Widening access to high quality/high potency cannabis products across the 30+ states which have successfully legalized the healing plant (to varying degrees), means that more and more people are turning to cannabis for the first time, most especially cannabidiol (CBD), in an effort to treat that which ails.

I, myself, decided to reevaluate my relationship with the plant and began utilizing cannabis as medicine immediately following my shocking and life-altering diagnosis of stage IV metastatic breast cancer, at the young age of 37.

With years of experience working in the healing field as a somatic bodyworker and holistic educator, it felt only natural for me to integrate holistic modalities and plant medicine with the recommended protocol of conventional cancer treatment. I chose to combine the Western/allopathic standard treatment of chemotherapy along with plant-based nutrition, medicinal mushrooms, and high doses of CBD-dominant sublinguals and topicals. A true integrative approach. Quite miraculously, I was fortunate to experience a complete response to treatment, being declared “No Evidence of Disease'' within six months of my initial diagnosis.

Now, while my singular experience and results were remarkable, they were also purely anecdotal. Following this significant healing, however, I was eager to immerse myself in all of the available resources and emerging research on the proven therapeutic effects of cannabis.

Indebted to the plant which helped to both enrich and extend my life, I enrolled in the Medical Cannabis for Healthcare Practitioners certification program through the Pacific College of Health and Science. During my studies I was fortunate to learn from many of the foremost cannabis clinicians, researchers, and plant cultivators in the field.

Here we’ll cover some of the most important and exciting scientific developments I came to understand about cannabis, and specifically CBD, as it relates to cancer.

First, we know that cannabis is a powerful inflammation modulator, which is reason enough for anyone interested in treating chronic illness and/or pain at a root-cause level to celebrate and imbibe.

Most especially, folks who (like me) may be facing cancer.

Why? Because there is evidence to support that cannabinoids actually work to reduce cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by directly interfering with cell migration. (!!!) Say what?!? WOOHOO!

Something equally amazing is that CBD has been shown to prevent angiogenesis, the formulation of new blood vessels, which function to provide cancerous tumors with the oxygen and nutrients they would need to grow. CBD can actually inhibit this process! 

Furthermore, both CBD and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), may increase the efficacy of Western allopathic cancer treatments like chemotherapy. This essentially means that not only can cannabis ease the symptoms and side effects associated with these harsh nuclear substances (which in and of itself is awesome); cannabinoids can potentially enhance the cancer-killing efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs(!!!). All while simultaneously treating the myriad of their debilitating side effects; such as nausea, loss of appetite, chronic pain, peripheral neuropathy, depression/anxiety, and the potential PTSD caused by medical trauma. 

As someone who will continue to receive heavy-duty pharmaceutical meds in an effort to prevent disease recurrence and maintain remission, this discovery is HUGE. All hail CBD!

Now, here’s a few things to consider before setting off on a healing journey with CBD (or any of the other lovable cannabinoids) :

1). Cannabinoids work best synergistically, meaning they play well with others and really like to party. Yeah, baby! In order to maximize the therapeutic effects and healing benefits of cannabis, we ideally want all of the powerful plant constituents to remain intact in our medicine (as opposed to isolating one single, helpful attribute). Even if you aim to avoid the euphoric effects of feeling “high” associated with THC, having it present in miniscule amounts will optimize CBD’s anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer proliferative abilities, as well as all of the other lesser known cannabinoids’ therapeutic effects. Ensure you’re receiving the optimal benefits of whole plant medicine by taking care to purchase “full spectrum” products.

2). You already know that KAB is about the Non Toxic Revolution as a conscious and impactful approach to health. Likewise, when utilizing cannabis as medicine, it’s best to take the same approach. It’s important to decrease exposure to dangerous carcinogens, especially those who are navigating a chronic or life-threatening illness like cancer. That means focusing on the use of the plant through the routes of administration other than smoking or vaping, given that the inhalation of any combustible material can be harmful. Consider getting all of that green goodness through edibles, capsules, sublinguals (like tinctures or tablets that dissolve under the tongue), topicals, or transdermal patches.

3). Similarly, it’s important to limit exposure to environmental toxins. Make sure cannabis products are of the highest and purest quality. The cannabis and hemp plants which supply our beloved CBD are “bioaccumulators”. That means; whatever existed in the soil where the cannabis or hemp product was originally planted can, ultimately, make its way into the final product (depending on many factors, including whichever extraction process the brand utilizes). Bioaccumulators act like a sponge, absorbing trace minerals present in the earth, as well as residual amounts of the highly carcinogenic pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides that may have been sprayed or used as fertilizer upon the land. The common use of these chemicals in modern day farming have led to widespread soil degradation and a staggering increase in diseases associated with poisonous exposure. 

The best way to avoid harmful environmental toxins in your medicine is to purchase from trusted cultivators that prioritize regenerative farming practices and provide batch-specific certificates of analysis (or COAs) from a third-party laboratory. Don’t skip this step when selecting your CBD(!!!), or any other cannabis products for that matter, as it greatly impacts whether or not your cannabis is of medicinal grade. It’s also the way to ensure you know exactly which cannabinoids and terpenes are present in the final product of your medicine. Unsure of how to read a COA? Consider working with a trained cannabis coach or clinician for assistance.

4). If you or someone you love is navigating a cancer diagnosis (or has a complex medical history) but are unclear on how to proceed with CBD, know that there are thousands of thoroughly trained cannabis clinicians available to help guide you through utilizing cannabis as medicine. 

Don’t be discouraged by the likelihood of your physician’s lack of understanding or support around cannabis therapeutics, as the wealth of knowledge and data on cannabis research has yet to be included in the standard medical school curriculum. Much of our current evidence is coming out of Israel, Canada, Spain, and several state funded programs (like here in California at UC San Diego’s Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research). Ideally, this will begin to shift and expand across the United States, once the plant is fully legalized and decriminalized at the federal level. Until then, consulting with an experienced coach or trained cannabis nurse is your best bet. The American Cannabis Nurses Association, The Society of Cannabis Clinicians, or The Americans for Safe Access are all great resources for locating a trained clinician in your area.

5). Finally, find sustainable ways to integrate CBD into your daily life. Personally, one of my favorite ways to engage with cannabis is by folding it into my self-care routine through intentional skincare. Ritualizing self-massage for breast and lymphatic health by lighting my favorite candle, enjoying a microdose edible, slathering on some delightful cannabis topicals, and then performing a self breast exam guided by the KAB app. 

Allowing CBD to play both a starring and supportive role in your self-massage and self-check practice can be a great way to expand your sensitivity and kinesthetic awareness while familiarizing yourself with the distinct terrain of your personal breast tissue, infusing these acts with pleasure and relaxation by infusing them with cannabis. 

MANDY MCGAUGH

CONTRIBUTOR

Mandy McGaugh is a Medical Cannabis Educator and Holistic Health Practitioner, specializing in therapeutic touch for life's many thresholds. As a survivor/thriver of metastatic breast cancer, she additionally works with clients seeking guidance and support while integrating holistic modalities as they navigate a healing crisis. 

To learn more or work with Mandy, go to Heart to Hand.

She resides in Southern California along with her husband, two daughters, and a mini urban menagerie of six furry friends. (One dog, two rabbits, and three cats, to be exact). We’ve all adapted to the extended pandemic and quarantine life in different ways. The McGaughs have clearly self-soothed by collecting animals. 

Opinions expressed by the identified author in the following blog posts are their own and may not represent the views of the Keep A Breast Foundation or its management. Information found on the KAB website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You are advised to consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Read more: Self-care checklist: Breast Health Edition

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