By Jay Jay O’Brien C.H. ACCE Certified Cannabis Health Coach & Educator

Pandemic Levels of Cancer: A Growing Global Concern

As it stands today, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women are expected to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime. Those are staggering odds. That’s essentially a 50/50 chance for men, and the odds for women aren’t much better. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death globally, with nearly 10 million cancer-related deaths reported in 2020. (1) 

In 2022, there were almost double as many new cancer cases worldwide, and by 2040, the global cancer burden is projected to rise to over 29 million new cases. 

This alarming prevalence highlights an urgent need to explore all possible avenues for prevention, treatment, and support, including the potential role of Cannabis in modern cancer care to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and even target and kill cancer cells.

Losing the “War on Cancer”

Former President Richard Nixon introduced a national effort to better prevent, research, and treat cancer when the National Cancer Act of 1971 was signed on December 23. This legislation aimed to dramatically increase funding for cancer research, leading to the creation of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as the central hub for cancer research in the U.S., focusing on addressing “public enemy number one.”

Meanwhile, in Canada, survival rates have improved for cancers of the breast and kidney, but others such as pancreatic, liver, and esophageal cancer still face low 5-year survival rates. (2) Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, has a 5-year survival rate of only 20%. (3)

The ‘War on Cancer’ denotes the government's stern commitment to defeating cancer, while the battle cry of every ‘warrior’ ‘battling’ and ‘fighting’ to ‘survive’ underscores the ongoing challenges in our language and our intentions of encouraging freedom from all cancer types to decrease the global burden.  

In 2022, there were almost double as many new cancer cases worldwide, and by 2040, the global cancer burden is projected to rise to over 29 million new cases.

This alarming prevalence highlights an urgent need to explore all possible avenues for prevention, treatment, and support, including the potential role of Cannabis in modern cancer care to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and even target and kill cancer cells.

Conventional Condemnation 

Some chemotherapy drugs, originally inspired by the nitrogen mustard gas used in the gas chambers at Auschwitz, have been adapted and refined for therapeutic purposes in oncology, (4) but remain highly toxic carcinogens, killing everything in their path, including healthy cells.

Marie Curie, the scientist who discovered radium, a key element used in radiation therapy, tragically died from aplastic anemia, a condition linked to radiation poisoning.

Immunotherapy and targeted therapies may improve cancer outcomes, but often come with significant side effects, as experienced by Jacki Campbell of Idaho, who shared her tumultuous journey on the Cannabis Health Radio Podcast. Meanwhile, while surgery can remove cancer, it may not always be successful, and in some cases, it can increase the risk of recurrence through excess cellular shedding and the stress it puts on the body. (5)

After decades of research and billions invested, the medical community still, confusingly, leans heavily on the same standard of care. (6) What’s even more perplexing is how, for so long, a less invasive, less damaging, and potentially life-saving option was largely ignored. 

Wrongful Conviction

Cannabis was dubbed the ‘assassin of youth' and the ‘devil’s lettuce’ according to propagandists of the 1930s (7) yet, for a century prior, Cannabis formed the bulk of the most widely used and prescribed medicinal formulations in North America, and parts of Europe, and Asia. (8) It was commonly used to treat a variety of symptoms from pain, sleep disorders, menstrual issues, and conditions like nausea and vomiting.

It’s been theorized that Cannabis posed a significant competitive threat to the once-emerging industries of Big Oil, textile, and pharmaceutical. This fear, combined with societal concerns over Mexican immigration during the time, played a key role in framing Cannabis as a dangerous substance.

As cultural prejudice against groups who traditionally used plant medicine intensified, they became scapegoats in a broader campaign of prohibition. Cannabis and its allies were demonized and misunderstood, creating a lasting stigma that still affects perceptions of the plant and the people involved with it today.

With legalization spreading across the globe, we have an opportunity to break free from these stigmas. Through education, advocacy, and open conversations, we can help rewrite the story, restoring Cannabis's reputation as a resource for growth, hope, and healing, repairing the harms of prohibition, and honor the plant’s diverse uses across generations and communities.

The Legacy of Stigma

Despite growing scientific evidence supporting Cannabis’s therapeutic benefits across a multitude of ailments, the campaign against Cannabis created powerful stigmas that still influence public perceptions today. 

Entrenched stereotypes, such as the idea that Cannabis will make you lazy or unmotivated, that it serves as a "gateway drug," or that it’s a Schedule 1 drug with no medicinal value continue to overshadow efforts to rehabilitate its image.

Misconceptions that Cannabis is inherently dangerous or addictive or that it is linked to criminal behavior further compound these ideas.

These outdated narratives have made it difficult for many to fully embrace Cannabis as a legitimate part of cancer care, even as research and legalization efforts gain momentum.

For more detailed insights into the history and impact of Cannabis stigma, I suggest reading Smoke Signals by Martin A. Lee and the Washington Post articles on Cannabis legalization trends.

Necessary Narrative

The reality is that the smoke screen surrounding Cannabis has obscured the important fact that our bodies have a system specifically designed to interact with the compounds found in the Cannabis plant. It’s known as the endocannabinoid system or ECS.

The ECS's role is to maintain and restore equilibrium, better known as homeostasis. It acts as the body’s ultimate "sixth man," coming off the bench to regulate all the other 11 bodily systems to play a crucial role in dribbling everything from mood to immune response. Like a seamless, supportive M.V.P., the ECS keeps the game flowing smoothly, ensuring all players play to their full potential.

In the context of cancer, when the game is not scoring in your favor, dysregulation of the ECS may be a factor in cancer formation. Factors such as chronic stress, poor nutrition, environmental toxins, or unresolved emotional trauma can lead to cellular dysfunction.

This dysfunction disrupts normal cell growth and repair processes, potentially resulting in mutations that cause cells to grow uncontrollably. Over time, these abnormal cells can form tumors, contributing to the development of cancer.

When the ECS is balanced, it supports the body’s ability to respond to stress and adapt to changing environments. In contrast, disruptions in ECS activity may prevent the body from managing stress, reducing inflammation, and recovering from illness.

Synthetic Sidetrack

For over fifty years, Cannabis has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects on cancer, but it hasn’t been all we hoped it would be. Not because Cannabis underperformed but because people did. The long history of prohibition severely hindered their research efforts, particularly in the United States, where the plant is classified as a Schedule I drug, limiting scientific exploration.

A major obstacle that has only recently been remedied was the inability to study the plant in its natural form. Researchers have been limited to the use of synthetic cannabinoids in studies, chemical pharmaceuticals that mimic the effects of Cannabis compounds like THC and CBD, rather than working with the actual plant, due to the Schedule I status and illegality of the plant.

Synthetic cannabinoids have been used as a substitute for whole Cannabis in studies, but they raise significant concerns about their accuracy, relevance, and safety. These synthetic compounds, such as those found in products like ‘K2’ aka ‘Spice,’ (9) do not fully replicate the complex chemical profile of the entire Cannabis plant and fail to mimic the 'entourage effect,' where the various compounds in Cannabis work synergistically to enhance or modify the plant’s effects. (10) This synergy is believed to provide a more comprehensive therapeutic benefit than any single compound alone, which is why whole-plant or full-spectrum Cannabis products are often preferred over isolated or synthesized cannabinoids.

This lack of complexity and the unpredictable potencies of synthetic cannabinoids raise red flags for researchers and patients alike.

Lived Experience with Cannabis

While science continues to explore Cannabis’ full potential, the growing number of personal stories speaks volumes.

In my own experience, Cannabis has been transformative, alleviating the debilitating pain of bone metastasis, reducing cancerous tumors in my lungs and brain, improving my mental health, and helping me overcome multiple addictions, including cigarettes and alcohol.

The Cannabis Health Radio Podcast shares hundreds of stories from individuals who have turned to Cannabis as an alternative or adjunct to conventional medicine. (I share my earlier story in episode #343). Many of the individuals highlighted in these stories are still thriving, crediting Cannabis for its ability to manage symptoms, stimulate appetite, reduce nausea and pain, and prevent serious side effects like cachexia caused by traditional cancer treatments. Many of them are also cancer-free.

As a Cannabis Health Coach and Educator at EduCanNation, I work with individuals seeking guidance through their healing journeys, witnessing firsthand the relief and resilience Cannabis provides. With all its tremendous capabilities, Cannabis offers a supportive and multifaceted approach that enhances both physical and emotional well-being, adding layers of hope and joy to life.

The Path Foward

Whether through exploring alternative therapies like Cannabis or seeking a more integrative approach, taking control of one’s health can be a source of strength and optimism, offering patients a renewed sense of agency and hope in their healing journey.

In the realm of cancer care, having access to accurate information and safe, effective treatment options is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Patients facing a diagnosis deserve the knowledge to make informed decisions about their care, including the potential benefits of alternative or integrative therapies like Cannabis.

Informed choices empower patients to take charge of their health, seeking therapies that align with their values, needs, and unique health goals. Access to high-quality information and diverse treatment options empowers patients with resilience and renewed hope.

Cannabis, with its wide range of therapeutic benefits—from pain relief and appetite stimulation to easing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation—deserves a role in cancer care as a safe, versatile, and natural option. Not only does it address the physical and emotional aspects of healing, but it also improves the efficacy of many cancer treatments and enhances the effectiveness of immunotherapy and other targeted treatments, making it an invaluable ally in comprehensive cancer care.

For many, it offers a gentler complement to conventional treatments and supports patients in actively participating in their health journeys. As research and patient experiences continue to validate its potential, Cannabis stands as a promising ally in enhancing cancer care outcomes and quality of life.

References 

1. “Cancer Statistics.” NCI, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025. 

2. “Canadian Cancer Statistics - Canadian Cancer Society," cdn.cancer.ca/-/media/files/research/cancer-statistics/2021-statistics/2021-pdf-en-final.pdf. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025, 

3. “Lung Cancer Survival Rates: Find Rates by Stages & Types.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/lung-cancer-survival-rates. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

4. “History of Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy.” American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/history-of-cancer/cancer-treatment-chemo.html. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

5. Tohme, Samer, et al. “Surgery for Cancer: A Trigger for Metastases.” Cancer Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Apr. 2017, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5380551/. 

6. Global Funding for Cancer Research between 2016 and 2020, www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(23)00182-1/fulltext. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024. 

7. YouTube, YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8iekDcRKB4. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024. 

8. What Is the History of Cannabis as a Medicine from a Global ..., cannabisresearch.mcmaster.ca/what-is-the-history-of-cannabis-as-a-medicine-from-a-global-perspective. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

9. Synthetic Cannabinoids (SPICE) | NHS INFORM, www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/drugs-and-drug-use/common-drugs/synthetic-cannabinoids-spice/. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

10. Russo, Ethan B. “Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects.” British journal of pharmacology vol. 163,7 (2011): 1344-64. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.

About Jay Jay O’Brien:

Jay Jay is a certified Cannabis coach and educator at EduCanNation. The founder and creator of naturalisticallynow and the Canecdotal Collective, where she educates and assists people with cancer, implementing Cannabis into their protocols. As a stage 4 lung cancer survivor and caregiver to her type 1 diabetic son, Jay Jay has learned that you truly do "get what you give," and with Cannabis, she believes we have the opportunity to truly heal rather than just masking our symptoms. Through her own experience of healing, she has now made it her mission to share the capabilities of Cannabis with all who will listen.

Click the Learn More Button 

If you need help with any terminology in this article, you may find some answers in our glossary

Effective Cannabis Newsletter is a platform to educate on the vital role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in one's health. The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information contained in or available through this newsletter is for general information purposes only. It is not medical advice; it is health awareness.