While medical research is still in the early stages, there is good evidence that using CBD oil as a cancer treatment may help patients manage their pain. Scientists have found that cannabinoids can induce cancer cell death and prevent division or further spreading of cancer cells. Though, it’s important to note these findings occurred on mice and human cells in a laboratory setting. Medical evidence aside, there is a significant amount of anecdotal evidence showing that cannabis oil has powerful therapeutic effects when it comes to managing cancer. There is no shortage of glowing testimonials from patients who are now in remission after using cannabis oil as a complementary cancer treatment.
Several studies support the laboratory-based results of medical-grade cannabis oil slowing the growth of tumors. As well, some studies suggest that consuming CBD oil boosts the efficacy of the main cancer treatments, and may even make tumors more sensitive to radiation therapy. These are significant implications, but they’re still just implications. Other benefits of using medical marijuana CBD oil for cancer is that it can give a patient more energy, lessen their anxiety, and increase their appetite.
CBD Oil Ohio: Is It Legal Yet?
Despite the growing body of evidence that cannabis may help cancer, there’s still a negative stigma associated with its use. Fortunately, progress on the federal level under the 2018 Farm Bill which reclassified some CBD strains as hemp, if they met a requirement to contain negligible THC — the compound that results in a “high.”
Unfortunately, several states including Ohio continue to ban use of high-concentration CBD products outside of a medical recommendation. Authorities in Ohio embargoed sales for a short time, stating they are working with Ohio medical marijuana laws that ban the use of CBD without first obtaining a medical marijuana card.
Though CBD with negligible amounts of THC is now classified as hemp by the federal government, the feds have left it to the states to establish rules governing hemp, which Ohio has yet to do. Therefore, legal CBD outside of medical marijuana laws continues to be in a gray area.
Further complicating the issue, the US Food and Drug Administration continues to ban CBD as an additive to food because of dietary concerns. However, there is one CBD product that is FDA-approved, but it’s only for use in rare seizure disorders. There are also two synthetic THC medications available for cancer patients that help with nausea from chemo.
However, if you qualify for and obtain a medical marijuana recommendation, you are eligible to legally buy medical-grade CBD from cannabis dispensaries. CBD can be an effective way to treat pain, mitigate seizures, and aide cancer treatments without the high.
Dr. Blatman is approved by the State of Ohio to make medical marijuana recommendations. Medical cannabis sales began at the beginning of 2019. Though there have been some early supply issues, medical marijuana is legally available for sale at a number of dispensaries throughout the state.
Does Cannabis Oil Have THC In It?
Cannabis oil, often referred to as CBD oil, may have some psychoactive THC in it, depending on the type you buy. While the legality of CBD oil is questionable, it’s readily available in most states and online. This type of CBD oil is derived from hemp plants that do not contain THC. Instead, the plant contains non-psychoactive cannabinoids that have been shown to help with numerous conditions including pain and seizures. While many patients report considerable relief from CBD oil alone, some patients need small amounts of THC for relief. In these situations, you’ll want to look for a cannabis oil that also contains THC, which means you’ll need an Ohio MMJ card to access the medical dispensaries.
What’s the Difference between Medical CBD & CBD Oil in a Health Food Store?
Over the past year, CBD oil has become legal according to federal law and has been approved for use under Ohio law. However, CBD oil that does not fall under a medical marijuana classification is actually derived from hemp, not marijuana. That means the oil has less than 0.3 percent of THC by dry weight.
However, it is important to keep in mind that THC can be critical to the healing effects of medical marijuana, even if you use a strain that is not particularly high in THC. Even if hemp CBD oil is legal, it may still be beneficial to see a medical marijuana doctor and become a registered patient to be able to use more potent strains available only at dispensaries. If you have a serious condition you wish to treat with CBD oil or pills, medical strains of marijuana may be your best option.
Call Dr. Blatman for an appointment to find out if you may benefit from a medical marijuana recommendation. Dr. Blatman is authorized to make medical marijuana recommendations in the state of Ohio.