances

Grade IV – Glioblastoma (GBM)

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and deadliest of the malignant primary brain tumors in adults. GBM is a type of astrocytoma and being a grade IV it is the most serious. GBM develops mainly in the cerebral hemisphere but can develop in other parts of the brain, spinal cord, or brainstem. This type of tumor is more common in the elderly and more common in men. The average survival rate of this type of cancer is 15 months with a five-year survival rate of 4%. When symptoms start to appear, they usually get worse quickly.

Symptoms

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches, usually worse in the morning
• Weakness
• Sensory changes
• Memory issues

Chordoma

Chordoma is a rare and low-grade type of cancer that appears at the sacrum which is near the lower tip of the spine or at the base of the skill. This type of cancer invades the bone and soft tissues, but it rarely the base of the skull. This cancer can cause hydrocephalus, which is water on the brain, by blocking the ventricles. This type of cancer can also spread and reoccur after treatment.

Symptoms

• Double vision
• Headaches
• Lower back pain
• Breathing problems
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Facial pain
• Bladder issues
• Abnormal eye movements
• Sleepiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Personality changes

CNS Lymphoma

CNS lymphoma develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of small organs called lymph nodes and vessels that carry a fluid called lymph throughout the body. The fluid supplies lymphocytes that fight disease and infection. CNS lymphoma is a very aggressive form of cancer and usually involves multiple tumors throughout the central nervous system. CNS lymphoma is more common in people who have immune systems that are compromised. CNS lymphoma is most common in people between the ages of 60 and 80, but it is becoming more common in young adults.

Symptoms

• Headaches
• Partial paralysis on one side of the body
• Seizures
• Cognitive or speech disorders
• Vision problems

Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma is often accompanied by a cyst and originates in cells that are left over from early fetal development. This type of cancer happens in children as well as adults in their 50s and 60s. Luckily, this cancer tends to be low grade with simple and effective treatment options like surgery or radiation.

Symptoms

• Headaches
• Visual changes
• Weight gain
• Delayed development in children

Brain Stem Glioma

Brain stem glioma is named because it occurs at the base of the blame. It is most common in children between the ages of three and ten, but it can happen in adults. Symptoms can develop slowly and subtly making them hard to notice for months. But sometimes, these symptoms can arise abruptly. If the symptoms are sudden, this is often an indication of cancer that is rapidly growing.

Symptoms

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Speech or balance abnormalities
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weakness or numbness of the arms or legs
• Facial weakness
• Double vision

Ependymoma

Cells that line the passageways in the brain where cerebrospinal fluid is produced and stored are called ependyma, which is where ependymal tumors begin. This type of cancer is usually in one area of the brain and can be slow or fast growing. Ependymoma is more common in children, though adults in their 40s and 50s can also develop this cancer — development of ependymoma peaks at age five and then again at 34.

Symptoms

• Severe headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty walking
• Fatigue and sleepiness
• Problems with coordination
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Visual problems

Mixed Glioma

Mixed glioma is cancer made of two or more types of glioma cells. It is common among people between the ages of 20 and 50, accounting for 1% of all of the brain tumors. Mixed glioma is either a grade II or a grade III cancer, grade II being slow growing and least likely to spread while grade II grows fast and is more likely to spread.

Symptoms

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Weakness or paralysis
• Nausea and vomiting
• Visual problems
• Behavioral and cognitive changes

Optic Nerve Glioma

Optic nerve glioma got its name for its location on or near the nerve pathways between the eyes and the brain. This cancer grows slowly and is most common in infants and children, but adults can develop it, too.

Symptoms

• Headaches
• Progressive loss of vision
• Double vision
• Change in appetite
• Hormone imbalance

Subependymoma

Subependymoma is a variation of ependymoma forming in the ependymal cells. This cancer is slow growing and usually located on the fourth and lateral ventricles. This type of cancer is also more common in men than women.

Symptoms

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of balance
• Speech issues
• Seizures
• Vision loss
• Memory problems
• Weakness in arms and legs
• Personality changes

Meningioma

The layers of tissue covering the brain and spinal cord are called meninges, which is where meningioma tumors form. The World Health Organization categorizes meningioma into three different grades.

Grade I- Benign Meningioma

Grade II- Atypical Meningioma

Grade III- Malignant Meningioma

Most meningioma cases are considered nonmalignant or low-grade tumors. However, some of these brain tumors can cause disability and can even be life-threatening. These tumors mostly grow slowly, but they can grow rapidly or experience growth spurts. This type of cancer is twice as common in women as it is in men and accounts for 34% of all primary brain tumors. This type of cancer can come with no symptoms which is why it is important to keep up with your annual checkups.

Symptoms

• Seizures
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision changes
• Behavioral and cognitive changes
• Twitches, jerks, or spasms
• Sensory changes
• Loss of awareness
• Weakness in limbs
• Difficulty swallowing

Metastatic Brain Tumors

Metastatic brain tumors, also known as a secondary brain tumor, is one that starts as cancer in another part of the body. Cancer cells can be carried by blood, lymphatic fluid, or from adjacent tissue. Where cancer appears first is known as the primary cancer. Metastatic brain tumors are the most common type of brain tumor, and there has been an increase in lesions because so many people are surviving cancer for long periods. Primary cancers are usually in:

• Lung
• Breast
• Colon
• Kidney
• Skin

Symptoms

• Seizures
• Headaches
• Behavioral changes
• Cognitive changes
• Coordination problems
• Weakness or numbness
• Vision and speech issues

Oligodendroglioma

Oligodendroglioma develops in glial cells called oligodendrocytes. It frequently occurs in the frontal or temporal lobes and may be associated with 1p or 19q chromosomal losses. This type of cancer can grow slowly or rapidly, occurring mostly in adults between the ages of 20 and 40.  

Symptoms

• Seizures
• Headaches
• Behavioral and cognitive changes
• Weakness or paralysis
• General changes in brain function
• Vertigo
• Nausea or vomiting
• Change in senses

Pituitary Tumors

The pituitary gland is what produces hormones and affects growth and the functions of other glands. Tumors can form and either secrete abnormally high amounts of hormones and cause symptoms, or they can not secrete hormones but cause symptoms from their growth.

Symptoms

• Headache
• Depression
• Vision loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Behavioral and cognitive changes
• Cessation of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
• Leaking of fluid from the breasts (galactorrhea)
• Hair growth in women
• Impotence in men
• Abnormal growth of the hands and feet
• Abnormal weight gain

Primitive Neuroectodermal (PNET)

There are several tumor types in the primitive neuroectodermal category.

• Pineoblastoma
• Medulloblastoma
• Cerebral cortex PNET

This type of cancer is highly aggressive and tens to spread throughout the central nervous system. The tumors grow from undeveloped brain cells and commonly includes cysts and calcium deposits and tend to be large.

Symptoms

• Weakness or change in sensation on one side of the body
• Morning headache or headache that goes away after vomiting
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Unusual sleepiness or lethargy
• Behavioral or personality changes
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain

[author name="Sarah Potts" bio = "Sarah Potts has been writing about the wonderful benefits of cannabis for CBD Instead since 2017. Medical cannabis has changed her life and her goal is to show others how it might help them as well." email="pottscontent@gmail.com" twitter= "pottstato"]

The earlier you catch cancer, the easier it is to treat. This is why it is so important that you regularly visit the doctor and get checkups. Skin cancer is something that you can spot at home; doctors suggest checking your skin at least once a month. Here are some signs of skin cancer to look out for, so you know when it is just a mole or when it is time to go see the doctor.

The ABCDE Rule

When it comes to skin cancer, there is an ABCDE rule to remember when checking your skin for signs of cancer. Skin cancer generally starts as a white waxy lump or a brown scaly patch. When examining your skin, keep this in mind:

A- Asymmetry

When looking over your skin and you see a mole or birthmark that has areas that don’t match, it is time to go see a doctor.

B- Border

Are the edges of your mole or birthmark blurred, notched, or ragged? Then it is time to go get checked out.

C- Color

If you have patches of pink, white, or red on birthmarks or moles, this isn’t normal. Even if there is a mild difference in color, you should go see a doctor.

D- Diameter

Do you have a mole or birthmark that is growing? Or a new spot you hadn’t realized existed before. If the spot is growing larger than a quarter of an inch, you need to see a doctor.

E- Evolving

If your mole or birthmark seems to be changing in size or color, you need to see a doctor.

The least common type of skin cancer starts in your skin’s melanocytes, melanoma. While this cancer isn’t the most common, it is the most likely to spread out of control making it the most dangerous. The other types of skin cancer that you can develop that are more common are basal and squamous skin cancer.

Basal and Squamous Skin Cancer

Basal and squamous cell skin cancers may not be as dangerous as melanoma, but they are very common. These cancer cells are usually found in areas that get the most sun like your face, head, and neck. But they can show up anywhere.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms:

• Pale, firm, yellow, or flat areas that are similar to scars
• Raised reddish patches of skin that can be itchy
• Small red or pink bumps that are translucent, shiny, and pearly that can have brown, blue, or black areas
• Pink growths with raised edges that has a lower area in the center. This can contain abnormal blood vessels that spread out.
• Open sores

Squamous Cell Carcinomas Symptoms:

• Scaly or rough patches which can bleed or crust
• Raised lumps or growths that can sometimes have a lower area in the center
• Open sores which can have crusted or oozing areas. These won’t heal, and if they do, they always come back.
• Wart-like growths

Unique Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Not all skin cancers look the same or have these descriptions. If you notice anything different about your skin, you should go see the doctor and see what the problem is. Here are some things to look out for when it comes to unique symptoms of skin cancer:

• New moles, birthmark looking spots, or any other changes in pigment
• Any sores that don’t heal
• Redness or swelling around any moles
• Itching, pain, or tenderness on or under your skin
• Oozing, scaliness, or bleeding from your skin

Using CBD For Skin Cancer

Studies have suggested that cannabinoids like CBD may be able to help stop the growth of cancer by halting the cell division process without sacrificing the cell division abilities of the rest of your body. This is why many cancer patients are looking to medical cannabis because their bone marrow and hair will still grow while their cancer starts to die. CBD oil has shown in studies to help reduce pain and inflammation, making the recovery process less uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor about using CBD oil with your treatment, and then stop by our shop and look at our soothing topicals like this CBD hemp oil peppermint soothing salve.

[author name="Sarah Potts" bio = "Sarah Potts has been writing about the wonderful benefits of cannabis for CBD Instead since 2017. Medical cannabis has changed her life and her goal is to show others how it might help them as well." email="pottscontent@gmail.com" twitter= "pottstato"]

Studies show that CBD works better for killing cervical cancer cells than cannabis sativa, which is an exciting find for individuals who do not want to use medical cannabis that contains THC.  In the study, they found that CBD oil helped prevent cell death and inhibit cancer cell growth at a significant rate, which could mean a change in the way we have been treating cervical cancer.

What Is A Cervix

Your cervix is a cylinder-shaped area of tissue that connects the uterus and the vagina. The area that can be seen through the vagina during pelvic exams is called the ectocervix, and the tube that goes through the cervix is called the endocervix. There is an overlapping border between the ectocervix and the endocervix called the transformation zone.

What Is Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is when the cells in the cervix become damaged and start to multiply at a dangerous rate. Most cervical cancer begins development in the cells lining the cervix in the transformation zone. The cells that are damaged don’t turn into cancer cells. Instead, the normal cells begin to change and turn into cancer gradually. Luckily, these changes can be detected with a Pap smear test, making this type of cancer easy to diagnose before it gets too severe.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

The most frequent cause of cervical cancer is getting an HPV infection. There are over 150 different types of HPV infections, and some are a higher risk for cancer than others. HPV infections can usually be taken care of by the body, but when they get out of control, they become chronic infections which can lead to certain types of cancers like cervical cancer.

 More Risk Factors Of Cervical Cancer

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Weakened Immune System
• Chlamydia Infection
• Long-Term Use Of Oral Birth Control
• IUD Use
• Diet Low In Fruits And Vegetables
• Multiple Full Term Pregnancies
• The Hormonal Drug DES
• Family History Of Cervical Cancer

Signs OF Cervical Cancer

• Bleeding Between Periods
• Bleeding After Sex
• Pain In The Pelvic Region
• Bleeding Post-Menopause
• Smelly Vaginal Discharge
• Vaginal Discharge With Blood

How Is Cervical Cancer Treated?

Surgery

Surgery can be used to help diagnose cancer, see how far it has progressed, and even treat it. Nine different types of operations range from invasive and radical to unintrusive and simple.

Cryosurgery

This is when they use a cold metal probe to freeze and kill abnormal cells.

Laser Surgery

This is when they send a laser through the vagina to vaporize abnormal cells.

Conization

This is when they use a surgical laser or knife or a thin wire heated by electricity to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix. If the outer layers of the tissue have any signs of cancer, the doctor will determine that more treatment is needed.

Simple Total Hysterectomy

This is when the uterus is removed, but the area around the uterus, vagina, and pelvic lymph nodes stay put. Usually, the fallopian tubes and ovaries are left in place as well unless the doctor decides they need to be included in the surgery.  

Radical Hysterectomy

This is when the uterus, the tissue surrounding the uterus, and the top of the vagina connecting to the cervix are removed. Sometimes, the pelvic lymph nodes are removed as well. And good news ladies, even an invasive procedure like this one will not take away any pleasure from having sex.

Trachelectomy

This is when the cervix and part of the vagina are removed. The surgeon will create an artificial opening at the uterus so the woman can still have children.

Pelvic Exenteration

This procedure is used to help eradicate reoccurring cervical cancer. The uterus, the tissue around the uterus, the top of the vagina connecting to the cervix and pelvic lymph nodes are all removed. Also part of the colon, the bladder, rectum, and vagina may also be removed, all depending on how much the cervical cancer has spread.

Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection

Cervical cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the pelvis, which is why surgeons will remove the lymph nodes to check to see if cancer has taken over. This is done at the same time as the trachelectomy and hysterectomy.

Para-aortic Lymph Node Sampling

If the surgeon finds cancer in the lymph nodes in the pelvis, they may remove the lymph nodes around the aorta as well. They will test to see how far cancer has spread, and radiation may be advised if cervical cancer has become aggressive.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is when they use high energy x-rays or radioactive particles to kill off cancer cells. This can be used as the solitary treatment or is coupled with surgery or chemotherapy. The side-effects of this type of therapy are fatigue, upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and skin changes.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is when they give you an anti-cancer drug orally or in your veins, and it reaches everywhere in your body. In some cases, chemotherapy and radiation are used to combat cervical cancer.

The unfortunate side-effect of chemotherapy is that it also attacks blood-producing cells in your bone marrow, which can lead to a higher chance of infection, bleeding or bruising after minor cuts, and shortness of breath. Now that we are in a time where medical cannabis is also becoming a valid option to use against cancer, using CBD oil in addition to these treatment options or instead of may be beneficial.

What Is CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical that is found in the marijuana or hemp plant. At CBD Instead, our CBD products are derived from hemp in order to ensure that everyone in all 50 states can benefit from medical cannabis without breaking the law.

The way CBD hemp oil works is by helping to regulate the endocannabinoid system. While it doesn’t interact with this system directly, it does elevate chemicals, stimulate receptors, and opens pathways in the brain to help promote healthy activity in the brain.

Endocannabinoid System

Your endocannabinoid system is in charge of maintaining homeostasis. This system makes sure that everything in your body is running the way that it should. If your endocannabinoid system is compromised, it can cause you to have a myriad of disorders and diseases. The way it works is by having endocannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors to help regulate the functions of your body and brain.

Cannabinoid Receptors And Endocannabinoids

There are two cannabinoid receptors that are well known, and scientists believe they may have discovered a third. The first cannabinoid receptor, known as the CB1 receptor, helps mediate neurological functions. The endocannabinoid anandamide is what mainly binds to this receptor, helping to control your mood, sleep cycle, sensitivity to pain, and appetite.

The second cannabinoid receptor is the CB2 receptor. It mainly binds with the endocannabinoid 2-AG which helps with your immune functions. 2-AG helps control how many attack cells are sent to an affected area, helping with pain and inflammation.

How Can CBD Help With Cervical Cancer?

One thing that is pretty incredible about cannabis is that it attacks cancer cells without attacking your body, unlike chemotherapy. CBD has explicitly shown to impair the invasion of cervical cancer, effectively slowing down the process.

In rodent model studies, they have seen that cannabidiol may be able to help stop the invasion of cancer cells in the cervix. This leads scientists to believe that CBD may be able to help eradicate cervical cancer altogether, but more studies are needed.

When testing in test tubes and Petri dishes, they found that cannabidiol and cannabis sativa L both stopped the cancer cells from dividing and spreading as well as killing off the cancer cells. They also noted that cannabidiol was more effective than the cannabis sativa L plant which contains THC.

Other Ways To Help Prevent Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer doesn’t just show up one day; it takes time to develop. This is why it is so important to go to the gynecologist and have regular pelvic exams. The most invasive forms of cervical cancer were found in women who don’t get regularly tested.

There are also precautions you can take to reduce the likelihood of developing cervical cancer. Getting vaccinated for HPV, reducing your amount of sexual partners, and using condoms can help prevent having an STI that causes cervical cancer. If you smoke cigarettes, quitting that habit can also reduce your chances as well. (You can find out how CBD can help you quit smoking here!)

Talk To Your Doctor

If you want to use CBD along with other treatments, or instead of, then talk to your doctor about it. Go in prepared with the studies so they take you seriously and have an open and honest conversation about what you want to do to help treat cervical cancer. If you are taking any other medications, your doctor can help you determine whether or not CBD will make your body metabolize them differently. Your doctor also has the tools to monitor you closely to help make sure that this is the best treatment plan for you. When you are ready, stop on by our shop and check out the wide variety of options we have to get started!

 [author name="Sarah Potts" bio = "Sarah Potts has been writing about the wonderful benefits of cannabis for CBD Instead since 2017. Medical cannabis has changed her life and her goal is to show others how it might help them as well." email="pottscontent@gmail.com" twitter= "pottstato"]

It is estimated that this year in 2018 there will be 266,110 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women and 2,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer in men. With the increase in research in regards to medical cannabis, exciting things are being discovered and proved in the cannabis community. We are learning that cannabinoids like CBD may be able to help with the progression and existence of breast cancer.

Medical cannabis has been studied for decades, and we have had an idea of what it can do. But now that we are going further into the plant and discovering cannabinoids and what they do, we are starting to have a better idea of how medical cannabis can help. What we are learning is that the cannabinoid CBD may be able to help with breast cancer by slowing down the cell splitting process, inhibiting genes, and killing off cancer cells.

What Is Breast Cancer?

We are made up of a bunch of tiny cells that replicate and die off. Cancer cells are damaged cells that don’t know when to die, so they just keep multiplying. Damaged cells are multiplying all of the time, but our immune system can usually keep it under control. However, when the immune system is lacking, or the cells are dividing too quickly, it can turn into a group of damaged cells called tumors.

Not all tumors are cancerous. There are benign tumors, which aren’t cancerous, and then malignant tumors, which are cancerous. Benign tumors can be harmless if taken care of but can turn malignant if gone untreated. The most significant differences between these types of growths are that malignant tumors spread into the surrounding tissue, destroy the surrounding tissue, and can cause other tumors to form.

Breast cancer is when these tumors form in the breast. When someone has cancer, where the tumor is located dictates the name that it carries. Most breast cancers start in the gland that produces milk, called lobules, or in the duct that connects the lobules to the nipple.

Signs And Symptoms Of Breast Cancer

In the beginning stages of breast cancer when it is most easily treatable, there are usually no signs or symptoms that this disease is beginning to develop. This is why it is so important to do screenings so you can detect the cancer before it becomes difficult to manage.

The most common symptoms of breast cancer is a painless lump in your breast. Sometimes the cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in your underarm creating swelling before you can even feel the original tumor in your breast.

Other Symptoms Of Breast Cancer

• Pain and swelling in your breast
• Thickness or redness of the skin
• Heaviness in your breast
• Spontaneous discharge out of the nipple
• Erosion or retraction of the nipple

Treatment Options For Breast Cancer

There are several options you have when it comes to treating your breast cancer. Your doctor should go through with you what all options you have and what the side-effects or downfalls of each treatment option are. If you have a young benign tumor, you will most likely undergo a procedure that is different from someone who has an invasive malignant tumor that has had time to spread.

Surgery

Some tumors can be surgically removed. The surgeon will remove the diseased tissue as well as the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. A lumpectomy is used for the smaller tumors, and radiation therapy is advised for treatment afterward if the cancer is invasive. And then there is the mastectomy, where the entire breast must be removed.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is used to kill off the cancer cells. This is different from chemotherapy, by only affecting the area where the tumor is present. This has been one of the most popular forms of cancer treatment because it has such a high success rate. Reoccurrence has shown to be less than 5% in the next ten years when choosing this method.

The only issue with radiation therapy is the side effects. It can cause damage to the lung, nausea, fatigue, and swelling in the breast. In some cases, it can even cause blistering and peeling of the skin, which is when doctors will suggest using a topical treatment to help with the pain and blistering.

We are now coming to a time where the research on cannabis is becoming plentiful and may be pushing medical marijuana up to the top of the list of ways to help treat cancer. Some studies have suggested that the cannabinoid CBD may be very beneficial with treatment, and if taken with radiation may be able to relieve some of the side effects.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that comes from the cannabis plant. Unlike the cannabinoid THC that is ever so popular, CBD doesn’t get the user high. While it can alter the user in a way that is considered psychoactive, it is still a non-intoxicating chemical.

There is marijuana-derived CBD oil and hemp-derived CBD oil, here at CBD Instead we carry hemp-derived products. This is because it is still not legal in all 50 states to use CBD oil that is derived from the marijuana plant. Hemp products are legal because they contain less than .03% of THC, which is the legal limit. Both types of the cannabis plant are full of other cannabinoids as well, making both types of oil a valid option.

How Does CBD Work?

Cannabidiol does bind to the cannabinoid receptors in your body, but the bond is very weak. The main purpose of CBD is to help regulate your endocannabinoid system. It does this by elevating chemicals in our bodies called endocannabinoids, stimulating specific receptors, and opening up pathways for better travel throughout the brain.  

What Is The Endocannabinoid System?

Your endocannabinoid system is your body’s regulator. It helps to make sure that your body maintains homeostasis. When you get a cold, your endocannabinoid system is what helps your immune system know when to go and attack foreign organisms in your body that are making you sick. It also makes sure you don’t stay angry forever or bleed out from a small cut.

Parts Of The Endocannabinoid System

Cannabinoid Receptors

Your entire body is covered in cannabinoid receptors. There are two that are the most thoroughly studied called the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Both bind with endocannabinoids and help mediate functions in the body.

Endocannabinoids

Cannabidiol has shown to be so effective because of its ability to elevate the levels of endocannabinoids in your system. The endocannabinoid anandamide mainly binds with the CB1 receptor which helps to regulate the functions of your neurological system. The endocannabinoid 2-AG binds primarily with the CB2 receptor, which helps with the immune functions.

How Can CBD Help With Breast Cancer?

While the studies are still in their early stages, cannabidiol has been showing promise as an aid in the treatment of breast cancer. Because cannabidiol has fewer side-effects, it is becoming an attractive treatment option for long-term and severe diseases. But remember to always talk to your doctor about any medical changes you are making when choosing what treatment option is best for you.

Cannabidiol May Cause Cell Death

In a study where scientists had cancer cells in vitro (in a test tube or petri dish) and in vivo (using a live organism) they found that the cannabidiol killed breast cancer cells. Scientists believe this study is a good indication that CBD could be used in future treatments for preventing tumors as well as killing them.

CBD In Aggressive Breast Cancer Study

Breast cancer is considered aggressive when the cells divide quickly, and the cancer begins to spread crating more tumors, also known as metastasis. The gene Id-1 has shown to play a crucial role in the mediation of metastasis. In a rodent model, scientists found that by downregulating this gene, the cancer cells became less aggressive. Cannabidiol has shown in studies to downregulate the gene Id-1, leaving scientists to believe it may be able to help with aggressive breast cancer.

Anandamide Slowing Cancer

One thing about aggressive breast cancer is that the cells divide quickly making it more difficult to treat. But studies have suggested that the endocannabinoid that your body produces called anandamide blocks the proliferation of the breast cancer cells. This means that by elevating anandamide, CBD oil may be able to slow down the rate at which the cancer cells divide.

CBD For Radiation Side Effects

Cannabidiol can also be used alongside other cancer treatments like radiation to help with the progress as well as the side-effects. CBD hemp oil may be able to help with the following side-effects that make certain treatments so undesirable:

• Blisters and skin peeling
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Inflammation

Talk to Your Doctor

If you want to use CBD hemp oil alongside your cancer treatments, talk to your doctor. If you are on any other medications like anti-depressants or painkillers they can help determine whether or not they are processed by the same enzyme that CBD affects causing adverse reactions. They can also closely monitor your progress through treatment, helping you discover what path is the best one for you.

[author name="Sarah Potts" bio = "Sarah Potts has been writing about the wonderful benefits of cannabis for CBD Instead since 2017. Medical cannabis has changed her life and her goal is to show others how it might help them as well." email="pottscontent@gmail.com" twitter= "pottstato"]

[Title Beautiful Bud Image: @GreenmedicineSP]

Can you imagine the anxiety of depending on others for your survival? Not just a small group of people you should rely on like doctors or the police, but every single person on this planet. Going into public and hoping everyone took their flu shot or vaccines, hoping that today isn’t the day you take a trip to the hospital because someone can stop sneezing.

When cancer attacks the immune system, it’s almost as if you are helpless in your own body. Studies have expressed extreme interest in CBD for treating cancer because of chemotherapy’s side effects and THC’s psychoactive effects that may not be desirable to some. There have been testimonies of people pleading that the public listens to their story so that people can be more open to finding what will work best with their body.

What is Lymphoma?

Most cancers are identifiable through their names like testicular cancer or skin cancer, but lymphoma’s target isn’t in the title. Lymphoma attacks parts of the immune system called the lymphatic system, making the body weak and open to all kinds of diseases. The lymphatic system is also what kills off cancer cells in your body, so this infiltration seems almost personal.

What Is The Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system is made up of tissues and organs that help fight toxins that may intrude the body. What this system does is send lymph throughout the body, which is a liquid filled with immune cells called lymphocytes. Each organ or area covered in lymphatic tissue has its own part to play to keep you from getting sick.

Thymus

The thymus is where the immature lymphocytes start the process to become T-cells. These T-cells fight off infections and cancer in your body. Your body is continuously producing new cells, and that includes cancer cells. It is vital that your body continues to attack them.

Spleen

The spleen filters through the blood, finding damaged red blood cells or pathogens. The spleen also produces white blood cells that make antibodies that fight off infections and create antibodies.

Tonsils

Tonsils are made up of B cells, another type of lymphocyte. They protect the body from raspatory and gastrointestinal infections. While blocking pathogens, the tonsils also create antibodies that fight many different types of disease like influenza and pneumonia.

Appendix

It is still unknown what the exact function of the appendix is. Studies have suggested that it plays a role in the immune function against infection. It sends out “good bacteria” after your stomach goes through something like food poisoning to help your body get back to normal.

Treatment Options For Lymphoma

Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for Lymphoma with a 40% success rate. This is the most suggested treatment because there have been studies and testimonials of people surviving their cancer and chemo coming out the other side a stronger and better person.

Unfortunately, this treatment option is also hazardous. Along with hair loss, vomiting, and extreme fatigue it makes the patient weak. People diagnosed with cancer need all the strength they can get in their bodies, and taking away their ability to hold down food has proven to be a huge hurdle.

Cancer spreads so quickly because it causes its cells to multiply, so chemotherapy halts the cell division process. The problem patients face is that other parts of their body that need cells to reproduce also get suspended. This is why they often lose their hair and have digestive issues.

These days chemotherapy isn’t the only treatment option. Many people are using medical marijuana instead of or in addition to chemotherapy. The particular chemical scientists are becoming more interested in is CBD.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical that we find in the marijuana plant. Though it comes from the same plant as THC, it doesn’t act the same. Yes, it does have healing properties that are incredibly similar, but it doesn’t interact with the brain the same way.

THC binds directly to the cannabinoid receptors that are on the outside of neurons that are usually binding with endocannabinoids. This direct interaction is what gives the psychoactive euphoric feeling so commonly known as being stoned or high. CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t directly bind to these receptors. Instead, cannabidiol opens pathways, elevates chemicals, and stimulates non-cannabinoid receptors to create its effects.

The Endocannabinoid System

The reason that CBD is so interactive with the immune system is that medical marijuana interacts with our endocannabinoid system. This system’s function is to regulate the body, also known as homeostasis. If you have a fever, that is the endocannabinoid system sending out attackers to take out the pathogen. If you can finally relax after you were angry, it’s because your endocannabinoid system regulated the chemistry in your brain. Your endocannabinoid is made up of three different parts that need to all work together for your body to work right.

Metabolic Enzymes

Metabolic enzymes produce the endocannabinoids that interact with neurons. Once the endocannabinoids are no longer in use, these proteins deteriorate them. Metabolic enzymes are supposed to make sure there isn’t any debris floating around that could cause communication throughout the brain to be more difficult.

The metabolic enzymes also work to repair cells they may have been damaged by trauma or old age. For the cells that are alive, these proteins make sure they stay that way for as long as they can by promoting a healthy life cycle.

Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids are chemicals that your brain organically synthesizes that are similar to the chemicals we find in marijuana. It’s almost as if this plant was made for our bodies! These substances help regulate your neurological system and your immune system. They work as a mediator through the synapsis between cells, making sure that activity is normal. If your brain is overactive, they will calm it down and vice versa.

Cannabinoid Receptors

Cannabinoid receptors stay on the outside of the neuron and bind to endocannabinoids and cannabinoids like THC. These receptors are all over the body, but the CB1 receptors are more densely populated in the brain. The CB1 receptor binds to the endocannabinoid anandamide controlling your mood, pain sensitivity, metabolism, and sleep schedule. The CB2 receptors are more spread out and bind to the endocannabinoids 2-AG and regulates your immune system.

Does CBD Help Treat Lymphoma?

Scientists have recognized that many people may not want the psychoactive effects that come along with THC, so they have been studying CBD in areas that help with cancer treatment. They have found that in microorganisms and in rat models that CBD does affect cancer cells. CBD has shown that is can stop cancer from spreading, and encourage those cancer cells to die. While doing this, the cells that need to divide like in your hair and bone marrow and continue to work as usual. Further studies of healthy human cells have shown that they aren’t encouraged to die off, revealing it only targets the unhealthy cells.

These studies are only in labs, however. We have yet to see technical resources that explain the benefits in human models released to the public yet, even though the anecdotal evidence is overwhelming. Medical marijuana has been under scrutiny for a long time, and the momentum on research has just begun a few decades ago. We were so sure that marijuana killed brain cells not too long ago, and now we know otherwise. If you are unsure about using CBD alone because you are at an advanced stage and want aggressive treatment, many patients choose to use cannabidiol along with their chemotherapy to enhance its effects or lessen the side-effects.

CBD And Nausea

Many patients who receive chemotherapy experience bouts of nausea. It can get so extreme that they can’t hold anything down making their body weak while an epic battle is happening in their body. CBD reduces nausea, making it easier to keep fluids and solid foods down.

CBD And Pain

Chemotherapy is painful; the drugs are altering you in extreme ways. CBD elevates the endocannabinoid anandamide, which regulates your sensitivity to pain. Your neurons are excited with transmitters that make you feel pain, and anandamide calms them down to reduce the effects through its retrograde signaling process.

CBD And Appetite

Chemotherapy can make you not want to eat, which is one reason many choose to use THC while undergoing therapy. However, not everyone is comfortable with the psychoactive effects or the serious munchies that might make them overeat. Cannabidiol can help regulate your appetite to an average level, without giving you any psychoactive effects.

CBD And Depression

Many people who find out they have cancer and have to go through an invasive and painful treatment to get rid of it might find themselves depressed. Life’s rainbows turn gray, and you don’t enjoy doing anything you used to love doing. CBD helps regulate your brain chemistry which helps reduce symptoms of depression. Anandamide elevation also elevates your mood similar to runners high, so you’ll even get the benefit of a clean, fresh boost of energy.

CBD And Energy

Besides raising anandamide levels to give you a slight boost of energy, CBD also regulates the metabolism to make it use the food you eat more efficiently. It turns your food into burnable fat instead of storing it, making you use the fuel you’ve consumed.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with lymphoma, talk to your doctor about all of the options available. When it comes to your life, never be scared to ask for a second opinion, either. It is a big decision to decide how to treat your cancer, make sure you have all the information you need before making that choice.

There is a lot of conflict going on about how the DEA wants marijuana advocates to stop claiming that medical marijuana cures cancer. They sent out warning letters telling the medical marijuana companies to back off on claims. The CBD companies have been putting on their sites what their products are capable of. And neither party is exactly wrong in this debacle.

The DEA

The DEA isn’t wrong because there isn’t a whole lot of hard evidence with medical marijuana. The problem is not because marijuana can’t yield excellent results, it’s because doing studies on cannabis is harder to do than some realize. There is a lot of red tape to get through to study a marijuana plant such as getting the FDA to approve the study and obtaining a DEA license.

Once they finally get approval and the correct paperwork done, they have to go through yet another set of hoops. The National Institute On Drug Abuse (NIDA). Many researchers say that NIDA makes things more complicated than they have to be. Some have even reported that if the trial they want to run shows medical benefits towards marijuana, NIDA won't allow access to their marijuana farm.

This year was also the first time in 40 years that NIDA provided marijuana to researchers with mold in every bit of plant, which the FDA had to step in to have a conversation about how much mold is allowed in marijuana.  Scientists and researchers can’t get a whole lot done when their raw ingredients are contaminated.

CBD Companies

Even though it is difficult to legally get the material and have funded research for a hypothesis a lot of people don’t want to be answered, they are still doing it. And this is where CBD companies come in. They are finding this research that can be done and want to spread it to the world. To be honest, once you see what it can do why would you want to keep it a secret? What some might not understand, is that a lot of the testing that is done is done in Petri dishes or animals, making some of the claims seem like they lack any sustenance, however just because they haven’t gone forward in human treatments doesn’t mean that it doesn’t work for humans.

What good and reputable CBD and medical marijuana companies are trying to do is inform the public of what cannabis has done through testimonials and any studies they can get their hands on to show the public how beneficial marijuana could be if the DEA just gave it a chance.

In order to figure out how CBD can help or replace chemotherapy, you have to understand what chemotherapy does. How it cures cancer, the side effects, and the risks of just being exposed to the chemicals without even being treated with them.

How Chemotherapy Works

Chemotherapy works by killing cancer cells, and the effects differ between the types of cancer. The chemo circulates through the body in the bloodstream through systematic treatment, giving the ability to tackle cancer anywhere in the body.

Chemotherapy targets cells that are in the process of splitting. How it kills this process is by attacking the cancer cell’s nucleus making it unable to multiply. If the cancer is extremely advanced, fast-moving, or invasive, multiple treatments and possibly different chemo medications will be needed to attack cells through all stages of division and entirely terminate cancer.

Chemo Therapy Side-Effects Of The User

Because chemo attacks growing cells, it can affect cells in the body that are always increasing. This includes your hair, bone marrow, and stomach lining. Normal healthy cells can replace and repair damaged cells, our brains are designed to protect and survive. And most side effects stop after the treatment is over. But during chemotherapy, this attack on the body can bring up a bucket load of symptoms.

• Nausea
• Pain
• Loss of appetite
• Weak Immune System
• Constipation
• Skin changes

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Chemotherapy Side-Effects Of Those Just Exposed

In 2011, they found that 17% of the nurses who were giving chemotherapy to patients reported being exposed to the deadly chemicals on their skin or in their eyes. Chemotherapy exposure can have adverse effects on the nervous system, the reproductive system, and even increase the risks of developing blood cancer later on in life.

The study also found that the hospitals and offices that had the most accidental exposure were understaffed and had fewer resources than those who had less accidental exposures. They have guidelines given by the National Institute of Occupational Safety, but the rules are not a requirement. Researchers said that in situations where the nurses were required to follow a stricter protocol had fewer incidents, which is not surprising.

CBD And Chemotherapy Side-Effects

Many choose to take CBD while they are undergoing chemo. It is not advised to smoke your medical marijuana during chemotherapy due to potential carcinogens. However vaporizing, edibles, tinctures, and suppositories are still on the table. When using cannabis during chemo, it is always a good idea to not overload your system all at once with your first dose. Just like most medications, it is best to start small and track the effects and work your way up to a dosage that works for you.

Nausea

Many people who undergo chemotherapy experience nausea. This makes eating difficult and the battle against this deadly disease even more difficult. Cannabidiol has anti-nausea effects due to its activity with the CB-1 cannabinoid receptor in the brain.

Pain

When going through chemo, some hurt just everywhere. In their bones, in their skin, in their blood, they can’t escape it. The constant war going on in their body has made itself evident every waking moment, which must be exhausting. CBD has the ability to stop the pain in all areas of the body bringing relief from aching head to stinging toes.

Loss Of Appetite

Loss of appetite is no surprise with chemotherapy considering it could be stopping your stomach lining from regenerating and brings states of nausea. While CBD is depleting the nausea, it is also helping with gastrointestinal issues. It calms the digestive tract, slows down harmful overactivity in the brain, and can help boost the appetite.

THC is known for giving people the munchies, and CBD has its own form of it. The reason THC reacts so well with our brains is in part because it is almost identical to a chemical our brain organically creates called anandamide. Anandamide also has similar effects to THC at a lower level like having a calm or elevated mood, increase in appetite, improve sleep and reduce pain. CBD elevates this chemical, bring on its many effects which all benefit those going through chemotherapy.

Weak Immune System

When chemotherapy damages the bone marrow, it is unable to produce the blood cells the body needs. Cannabidiol has immune system boosting properties as well as suppressive. CBD just knows it’s job is to regulate, so regulate it does. Pure THC may weaken the system, some researchers say. THC could possibly inhibit the development of the white blood cell, monocyte. Monocytes stimulate other immune cells, creating the attack towards harmful microorganisms. But with adding CBD, it balances the immune system. If the immune system was attacking the body, CBD would suppress the immune cells. But with chemo, the immune system weakens. In this case, CBD actually makes it stronger to keep a balance.

Constipation

During chemotherapy, some patients may experience constipation. Eating foods high in fiber and have a lot of liquids will help soften the stool to make it easier to pass, but taking CBD as well will make a more significant difference. CBD relaxes the bowels making it even easier to eliminate constipation.  

Skin Changes

Some skin changes can happen with chemotherapy that can be painful or just annoying. Ance, rashes, itchiness, and dryness are all symptoms from chemo one might experience. CBD helps regulate the cell health in the skin, making it healthier. It also balances the oils that keep it from breaking out or drying out. If any rashes are caused by inflammation, CBD calms down the cells that are reacting so you can feel relief.

What Can CBD Do To Cancer?

We do have studies that suggest CBD and other cannabinoids in medical marijuana would be amazing tools in the pharmaceutical industry to battle cancer. The majority of the studies have been done in Petri dishes or animals, so it’s difficult to gauge whether or not the results would transfer at a human level with only looking at the hard evidence we have access to.

Downsizing Tumors

The first time researchers looked at medical marijuana to help treat cancer and its symptoms was in the 1970s. They saw that cannabinoids affected the size of the tumor cells. It’s important to keep in mind that this study was done not in a live person, but in a petri dish. This was the first groundbreaking discovery that didn’t catch much attention.

CBD Could Target Invasive Cancers

In 2009, researchers discovered that CBD helps with extremely invasive cancers. These mice studies show that CBD upregulates TIMP-1, a tissue inhibitor. TIMP-1 levels have been a marker for most invasive cancers, making their relationship between CBD and TIMP-1 reduce the invasiveness of cancer cells.

CBD Could Stop Cancer From Spreading

Studies have also revealed that CBD has stopped cancer cells from multiplying in test mice as well as in human test cells. The results showed that CBD inhibits cell growth without promoting cell death. It also halted invasion from sprouting in the test cells and helped form new blood vessels.

There are those who have decided to opt out of chemotherapy and traditional altogether. This isn’t advised by most doctors considering the risks involved if it doesn’t work, which is death. There was one man who had cancer, and the surgeries weren’t working so he turned to cannabis oil. What he found led him to cure 5000 people with his regimen.

The Man Who Healed 5000 People With Hemp Oil

Rick Simpson, a mechanical engineer and self-taught doctor, was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2002. He had already been through more than one unsuccessful operation on three lesions on his face. After each surgery, they would come back even worse. He used cannabis oil he had from his previous botany interests and waited a few days waiting for results.

When he first checked, nothing had changed. But just four days after initial treatment, he removed his bandage, and he had seen that his lesions were gone. He went fanatic over medical cannabis, like anyone does once they use it themselves, but people mostly shrugged him off. But he reports that after eleven and a half years, it still hasn’t returned.

After seeing this medicine work right before his eyes, he decided he would spread the word and help people suffering. His first case was an elderly man who was suffering from lung cancer. Chemotherapy has swollen the 80-year-old man’s body, he had open wounds on his legs and breathing was obviously difficult for him.

When Simpson confronted the man’s doctor about cannabis oil treatment, the doctor rejected the idea. The suffering man’s son took the oil from Simpson anyways and put a few drops on a cracker and fed it to his father. Within thirty minutes, the elderly man’s breathing became regular and lasted throughout the night.

He has had issues with the law, having his marijuana farm raided several times a year by the police. He wanted fresh raw ingredients which led him to grow his own plants. He was arrested and fined, but the thing Simpson high-lighted the most was how even the judge didn’t agree with what was happening but their hands were tied.

Rick Simpson continues to raise awareness through YouTube videos and testimonials. He doesn’t make claims that he discovered a cure, he more found a way to use cannabis in a way that could help a large number of people. He’s written several e-books that explain his journey and the things he has discovered available on his website.   

The Next Step

If you or your loved one have been diagnosed with cancer, you have probably already done a good amount of research on your particular cancer. Each cancer affects the body differently and may require its own specific treatments. Here is an A-Z list of cancer types if you need to read more about your particular disease.

Being educated it the best way to make the right decision for your body. It is also always a good idea to get multiple doctor’s opinions and letting them know exactly what you are trying to get out of cancer treatment and the worries and fears you have with the options.