Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs, and the standard treatment often includes a combination chemotherapy protocol known as CHOP. In this clinical study, researchers evaluated whether a hemp oil rich in cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) could be safely used alongside chemotherapy. The study followed dogs undergoing treatment to assess safety, tolerability, quality of life, and whether the cannabinoids affected how the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin was processed in the body.

The findings showed that CBD/CBDA supplementation was generally well tolerated, with no serious adverse effects reported during the treatment period. Bloodwork and clinical measurements remained stable, and the addition of cannabinoids did not negatively impact the pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin, meaning the chemotherapy drug continued to behave as expected in the body. Researchers also monitored quality-of-life scores and found no significant differences between the treatment and placebo groups, suggesting that the hemp extract did not interfere with overall health during chemotherapy.

Overall, the study concluded that short-term use of CBD/CBDA hemp oil appears to be safe as a supportive addition during chemotherapy in dogs with lymphoma, though clear therapeutic benefits were not definitively established. The authors emphasize that more research is needed to evaluate long-term safety, optimal dosing, and whether cannabinoids may provide measurable improvements in outcomes or symptom management when used alongside cancer treatments.

Source:
Lejeune A, et al. Safety, Efficacy and Doxorubicin Pharmacokinetics During Cannabidiol/Cannabidiolic Acid Rich Hemp Oil Use in Dogs With Lymphoma Undergoing CHOP Chemotherapy. National Library of Medicine (NIH): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12232875/