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Friend is using cannabis oil as treatment?

Questioner3
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Hi, my friend recently told me she is using cannabis oil and some thing tonic/lotion (I can't recall which one) as treatment for her Leukaemia. Her doctor recommended her chemotherapy but she rejected him.

After some browsing online about cannabis oil. I don't feel particulary happy about her choice of treatment. I understand it's her choice and her life, I really do. But I read online that although cannabis may contain some things which have destroyed cancer cells in lab tests, this does not mean it will cure cancer. Also I've read that some people who used it then died soon after. She says she has done thorough research and frankly she might've looked into it. But I'm afraid she may have read a few dodgy links which may be misleading her.

So I'm confused regarding cannabis oil. I don't know whether it's recommended heavily by doctors or not. Can anyone here give me more information about it? I chose to ask here because I think I'm less likely to encounter any pseudoscience or myths. 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie
    As a scientist I understand risk and dangers of anecdotal evidence. However when science has lost all hope sometimes holistic remedies, (even if just acting as placebo) are better than nothing. So two questions: if you are not on chemo can cannabis oil do any harm? You say it is illegal but Radio 5 Live this morning had lady with breast cancer saying she bought it legally over the counter. Anyway second question is where can you buy it safely without being scammed irrespective of legality issue. Regards Ewen
  • in reply to McCallum

    Hello McCallum,

    As I noticed this is your first post I'd like to welcome you to our forum.

    There is a lot of discussion going on about cannabis oil here so I thought you might find this article on our science blog interesting to read.

    Although there’s evidence emerging that molecules found in cannabis may one day be used to help people with cancer, we would advise against using black market or home-made preparations of cannabis oil. Not only is it illegal, but because it’s unregulated these products might be contaminated with harmful substances and vary in strength. Taking cannabis could also potentially interfere with other cancer treatments given to you by a doctor, as well as carry other side effects and risks.

    We understand this is a sensitive issue but we would appreciate you keeping in mind our terms and conditions when discussing alternative therapies on the forum.

    Thank you.

    Kind regards,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

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