[Using cannabis in oncology: facts and myths]

Orv Hetil. 2020 Jun;161(25):1035-1041. doi: 10.1556/650.2020.31733.
[Article in Hungarian]

Abstract

Cannabis belongs to the highly prominent soft drugs; after coffee, tobacco and alcohol, it is considered to be the fourth most consumed psychoactive substance. The two most common cannabinoids are the strictly regulated psychotropic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and the dietary supplement cannabidiol, which is non-psychoactive, only subject to reporting obligation and accessible in Hungary since 2004. In relation to the application of medical cannabis, especially in oncological indications, many misconceptions have arisen. In our review, we summarize the history of cannabis, the mechanism of action, the current evidences for application in oncological indications, the legal regulations, and highlight the potential concerns regarding cannabis administration. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(25): 1035-1041.

Keywords: cannabidiol; cannabis; delta-9-tetrahidrokannabinol; delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; kannabidiol; kannabisz; medical marijuana; orvosi marihuána.

MeSH terms

  • Cannabinoids*
  • Cannabis*
  • Dronabinol / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Hungary
  • Medical Marijuana*
  • Medical Oncology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Medical Marijuana
  • Dronabinol