Cancer: THC and CBD Dosing for Cancer Patients

Active Compounds in Cannabis Genetics: A Scientific Perspective

Collectible genetic material from the cannabis family contains a fascinating range of bioactive compounds, particularly THC and CBD, which have captured the attention of the international scientific community. These complex chemical profiles, present across different genetic strata, demonstrate remarkable molecular properties that are being studied in the context of advanced medical research.

Cannabis genetics present a diverse aromatic and chemical spectrum, with each collectible variety offering a unique combination of terpenes and cannabinoids. These genetic profiles are known for their relaxing properties, and some strata are recognized for their potential to influence mood and provide distinctive calming characteristics.

The History of Scientific Research: Revolutionary Discoveries

The first study to highlight the special properties of cannabis genetic material was, paradoxically, carried out to demonstrate the dangers of this plant, particularly in relation to the immune system. Research funded by the American Cancer Society, published in 1974 in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute, showed unexpected results when tumors surgically implanted in mice were treated with THC for 20 consecutive days.

The results of this study were forgotten for a long time, and rather than being followed up, attention shifted to stigmatizing and banning cannabis. It was only thirty years later that Dr. Manuel Guzman, professor of biochemistry at the University of Madrid, repeated the original 1974 experiments, obtaining similar results. In the March 2000 issue of Nature Medicine, Guzman reported that cannabinoids (such as THC) not only reduced cancerous tumors in mice, but also did not damage the surrounding tissue.

In 1975, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated for the first time the effectiveness of THC in treating nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.

"Not a day goes by that I don't see a cancer patient who has nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain, depression, and insomnia." - Dr. Donald Abrams, head of the hematology and oncology department at San Francisco General Hospital and professor of clinical medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, told Newsweek in 2013: "Cannabis is the only anti-nausea medicine that also stimulates appetite."

In recent years, scientists have made interesting discoveries. In 2017, a report published in the International Journal of Oncology demonstrated that cannabinoids naturally occurring in the cannabis plant have anti-cancer effects, whether used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

Dosing Profiles for the Genetic Compounds THC and CBD

Experts consider the most important aspect to be starting with very small doses, which should be gradually increased as needed. This is the best way to determine the correct dose for a given person, without exceeding it.

It is also important to understand that different methods of administering cannabinoids produce different effects, in terms of onset speed and duration. Smoking or vaporizing provides almost instant relief. Start with one or two inhalations and observe what happens over the following minutes. Repeat if necessary. The first effect can appear within 90 minutes but lasts up to 8 hours.

Dosing Examples Based on Medical Publications and Scientific Evidence

More than ten years ago, Spanish scientists conducted an experiment. Nine patients with brain tumors took part. Through a catheter, patients were administered pure THC directly into the brain. Tetrahydrocannabinol inhibited the proliferation of tumor cells. Unfortunately, despite the promising results, no similar study has been carried out since.

Based on a series of other preclinical studies, scientists have shown that the combination of cannabinoids and chemotherapy is more effective in fighting cancer than either therapy alone. One example of such a study included 21 patients with glioblastoma multiforme. Supporting conventional treatment with the preparation Sativex extended the median survival of patients compared to the group that received placebo.

Specialized Protocols and Clinical Experience

Mara Gordon specializes in creating therapeutic protocols using biopharmaceutical-grade cannabis extracts for seriously ill patients in California. During her numerous presentations and appearances, Mara Gordon repeatedly cites the stories of cancer patients and the cannabinoid combinations administered to them.

A nine-month-old girl with optic nerve glioma undergoing chemotherapy was administered 450 mg THC and 275 mg CBD daily. Another patient, a three-year-old with astrocytic glioma who underwent radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy, was administered cannabinoids simultaneously. The target daily dose was 450 mg THC and 200 mg CBD.

For a four-year-old boy with a brain tumor, 100 mg THC and 100 mg CBD daily were administered. The cannabinoids were applied sublingually. The doses were then increased to 300 mg THC and 200 mg CBD, and reduced to 100 mg THC and 75 mg CBD upon partial remission.

In the case of a 43-year-old patient with stage IV breast cancer, 150 mg THC and 75 mg CBD were administered sublingually twice a day; later, during maintenance treatment, this was 50 mg and 100 mg.

Genetic Profiles and Dosing Variations

Californian pediatrician Bonnie Goldstein focuses on high doses of concentrated CBD and THC extract in treating patients. Treatment begins with small doses, which are gradually increased up to 10–25 mg/kg daily. The doses amounted to 500 mg THC and 500 mg CBD for a 16-year-old patient with stage IV osteosarcoma.

BRAIN TUMORS – Dosing examples (age, patient weight, doses used):

  • 3 years old, 18 kg: 400 mg THC + 350 mg CBD
  • 23 years old, 84 kg: 300 mg THC + 100 mg CBD
  • 28 years old, 63 kg: 200 mg THC + 100 mg CBD
  • 50 years old, 77 kg: 150 mg THC + 50 mg CBD
  • 54 years old, 59 kg: 300 mg THC + 100 mg CBD

This information represents only a scientific perspective on collectible genetic material and does not constitute medical advice. All references to studies and research are provided exclusively for educational purposes for collectors of cannabis genetic material.