Cannabidiol (CBD) is a biologically active molecule found in cannabis. Research investigating the use of CBD to help treat prostate cancer is still in its early stages. There is also evidence to suggest that it may help reduce the side effects of treatment.
The prostate is a male reproductive organ located below the bladder and produces semen. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate reproduce uncontrollably.
Currently, the most common treatments for prostate cancer include:
SurgeryHormone TherapyRadiotherapyChemotherapy
CBD is one of the active ingredients found in the cannabis plant. People often use it to induce relaxation or treat chronic pain.
Some very early studies in animals and isolated cells suggest that CBD may have anti-cancer properties. However, these studies are in the very early stages, and there is currently no evidence that CBD is an effective primary cancer treatment.
There is now stronger evidence that CBD may improve cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment.
Read on to learn more about what research has found about the use of CBD in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Comparison of CBD and THC
Cannabis contains hundreds of nutrients, including at least 80 biologically active compounds called cannabinoids.
CBD and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two nutrients in cannabis that are of interest to researchers. These can affect human health by binding to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body.
THC is the psychoactive nutrient responsible for the “high” that most people associate with cannabis.
CBD does not cause a “high.” It often causes a feeling of relaxation and drowsiness. Some people take it to relieve chronic pain.
Currently, there is not enough evidence that CBD can help treat prostate cancer in humans, but research is ongoing. Some very early studies showed promising results.
The process of developing new cancer drugs typically takes many years. When researchers think a particular drug might be effective, they begin their studies by testing it on isolated cells or animals.
If the results of these studies are promising, we will move on to conducting human clinical trials. In early clinical trials, a small number of people take the drug. If a drug appears to be safe and effective, over time more people will start taking it.
Finally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agencies approve the drug if the results of phase 3 clinical trials suggest acceptable safety and efficacy.
What place does CBD have in the research process?
Research investigating the benefits of CBD in treating prostate cancer is still in its early stages and has not yet progressed to human studies.
That said, in a 2023 study, researchers found that CBD inhibited the division of prostate cancer cells isolated in the lab. Previous research has also found that CBD can sensitize cancer cells in dogs to chemotherapy drugs.
There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors in the body, called CB1 and CB2. Prostate cancer cells appear to express more of these receptors than healthy cells.
This has led to increased interest among researchers studying the potential beneficial effects of various nutrients found in cannabis as a treatment for prostate cancer. They are particularly interested in CBD because it does not cause a “high” like THC.
Experts believe that the nutrients found in cannabis have many benefits, including:
Induces the destruction of cancer cells Inhibits the replication of cancer cells Inhibits the migration of cancer cells Produces analgesic effects Sleepiness Mood changes such as irritability and excitement Loss of appetite Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea
The main concern about commercially available CBD is that it is not regulated by the FDA and is frequently contaminated or mislabeled.
Some products may contain more active ingredients than listed on the label, and others may contain no or very little active ingredient. Some products contain clinically significant amounts of THC, which can cause psychoactive side effects and result in a positive drug test.
The only plant-based cannabis product approved by the FDA is a concentrated form of CBD called Epidiolex, which contains only CBD. Used to treat certain seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
CBD is legal in nearly every state and widely available from many retailers. However, CBD products are not regulated by the FDA, with the exception of the drug Epidiolex, which can treat some rare forms of epilepsy.
When purchasing CBD, it's best to do so from a pharmacy, state-regulated dispensary, or a reputable manufacturer that offers third-party tested products. This gives you the best chance of receiving a product that is free of contamination and properly labeled.
Some early research suggests that CBD may have anti-cancer properties. However, these studies focused on isolated cells, and there are currently no human studies investigating the effectiveness of CBD in cancer treatment.
CBD may help reduce chronic pain and treatment-related side effects such as nausea and vomiting for some people. When taking CBD for this purpose, it's best to start with a small amount and see how well you tolerate it before increasing to a larger dose.
