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We’re always thrilled to come across more research on the benefits of CBD as  Scientists continue to find relationships between the marijuana and health. This is due to the plant’s ability to manipulate the endocannabinoid system and produce beneficial results. It’s particularly amazing to hear about the positive impact it has for patients with cancer who are going through chemotherapy.

Even Cancer.gov has begun regularly posting in its “treatment” section about the plant. They include many links to studies on marijuana’s benefits for cancer patients. THC (a primary cannabinoid) and the plant as a whole continue to receive the most attention but the website mentions Cannabidiol (CBD), the other primary cannabinoid, plenty.

What is CBD?

CBD is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana. Unlike THC, it does not produce the “high” associated with smoking marijuana.

Back in 2011, British Journal of Pharmacology published a study demonstrating considerable evidence that “manipulation of the endocannabinoid system regulates nausea and vomiting in humans and other animals.” Specifically, they stated, “the primary non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), also suppresses nausea and vomiting within a limited dose range.” Because of studies like these, many cancer survivors nationally are speaking openly about their experience with Cannabidiol.

She Sparkles On

Breast cancer survivor Meghan Koziel has been very vocal and public about her journey. She has had a huge impact on others because of her story. Meghan is known by many as “She Sparkles On,” an initiative focused on empowering women, including educating them throughout their battle with cancer.

At the very young age of 26, Meghan suspected that there was a growing lump on her breast. After months of asking for doctor’s to consider its severity, she received tragic news that it was in fact breast cancer. She knew she was going to fight this as hard as she could. Like most patients who receive the diagnosis, Meghan selected the regimen that she and her doctors’ felt would be most successful. This included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

Unfortunately, this intense treatment plan also has many side effects. Some common side effects from cancer treatment include alopecia, weight loss, joint pain and discomfort, neuropathy, anxiety, sleep issues, nausea, vomiting and vitamin deficiencies. Because of how debilitating these side effects can be, many patients will seek nontraditional treatments to help combat their reactions.

Fighting Side Effects with CBD

There are a number of patients who are first introduced to cannabis when they’re looking for alternative ways to help with their side effects. This was the case for Meghan. “In my mind… if I did research and utilized nontraditional treatments with traditional measures including chemotherapy, I would have a better chance at fighting the side effects and ultimately winning my battle against cancer, right,” she shared. Meghan researched all possible treatments, traditional and homeopathic, but it was her sister who was living in California who introduced her to Cannabis.

Meghan immediately shot down the idea of using the plant, as do many people who do not want to get high. She has asthma and lives in a state where it was then illegal. Meghan was also unwilling and uninterested in taking this risk.

That is until she was introduced to our CEO and master grower Twompson Prater who was creating products without THC. At the same time that Meghan was entering into her cancer battle, Twompson was experimenting with extracting CBD (Cannabidiol) from his plants and incorporating it into creams (Canna Cream).

On her website, Meghan shares a particular study that led her to using CBD. This study demonstrated the interaction between CBD and the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor. This is the same receptor that is also involved in processes including pain, appetite, nausea and anxiety, sleep, and addiction.

CBD Tinctures & Creams During Chemotherapy

During her treatment, Meghan used CBD in a tincture of oil orally throughout 12 rounds of intensive chemotherapy. She attributes this treatment to never throwing up, having an appetite, and also never had a drop in blood cell counts. In addition, she shares that the biggest benefit was also using CBD during 30 rounds of radiation. “I never burned through full chest radiation,” she shared.

Cancer survivors are speaking up about CBD!

Meghan is not alone. More cancer survivors and patients undergoing chemotherapy are beginning to consider using CBD during treatment. They are also sharing their experiences publicly. We’re also confident that we will continue to see research published on cannabis, CBD, and helping patients battling cancer.

Stay tuned! We will be sharing more research studies and stories from our customers here on our blog. Subscribe to stay informed as well!