Cannabis edibles with CBD and THC relieve pain and improve cognitive function in cancer patients

A 2023 study conducted at the University of Colorado focused on cancer patients who use cannabis edibles as an adjunct to conventional cancer therapy or as part of palliative treatment. With long-term use, patients have been shown to achieve benefits such as pain relief, improved appetite, better sleep and greater clarity of thinking. This last benefit is especially noteworthy - it is a new discovery that adds additional value to cannabis therapy for oncology patients.

Edible products containing CBD and THC improve cognitive function in cancer patients

Given the myriad of negative consequences of cancer and its invasive treatment, researchers focused on examining the association of intensive and long-term use of edible cannabis products (legal in the US) with pain, cognitive function and quality of life in cancer patients.

The study described in the journal Exploration in Medicine focused on analyzing the impact of edible products containing THC and CBD hemp cannabinoids on the level of cancer pain, patients' cognitive functions and the intensity of chemotherapy side effects: sleep problems, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite.

Although the study is not large (only 25 participants), it is important because it is the first to focus on edible products containing THC and CBD , which in Colorado can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription. Previous studies on the use of cannabis in people with cancer have taken into account medical marijuana prescribed by a doctor.

Also very important here is the discovery that over-the-counter "cannabis edibles" available in the USA can have a beneficial effect on clarity of thinking and concentration in patients.

The course of the study – “cannabis edibles” in oncology

The research team followed 25 people with cancer who used cannabis for two weeks. After assessing participants' pain levels, sleep patterns, and cognitive function during the baseline visit, researchers instructed them to purchase an edible cannabis product of their choice from the dispensary. Subjects chose gummies, chocolates, baked goods, tinctures, and tablets that had different proportions and concentrations of CBD and THC cannabinoids .

According to researchers, this proves that patients are open to looking for alternative products that can bring them relief. This all the more indicates the need to analyze the effectiveness of over-the-counter products so that the choice is supported by appropriate data.

Scientists constantly collected data on the participants' physical health condition (laboratory tests) and examined their cognitive functions. 

Improved cognitive functions after two weeks of use

Improvements in cognitive function were only observed after two weeks of using edible hemp products. Patients needed time to develop tolerance to psychoactive THC.  

Initially, study participants reported less pain immediately after taking Edibles, but their mental clarity was disrupted by the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids. However, after two weeks of consistent use, a different pattern emerged. Participants reported improvements in pain, sleep quality and cognitive function. Objective measures of cognitive functions (including reaction time) also improved.

Participants who took products with high concentrations of CBD were more likely to report improved sleep quality and pain relief.

Importance of the study

Although the findings are preliminary and larger studies are needed, researchers say they open a new perspective on pain management in palliative care, without long-term cognitive impairment. Unlike opioids, cannabis, after long-term use, allows you to regain clarity of thinking while relieving pain.

Additionally, edible products containing CBD and THC allow patients to self-help with their disease. According to scientists, conducting more extensive research on the effectiveness of over-the-counter cannabis products would give patients the opportunity to make more informed choices and offer knowledge about the effectiveness of specific doses of specific products.

Let's hope that Polish patients will also gain the opportunity to self-support with edible hemp cannabinoids and that this will happen sooner rather than later.