Breast Cancer & Full Spectrum CBDa Oil – What Does Science Say?
Breast Cancer & Full Spectrum CBDa Oil – What Does Science Say?
Between scientific research, practical experience and nuance
Breast cancer affects thousands of women – and their families – every year. Besides conventional treatments, many people are looking for additional ways to support their bodies, alleviate side effects, or simply gain more control. One of the substances increasingly mentioned in this regard is full-spectrum CBDa oil .
But what do we really know?
Where does hope end and science begin?
In this blog, we will take you through the current state of knowledge surrounding CBDa (cannabidiolic acid) and breast cancer, based on scientific research, practical experience, and the critical perspective of Peter Vermeul , founder and owner of CBD Spain – and the scientific brain behind the CBDa oil we use at CBD & Herb .
What is Full Spectrum CBDa oil?
CBDa is the natural, acidic precursor to CBD , as found in the raw hemp plant. When heated, CBDa converts to CBD, but in full-spectrum CBDa extracts, this original form is retained, along with:
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other cannabinoids
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terpenes
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flavonoids
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sterols
This combination creates what is known as the entourage effect : the idea that the plant's effect is stronger when all of its natural components are present together, rather than as isolated substances.
What does science show?
The honest answer: clinical evidence in humans is still limited . But preclinical research (laboratory and animal studies) does show interesting signs – particularly in aggressive forms of breast cancer .
For example, studies show that CBDa can inhibit the migration of highly invasive breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) . This is relevant because migration and metastasis are key determinants of disease progression. The mechanism behind this appears to lie in:
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inhibition of the PKA signaling pathway
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activation of RhoA (involved in cell stability)
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suppression of COX-2 , an inflammatory enzyme that is often elevated in aggressive tumors
Interestingly, these effects were observed with CBDa , and less so with CBD. This suggests that the acidic form may have subtype-specific properties .
Full spectrum versus loose fabrics
An important, but often overlooked aspect: much research shows that whole cannabis extracts are more potent than individual cannabinoids in preclinical models.
In breast cancer models, a whole plant extract sometimes proved more effective than pure THC or CBD alone. Synergistic effects were also observed in laboratory studies when cannabis extracts were combined with standard chemotherapy – without additional toxicity in that setting.
This does not mean that this automatically applies to people, but it does underline why Peter Vermeul has been pushing for research with real full spectrum extracts for years, and not just with isolated molecules.
And then the practice: patient experiences
In everyday life, many people with cancer use cannabis products as additional support . This is especially true for symptoms such as:
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pain
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insomnia
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nausea
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fear and anxiety
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decreased appetite
Positive experiences are regularly shared. These stories are also widely represented on patient platforms within the Netherlands.
Important to emphasize:
👉 These are experiences , not proof of healing.
👉 They deserve nuance, but also respect.
As Peter Vermeul puts it:
"Anecdotal doesn't mean worthless. It means we need to investigate more thoroughly, not look the other way."
Safety and combination with regular treatments
Full spectrum CBDa oil is generally well tolerated , but caution is essential – especially when combined with oncology treatments.
Research shows that cannabinoids can influence liver enzymes (such as CYP450), potentially leading to interactions with chemotherapy or immunotherapy . Sometimes there appears to be synergy, while other times there is potential for adverse effects.
Therefore the following always applies:
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Never use CBDa as a replacement for regular treatment.
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consultation with a doctor or oncologist
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build up slowly
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let yourself be guided
The vision of Peter Vermeul
According to Peter, the biggest problem is not caution, but standing still.
“It is always said that there is a lack of clinical research, but meanwhile there is hardly any investment in research into whole plant extracts – exactly as people use them.”
He sees every day that quality of life improves in people who are stuck with side effects, and advocates for serious, well-designed studies with full spectrum CBDa extracts instead of just individual substances.
Not to sell false hope.
But to do justice to what has been evident in practice for years.
Conclusion: Hope demands honesty
Full spectrum CBDa oil is not a cure for breast cancer .
But it is not an empty hype either.
Science demonstrates plausible mechanisms of action , particularly in aggressive tumor forms. Practical experience demonstrates clear improvements in quality of life. And the gap between the two calls not for rejection, but for further exploration.
Do you really want to understand where CBDa stands, what has been researched, and where its boundaries are?
👉 Then read the full scientific article on our science page:CBD Spain & Science , where all of Peter Vermeul's research is clearly collected.