CBD Oil on Chemo

Hello Lou73

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. My name is Karen and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

It’s understandable that you want to make sure you have the right information and support as you are starting chemotherapy today. It’s normal to have many questions and feel some worry and anxiety when you are starting treatment. We are here for you.

There are many different types of chemotherapy. We don’t have access to your medical records on the Macmillan support line, but most chemotherapies have some common side effects. Everybody is different, so you may not experience all of these. Your treatment team will be able to advise you and often are able to prevent or manage any side effects, for example nausea and vomiting. You will also be given a contact number for the hospital that you can call 24/7 should you develop any side effects.

You have asked about CBD oil and if it can help with side effects of chemotherapy. It’s important to talk to your cancer doctor before using CBD oil. CBD can affect some cancer treatments, and your cancer doctor needs to know about any possible effects or side effects that you might have.

It’s also important to know that there are different types of cannabis and cannabis oil, some are illegal. Other medicinal cannabis can be prescribed by specialist doctors but only for specific situations e.g. sickness and vomiting from chemotherapy. However, this is only if it can’t be controlled with other anti-sickness drugs. You will be given anti-sickness drugs before your chemotherapy and be given some to take home with you. You should take these as prescribed.

There is a lot of interest in the possible effects of cannabinoids on cancer. Some people claim that using CBD has had a positive effect on their health. But these are individual stories and not scientific evidence. There is some research taking place, but at the moment there is no medical evidence to show whether cannabis, in any form, can effectively treat cancer.

Sometimes, we may be able to explain more and support you better over the telephone, please don’t hesitate to give one of our nurses a call on the support line.

You may also wish to take a look at some of the forums on the Macmillan Online Community where you can find support and share experiences with other people who have a similar can type of cancer or having similar treatments.

I hope this information is helpful and that you get the answers you need when you speak to your medical team.

If you have any information or support needs, the Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support.

Take care and Best wishes with your treatment,

Karen, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

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