Hello and thanks for posting,

We are often asked about CBD oil and although there is ongoing research looking into this, I'm afraid there is not yet any strong evidence to say that it is safe or useful to take or if it can play any part in the treatment of cancer.

Cannabis produces various substances 2 of which are cannabinoids. One is THC which is illegal to use in the UK and the other is CBD (cannabidiol). Cannabis oil can contain various amounts of CBD and THC. Although available to buy online, this is not recommended as it is unregulated and could be potentially hazardous as the quality and content isn't known and there are side effects such as dizziness, hallucinations or sometimes interactions with other drugs. 

Here in the UK cannabidiol is only given on prescription for people with severe forms of epilepsy and for adults with severe vomiting when receiving chemotherapy when other anti sickness medications have not worked. You can read more about this by clicking on this link,

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/medical-cannabis/

CBD oil alone, is available in health food shops, but is more likely to be like a herbal remedy, as it is sold as a food supplement rather than a drug with a therapeutic dose. If you have not already seen it, you might like to read our information about cannabis, cannabis oil and cancer at this link,

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/cannabis

We do suggest that patients let their doctors know what they plan to take if they still decide to go ahead. Sometimes, the doctor may want to check no ill effects are occurring, which can happen when taking unlicensed supplements. I don't think we know much about which drugs might be affected, as there are so many different CBD oil products on the market to buy, and it is unregulated.

I hope this is of some use. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,