A systematic review published by the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Cell International details growing evidence that cannabidiol (CBD) may have anticancer effects against lung cancer, but human trials are lacking.
Researchers from Gerash University of Medical Sciences reviewed 19 studies conducted between 2007 and 2025 that examined CBD in relation to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for about 85% of all lung cancer cases and remains one of the world’s deadliest malignancies. Of the studies included, 13 were conducted in laboratory cell models, four in animals, and only two were clinical case reports involving patients.
Across these studies, CBD consistently demonstrated the ability to kill cancer cells and slow disease progression. Mechanisms identified included apoptosis induction through mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and PPAR-γ activation. CBD also inhibited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key driver of metastasis, while downregulating invasive markers such as N-cadherin and vimentin. Immune effects were also observed, with CBD boosting CD8+ T cell and natural killer cell activity, while reducing tumor-induced suppression.
Importantly, CBD showed synergistic effects when combined with conventional therapies. Studies reported that CBD increased tumor sensitivity to cisplatin and radiotherapy, enhanced drug uptake, and in some cases helped overcome treatment resistance. These findings suggest that CBD may be particularly valuable as an adjunct to existing cancer regimens rather than as a standalone therapy.
Human data, however, remain sparse. The two clinical case reports cited described tumor regression following prolonged self-administration of CBD oil at doses between 200 and 600 mg daily, but the lack of controls makes the findings anecdotal. Researchers caution that these outcomes cannot be generalized without rigorous clinical testing.
The review concludes that CBD “holds promise as an adjunct in lung cancer therapy, addressing key cancer hallmarks such as tumor growth, metastasis, and treatment resistance,” but stresses that “the current evidence base remains overwhelmingly preclinical, with human data restricted to two uncontrolled case reports.” The authors caution that “the absence of randomized controlled trials, the variability in dosing strategies, and unresolved safety concerns—including drug–drug interactions and long-term tolerability—underscore the preliminary nature of CBD’s clinical promise.”
Researchers say “Looking forward, several research priorities must be addressed”, including:
- Large-scale clinical trials to validate efficacy, establish optimal dosing regimens, and evaluate long-term safety.
- Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies to clarify bioavailability, tissue penetration, and interactions with chemotherapeutics.
- Patient stratification approaches to determine which molecular or immunological subgroups may derive the greatest benefit.
- Regulatory harmonization to facilitate international trials and clinical adoption.
The full study can be found by clicking here.
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