The document discusses various methods of administering medical cannabis for cancer patients including inhalation, ingestion, and topical application. It notes the time of onset and duration of effects for each method. The document also provides an overview of the endocannabinoid system and how cannabis may help certain cancer symptoms like pain, appetite issues, and nausea. It outlines some promising areas of preclinical research on cannabinoids treating different types of cancer. Potential side effects of cannabis are also mentioned.

1. Delivery Methods and Dosing:
Making the most of your medicine
Medical Cannabis and
Cancer
Special Guest: Molly Stewart, Mission Services Director at
Cancer Community Center
Host: Becky DeKeuster, M.Ed, WCM Education Liaison
Producer: Ben Gelassen, WCM Digital Marketing Specialist
An introduction for patients, families,
and caregivers

2. Cancer Community Center
FREE:
• Buddy program
• Support groups
• Learning opportunities
• Movement & meditation
• Complementary therapies
• Creative expression & social
opportunities
Calendar & more information at cancercommunitycenter.org

3. Cancer in Maine
Cancer is the leading
cause of death in Maine
(34% of all deaths)
Source: Maine Cancer Surveillance Report 2014. Department of Health and Human Services/Maine CDC Division of
Population Health. PDF last accessed 10/23/16.
Maine’s cancer incidence
rates are higher than US
average rates

4. Cancer in Maine
In Maine, males had
significantly higher incidence
and death rates than females
Source: Maine Cancer Surveillance Report 2014. Department of Health and Human Services/Maine CDC Division of
Population Health. PDF last accessed 10/23/16.
However, these rates were
declining at a faster pace for
males than for females

5. Cancer in Maine
Source: Maine Cancer Surveillance Report 2014. Department of Health and Human Services/Maine CDC Division of
Population Health. PDF last accessed 10/23/16.

6. Cancer in Maine
Source: Maine Cancer Surveillance Report 2014. Department of Health and Human Services/Maine CDC Division of
Population Health. PDF last accessed 10/23/16.

7. National Cancer Institute
Source: National Cancer Institute. Cannabis and Cannabinoids. https://www.cancer.gov/about-
cancer/treatment/cam/patient/cannabis-pdq#link/_13
Preclinical studies of cannabinoids indicate potential in these areas:
Antitumor activity
Stimulating appetite
Pain relief
Nausea & vomiting
Anxiety & sleep
Breast cancer cells in
a lab specimen,
before (L) & after (R)
application of CBD.
Source: Pacific
Medical Center

8. How Does Cannabis Help?
Image source: David Guzman, “The Endocannabinoid System”
The endocannabinoid system
Receptors found on cells throughout the body
Purpose appears to relate to homeostasis,
wherever in the body the receptors are
activated by either endo- or phyto-
cannabinoids

9. Exogenous Cannabinoids
Cannabis Indica
Cannabis Sativa

10. What Symptoms Might Cannabis Help?
Your ECS
HOMEOSTASIS
DepressionVisceral Pain
Appetite
Digestive MotilityTHC
CBD
CB-1
CB-2
Fever & Chills
“Chemo brain” &
fatigue
CBN

11. Promising Cannabinoid Research
Source: www.pubmed.com and
http://norml.org/library/item/gliomascancer?category_id=560
- breast carcinoma
- prostate carcinoma
- colorectal carcinoma
- gastric adenocarcinoma
- skin carcinoma
- leukemia cells
- neuroblastoma
- lymphoma
- lung carcinoma
- uterus carcinoma
- thyroid epithelioma
- pancreatic adenocarcinoma
- cervical carcinoma
- oral cancer
- biliary tract cancer
(cholangiocarcinoma)
Preclinical/non-human studies have shown cannabinoids to potentially treat:

12. But Remember….
Brain cells with Alzheimer’s being grown in a
Petri dish (www.discovermagazine.com)
Female cannabis flowers are covered with small
crystals which contain dozens of active
therapeutic compounds

13. Methods of Administration
Inhalation Ingestion Topical
30 sec – 1 min.
Smoking/Vaping
Easy titration
Wide variety:
Tincture, foods,
beverages
5 to 10 min20 to 120 min.
Can be helpful for
neuropathic pain,
psoriasis
Can be difficult to
titrate
No psychoactivity
Flower &
concentrated oils

14. What About Cannabis Oil?
Also called “Rick Simpson Oil,” “Full Extract Cannabis Oil” (FECO), or
“Phoenix Tears.”
Tincture
Edible
Typically made with alcohol, glycerine,
hempseed oil
1 ounce flower yields ~1 fl oz tincture
Dose: Measured in drops
Oil
Edible
Typically made with alcohol, CO2, butane,
or other solvents
1 ounce flower yields 2-4 grams oil
Dose: Measured in grains of rice

15. Cannabis Side Effects
Cannabis
has no
known
LD50
No known
negative
drug
interactions
Euphoria
Motor coordination problems
Short term memory loss
Red eyes
Dry mouth
Low blood pressure
Heart palpitations
Anxiety/panic/paranoia
Hallucinations
Remember, while unpleasant, too much cannabis alone is not fatal.
Time, water, food, and a relaxing environment all help.
Remember:
Start low,
Go slow!

16. What is the process?
1. Talk to your primary or specialist doctor
Any MD, DO or NP can certify
Some work for practices or groups that do
not allow them to certify. Their patients
must go to a cannabis specialist doctor.
Be prepared to educate

17. What is the process?
2. Choose a provider
• Grow at home
• Designate a dispensary
• Designate an individual to be
a cannabis “caregiver”
A quality provider should:
• Offer many options (product & potency)
• Be able to coach and explain products clearly
• Lab test all products
• Give receipts, track inventory, charge sales tax
• Use no pesticides
• Make you feel safe

18. Resources
www.pubmed.comhttps://cancercommunitycenter.org
“The place to go when you don’t
know where to begin.” www.safeaccessnow.org

19. Delivery Methods and Dosing:
Making the most of your medicine
Thank you for your
time and attention!
What are your remaining
questions & concerns?
www.mainewellness.org
@wellconnectme
www.facebook.com/mainewellness
Instagram: @mainewellness