Marijuana for Mesothelioma: What It Can and Can’t Do
Marijuana for mesothelioma has become an important topic for patients looking for relief beyond traditional treatments. Mesothelioma, or malignant mesothelioma, is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a thin tissue layer that covers most organs. It is usually found in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), with symptoms such as chest pain, painful coughing, and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma can also grow in the heart (pericardial), abdomen (peritoneal), and testicles. Because treatment options are limited, many patients explore medical marijuana for mesothelioma and cannabis for mesothelioma symptoms, from pain to appetite loss.
Key Takeaways
- Marijuana for mesothelioma is primarily used to manage symptoms, not to treat or cure the cancer itself.
- Preclinical studies suggest CBD and CBG may affect mesothelioma cell growth, but these results have not been confirmed in human trials.
- Cannabis may help with common cancer-related issues such as pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, anxiety, and insomnia.
- FDA-approved cannabinoid medications, dronabinol and nabilone, are prescribed for chemotherapy-related nausea when standard treatments are not enough.
- Side effects include confusion, drowsiness, memory problems, dizziness, and possible interactions with cancer or mental health medications.
- Dosage and form (flower, oil, edibles, tinctures) should always be individualized under medical supervision.
- Patients should only obtain cannabis from licensed dispensaries to ensure safety and product quality.
Mesothelioma is frequently caused by exposure to asbestos. In the 1970s, asbestos was widely used in the US for car parts and building materials. While asbestos use (and mesothelioma rates) have declined ever since, 2,803 cases of mesothelioma have been logged in the US in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Rare, fast-growing, and almost always fatal (median survival is only 9–12 months), mesothelioma has no cure — only limited treatment options. Systemic therapy is the standard of care since the disease is often diagnosed late, and it often fails in most cases. Other options include surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy
Due to the limited treatment options, researchers have explored the benefits of alternative options, such as phytocannabinoids on health conditions (medical marijuana) such as mesothelioma. Studies have shown that there are over 100 phytocannabinoids or natural compounds that occur in the plant, many of which possess anti-tumor and palliative benefits. However, according to ASCO guidelines, cannabis should only be considered as an adjunct therapy for symptom management.
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Effects of Medical Marijuana on Mesothelioma
In a 2022 publication, researchers studied 13 phytocannabinoids and their effects on 2 rat and 2 human mesothelioma cell lines.
Reduced Mesothelioma Cell Line Viability
While all the 13 compounds reduced mesothelioma cell line viability with a drug concentration of 50%, neutral cannabinoids, particularly CBD and CBG, had the most potent effects.
Promoted Cancer Cell Death
Since CBD and CBG showed the most promise, the researchers studied if they can induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the rat and human mesothelioma cell lines. Results showed that 24 hours of CBD and CBG treatment helped induce program cell death in the said cell lines.
Slowed Cancer Spread
The researchers also studied CBD and CBG’s effects on the mesothelioma cell lines’ metastatic ability via invasion assays. Results showed that they helped reduce the migratory and invasive potential of 2 rat and 1 human cell lines, thus showing their potential in slowing the metastatic spread of mesothelioma cancer cells.
The researchers also studied how CBD and CBG change gene activity in mesothelioma cells. The researchers found that both lowered the activity of cell cycle genes, namely the ones that tell cancer cells to keep dividing. They also reduced genes that help cancer survive and spread, and increased BBC3, a gene that promotes apoptosis.
CBD and CBG also inhibited several pathways, resulting in slower cancer cell division and DNA repair. Furthermore, they also activated pathways that help control cell life/death and immune system response to tumors.
Medical Marijuana for Mesothelioma Symptoms
Apart from the specific benefits of phytocannabinoids on mesothelioma cancer line cells, cannabis has also shown potential in addressing cancer-related symptoms.
Pain
In pleural mesothelioma, chest pain can be diffuse and dull, and it could become more severe as the disease progresses. Studies have shown that cannabinoids can help reduce cancer pain compared to placebo.
Cannabinoids were also demonstrated to have synergistic pain relief effects with opioids, which are recommended for the relief of moderate to severe pain
They have also been found helpful in addressing neuropathic pain, a type of pain caused by nerve dysfunction due to cancer itself or the associated treatments.
Nausea and Vomiting
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are common side effects of cancer treatment. Anti-emetics help address this symptom, but in some patients, they may not be enough.
Currently, there are 2 prescription drugs with cannabis that are approved for managing CINV. One is Dronabinol (Marinol), which has tetrahydrocannabinoid (THC), a psychoactive component that affects the mind and behavior. Another is Nabilone (Cesamet), which is made with a synthetic cannabinoid that functions like THC.
Loss of Appetite
Literature has shown that cannabis, specifically THC, can help improve appetite and taste, especially in patients who experience cancer cachexia. The condition is characterized by a loss of over 10% of body weight over the last 12 months, due to anorexia or lack of hunger/interest in eating, fatigue/weakness, anemia, and other cancer symptoms.
Anxiety
A mesothelioma diagnosis can lead to anxiety, which, in the long run, can lead to harmful effects such as weakened immunity and a higher heart disease risk, to name a few.
Products containing THC and CBD may help reduce anxiety, but it is important to note that high THC amounts may actually increase anxiety. As such, experts recommend following with the recommended dose.
Insomnia
In some patients, cancer pain and treatment side effects can lead to insomnia. Cannabis has been used by many as an alternative to sleep medicines, as research shows that it can help improve the time and quality of sleep.
Indica-labeled CBD, which promotes a relaxing and calming effect, as well as a product with a high CBD:THC ratio are often recommended to cancer patients with sleep issues. Experts, however, recommend limiting cannabis use for insomnia as it may have a negative effect on sleep quality in the long run.
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Risks of Using Medical Marijuana for Mesothelioma
While medical marijuana comes with some benefits for cancer patients, using it does come with risk — just like other cancer treatments.
Cannabis can affect your mind and emotions, which can lead to side effects such as:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Memory problems
- Trouble focusing/concentrating
- Feeling ‘high’ and/or paranoid
- Hallucinations
Cannabis use can also bring about some physical side effects, such as fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, clumsiness, and/or a dry mouth.
The risks associated with cannabis use may be more pronounced in patients who haven’t used cannabis before, those who have had a history of substance abuse, and those with schizophrenia.
Cannabis may also interact with alcohol and other medications, and as such its usage should be closely monitored.
Dosage
The ideal form (dried flowers, edibles, tinctures, capsules, oils, or topical applications) and dosage usually varies across patients. According to the American Cancer Society, patients who have not used cannabis beforehand should start with a low-dose, inhaled product.
Some may find a certain form or dose enough, while some may prefer another form or require a higher dose. Patients who have taken cannabis prior, for example, may have to use higher doses or take them more frequently. In any case, a healthcare provider should be able to help you determine the best option for your condition.
Purchasing and Storage
Some cannabis products that help address mesothelioma symptoms are often available in licensed dispensaries, particularly in 47 US states and 3 territories where marijuana may be used for medical issues. In such states, a healthcare provider would need to issue a statement on why you need medical marijuana so you could purchase it from a licensed seller.
Experts recommend purchasing medical marijuana only from licensed and FDA-regulated dispensaries and sellers, as unregulated sources often sell products that are contaminated or of poor quality.
Be sure to store your medical marijuana in a clean, dry, and cool area, or as recommended by the label. It should be kept separate from food and drinks, ideally in a locked cabinet, so it remains out of reach of children or pets.
FAQs About Marijuana for Mesothelioma
Can marijuana cure mesothelioma?
No. Current evidence does not show that marijuana or cannabinoids cure mesothelioma. Research in humans has been limited to symptom management.
Which cannabinoid medicines are approved for cancer patients?
Dronabinol (Marinol) and Nabilone (Cesamet) are FDA-approved to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when standard antiemetics are not enough.
Is CBD safer than THC for mesothelioma patients?
CBD is non-intoxicating, but it can still cause side effects and interact with other medications. Both CBD and THC should be used cautiously and under medical supervision.
Can marijuana help with mesothelioma pain?
Some studies show cannabinoids may reduce cancer pain and work well with opioids, but results are inconsistent. Pain relief varies between patients.
What are the risks of using marijuana for mesothelioma?
Risks include impaired memory, confusion, paranoia, fatigue, and drug interactions with common cancer medications. The risks are higher in first-time users or patients with a history of substance abuse or mental health conditions.
How should patients store medical marijuana safely?
Store cannabis in a cool, dry place, separate from food or drinks, and ideally in a locked cabinet away from children and pets.