Overview

Cancer often impacts both physical and mental well-being, causing people to experience high levels of anxiety and feelings of stress and fear. This stress is commonly due to uncertain diagnoses, treatment side effects, and fear of reoccurrence. Anxiety can impact overall quality of life, and many patients struggle with anxiety at different stages. 

For years, researchers have been looking into ways to ease this anxiety. Cannabis, especially the compounds cannabidiol (CBD) and tertrahydrocannabinol (THC), has shown the potential to reduce stress and anxiety. These compounds affect how the brain regulates feelings and emotions. In this article, we will look at the potential benefits of cannabis for reducing anxiety during cancer treatment.

Understanding cancer-related anxiety

Cancer-related anxiety is a significant issue that can impact around 44% of patients at some point during their treatment journey.¹ These feelings of anxiety come from the often overwhelming physical and emotional burden of cancer. There are a few main reasons why cancer patients experience anxiety:

• Diagnosis shock: A cancer diagnosis is often unexpected. For many, the news is a shock and can be challenging to accept, causing fear, worry, and confusion
• Treatment side effects: cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can cause physical and mental side effects. These side effects include pain, fatigue, nausea, and hair loss
• Fear of recurrence: even after treatment, the fear of cancer returning can be very consuming. Many people live with constant worry. This fear can affect their ability to move forward and look to the future
• Social and family concerns: cancer affects more than just one person. Family members and close friends are also emotionally impacted. It is natural to worry about the effect of cancer on loved ones

For these reasons, anxiety in cancer patients is very common. Anxiety can take the form of generally high stress levels, panic attacks, or chronic worrying. It can even lead to depression if untreated. 

Many treatment options exist for cancer-related anxiety. Therapy, support groups, and anti-anxiety medications are common approaches. However, these treatments can vary in effectiveness between individuals. This is where cannabis can be used as an alternative.

Cannabis and its components

Cannabis is a plant containing many active compounds. The two most researched compounds are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrehydrocannabinol (THC). These compounds affect the brain and body in unique ways.

• CBD: CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not create a “high”. CBD is most commonly known for its calming effects. It may help with anxiety by influencing the brain’s receptors. Many users find that CBD makes them feel more relaxed and less stressed²
• THC: THC is a psychoactive, creating a “high” feeling. THC can help relax the body and mind, reduce pain, and ease nausea.^3,4 It is important to note that high doses of THC can have adverse effects and even increase anxiety⁵

These compounds work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is a network of receptors in the brain and body. It helps regulate mood, sleep, pain, and anxiety. Both CBD and THC affect the endocannabinoid system in ways that could reduce anxiety, making it a possible treatment option for this side effect of cancer. 

Research on cannabis for anxiety reduction

Some studies show that cannabis might help reduce anxiety. However, research on cannabis and anxiety is still limited. Here are some of the main findings:

• CBD for anxiety: research shows that CBD may reduce anxiety. In a 2021 study, people reported feeling less anxious after taking CBD.² This is because CBD interacts with brain receptors linked to anxiety. CBD has also been used to improve sleep for cancer patients,⁶ which in turn might help reduce anxiety
• THC for anxiety: THC’s effects on anxiety are complicated. Some studies show that low doses of THC can reduce anxiety.⁷ Similarly to CBD, THC works by binding to certain receptors in the brain, which can lead to feelings of calmness and relaxation. But THC’s psychoactive effects can be overwhelming at high doses
• Cannabis and cancer-related anxiety: Some studies focus on the effects of cannabis, specifically on cancer patients. These studies often look at how cannabis affects anxiety, sleep, and nausea. Patients report feeling less pain and nausea, as well as improved sleep patterns.^3,4,7 But it’s important to note that research looking at the effects of cannabis on cancer and anxiety specifically is fairly limited, and more is needed to confirm its effectiveness

While research is ongoing, some studies have shown that cannabis has the potential to reduce anxiety for cancer patients. But each person’s response to cannabis is unique, meaning that it might not work for everyone.

Potential benefits for cancer patients

Cannabis could provide several benefits for cancer patients. Here are some of the ways it may help with anxiety and other symptoms:

• Reduced anxiety: Many patients who use cannabis report feeling less anxious.^2,7 This shows that cannabis could be used to help patients feel more relaxed and overwhelmed
• Better sleep: Anxiety can often lead to sleep problems. Cannabis could help improve sleep quality.² Better sleep can reduce anxiety, creating a cycle of improvement to general well-being. For cancer patients, restful sleep can make a huge difference
• Pain relief: Cancer patients often experience chronic pain. This pain can increase anxiety and make it hard to carry out daily activities. Both CBD and THC are known for their pain-relieving effects.^3,7 Reduced pain can ease mental stress, helping patients feel calmer
• Reduced nausea: Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, often cause nausea. Cannabis is effective for reducing this.⁴ Because nausea can be a constant source of stress, patients who feel less nausea might also experience less anxiety

These benefits suggest that cannabis may help ease both physical and mental symptoms. For cancer patients, reducing anxiety and improving quality of life is crucial. 

Risks and considerations

While cannabis shows potential, it’s not without risks. Patients should be aware of potential issues. Here are some of the main risks and considerations:

• Side effects: cannabis can cause side effects. THC may lead to a high, dizziness, or an increased heart rate.⁸ CBD may cause dry mouth, drowsiness, or a mild headache.⁹ Each person responds to cannabis differently; some people experience side effects while others do not
• Dependency: Regular use of cannabis can lead to dependency. This is more common with THC than CBD. It is important to use cannabis responsibly and sparingly. Medical supervision can help manage this risk and ensure correct dosage
• Cognitive impairment: THC can impair thinking and memory.¹⁰ This could impact daily tasks and focus. Patients with pre-existing cognitive issues should be extra cautious, as high doses of THC could worsen these problems
• Drug interactions: cannabis could interact with other medications. This is important for cancer patients who are taking multiple drugs. It is important to consult a medical professional when considering cannabis as treatment, so they can check for possible interactions
• Dosing: while the correct dose of cannabis could help reduce anxiety, high doses could have adverse effects.⁵ Patients should always start with a low dose and monitor the effects
• Legal issues: The legality of cannabis varies greatly around the world. It is very important to check the laws related to cannabis in your location. In some places, only CBD is legal, whereas in others, medical cannabis is legal. Patients should familiarise themselves with these laws before using cannabis

The risks of cannabis are important to consider. For some patients, the benefits will outweigh the risks. For others, cannabis may not be the best option. Consulting a medical professional is vital for safe use.

Summary

Cannabis shows potential as a treatment for anxiety in cancer patients. Both CBD and THC could offer relief by easing anxiety, improving sleep, and reducing pain and nausea. For many patients, these benefits can improve their quality of life. But it is also very important to understand the risks involved. 

Cannabis can have side effects such as memory impairment and increased anxiety in high doses. There is also the risk of dependency, especially with long-term use. Patients should be cautious and consult a medical professional before using cannabis.

While a lot more research is needed, cannabis holds promise for managing anxiety. It could even become a standard option for patient care one day. Until then, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. Your healthcare provider can help guide safe use, dosage, and potential interactions. For many, cannabis could be a valuable tool for dealing with the mental health challenges of cancer.