Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a derivative of cannabis (also known as marijuana). While CBD oil isn’t approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat cancer, some people may find it helpful for managing ovarian cancer symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment.

CBD oil has gained popularity as a “natural” treatment for sleep, pain, nausea, and anxiety, particularly among people living with cancer. But with increased interest and availability comes the need to understand the risks and limitations of CBD’s health claims.

Here’s what you should know before trying CBD oil for ovarian cancer.

What Is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol is a primary active compound naturally found in the cannabis plant, also known as hemp or marijuana. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the high associated with marijuana use. CBD, however, doesn’t have psychoactive effects. Instead, it acts on the central nervous system and immune system, potentially improving quality of life during cancer treatment.

CBD oil is found in various forms, including:

• Liquid for vaping
• Topical skin creams
• Sublingual (under-the-tongue) drops
• Teas and other beverages
• Supplements
• Food products (sometimes called edibles), including baked goods and candies

State laws vary regarding the specific types of CBD products available either over the counter or with a prescription. Your health care provider can help keep you updated on the legality of CBD in your state, along with advice on transporting it if you’re traveling.

CBD for People With Ovarian Cancer

Although many people find CBD helpful for cancer symptoms, it’s important to note that cannabis isn’t proven to cure cancer. Some research has shown a potentially lower rate of bladder cancer among men who use cannabis compared to those who don’t. However, studies on other types of cancer have had mixed or negative findings.

People with ovarian cancer often experience poor sleep, physical discomfort, and unwanted weight loss that negatively affects their quality of life. Some find CBD helpful in managing these issues. “I have bad neuropathy on my feet this morning. I’m using CBD THC cream and rubbing it in, and that does help. I use it sparingly as it’s expensive,” said a MyOvarianCancerTeam member.

Sleep

There’s a lack of research directly looking at CBD’s effects on sleep. Most studies on cannabinoids observed sleep changes as a secondary outcome. However, some favorable findings included better sleep quality, fewer sleep disturbances, and the ability to fall asleep faster.

Other studies on inhaled and oral cannabis found some sleep improvements in people with head and neck cancer and brain cancer. Related effects included lower anxiety, depression, and physical discomfort.

“I use a cannabis salve and sleep gummies,” explained a MyOvarianCancerTeam member. “I have always had sleep issues. The gummies help following a chemo treatment.”

Pain

People may use CBD oil as an alternative to stronger chronic pain medications or for additional relief. Some research supports that cannabis products can provide pain relief, often in combination with other pain relievers. A 2017 meta-analysis of 24 randomized controlled trials suggested that cannabis-based medicines may significantly help relieve neuropathic pain — that is, pain caused by damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. However, most of the studies showed no effect, and some participants had adverse effects on their CNS or gastrointestinal system (stomach and intestines).

One member of MyOvarianCancerTeam explained, “I have smoked cannabis for more than 50 years and have tried CBD products, which contain none of the psychoactive properties but help with sleep and chronic pain, etc. For me, intense pain is not helped by cannabis, but nagging aches and pains are absolutely easier to put up with.”

Studies show that activating cannabinoid receptors enhances the pain-relieving effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some health care professionals are hopeful that CBD formulations may replace opioids as a treatment for chronic pain management, but the research is still early.

Nausea

There’s particularly strong evidence that CBD can help people manage nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. If you experience nausea from ovarian cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatments, you should ask your doctor about the prescription cannabinoid medications dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet). The FDA has approved these medications to help with side effects.

“Marijuana is such a help with nausea. I still have to use the prescription anti-nausea meds just post chemo, but the residual or lesser-sick stomach is definitely soothed by a puff or two,” shared a MyOvarianCancerTeam member.

It’s unclear whether unregulated CBD oil products would provide similar benefits as prescription cannabis-derived medications. Your health care team can help you decide whether cannabis-based medicine is appropriate for you.

CBD Risks and Side Effects

Over-the-counter CBD products aren’t regulated by the FDA. This means the agency hasn’t evaluated them for treatment effectiveness, proper dosage, side effects, or other safety concerns. As with dietary supplements, there are no safeguards to ensure a given CBD product contains the advertised amount of CBD or that it doesn’t contain unsafe levels of contaminants like pesticides or heavy metals.

Just because cannabis oil is considered a “natural product” doesn’t mean it can’t cause negative effects. For some people, the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids may include:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Hallucinations and paranoia
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle relaxation
• Rapid heart rate
• Slow digestion

It’s also worth noting that smoking and vaping come with health risks. If you’d like to try CBD oil, you may want to start with a topical cream or other method that isn’t inhaled. Always pay attention to how your body feels after starting a new product and watch for unwanted effects.

Where Can You Find CBD Oil?

Before purchasing CBD products in-store or online, talk to your health care provider. Your oncologist can help you understand the laws in your state and let you know if CBD oil may interact with your current treatments or medications. They may also recommend clinical trials studying cannabinoids for your specific type of ovarian cancer.

Speaking to your health care team about your interest in CBD can open up a conversation about your current symptoms and concerns. If CBD oil isn’t the best option, your provider may prescribe something more effective or refer you to other specialists, like dietitians or physical therapists, who can help. Palliative care can help at any stage of ovarian cancer, so you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for more resources to support your well-being.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyOvarianCancerTeam, the social network for people with ovarian cancer and their loved ones, more than 6,400 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with ovarian cancer.

Have you tried CBD oil, medical marijuana, or other alternative therapies to supplement your cancer care? What cancer-related symptoms or chemotherapy-induced side effects do you struggle with most? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting to your Activities page.