A 2023 study conducted at the University of Colorado focused on cancer patients who used cannabis-based edibles as an adjunct to conventional cancer therapy or as part of palliative care. It found that with long-term use, patients experienced benefits such as pain relief, improved appetite, better sleep, and increased mental clarity. This last benefit is particularly noteworthy—a new finding that adds value to cannabis therapy for cancer patients.

Edible products containing CBD and THC improve cognitive function in cancer patients.

Given the myriad negative consequences of cancer and its invasive treatment, researchers focused on examining the association of intensive and long-term use of edible cannabis products (legal in the US) with pain, cognitive function, and quality of life in cancer patients.

Test described in the journal Exploration in Medicine focused on the analysis of the impact of edible products containing hemp cannabinoids THC and CBD on the level of cancer pain, cognitive functions of patients and the intensity of chemotherapy side effects: sleep problems, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.

Even though the study is not large (only 25 participants), it is important because it is the first to focus on edible products containing THC and CBD, which can be purchased at a pharmacy in Colorado without a prescription. Previous studies on the use of hemp in people with cancer, they considered medical marijuana prescribed by a doctor.

Also very important here is the discovery that over-the-counter "cannabis edibles" available in the US can have a beneficial effect on clarity of thought and concentration in patients.

Study process – “cannabis edibles” in oncology

The research team followed 25 people with cancer who used cannabis for two weeks. After assessing participants' pain levels, sleep patterns, and cognitive function during a baseline visit, researchers instructed them to purchase an edible cannabis product of their choice from a pharmacy. Participants selected gummies, chocolates, baked goods, tinctures, and tablets, all in varying proportions and concentrations. cannabinoids CBD and THC.

According to researchers, this demonstrates patients' openness to finding alternative products that can provide relief. This further highlights the need to analyze the effectiveness of over-the-counter products to ensure their choices are supported by adequate data.

The researchers continuously collected data on the participants' physical health (laboratory tests) and examined their cognitive functions.

Improvement in cognitive functions after two weeks of use

Cognitive improvement was observed only after two weeks of using edible cannabis products. Patients needed time to develop tolerance to the psychoactive substance THC.

Initially, study participants reported reduced pain levels immediately after taking the edibles, but their mental clarity was impaired by the psychoactive effects of the cannabinoids. However, after two weeks of consistent use, a different pattern emerged. Participants reported improvements in pain, sleep quality, and cognitive function. Objective measures of cognitive function (including reaction time) also improved.

Participants who took products with high CBD concentrations were more likely to report improved sleep quality and pain relief.

The importance of the study

Although the findings are preliminary and larger studies are needed, the researchers say they open up a new perspective on pain treatment in palliative care, without long-term cognitive impairment. Unlike opioids, cannabis, after long-term use, allows for the restoration of mental clarity while simultaneously alleviating pain.

Additionally, edible products containing CBD and THC, allow patients to self-manage their illness. According to researchers, conducting broader research on the effectiveness of over-the-counter cannabis products would allow patients to make more informed choices and provide insights into the effectiveness of specific doses of specific products.

Let's hope that Polish patients will also be able to support themselves with edible foods. hemp cannabinoids and that it will happen sooner rather than later.