Cannabis in the Fight Against Cancer

First Published May 30, 2023 

There are reports that the main cannabinoids have already helped persons suffering from some forms of the disease. In particular, Cannabidiol (CBD) has demonstrated anti-tumor effects both in test-tube and animal-based studies. Indications are that it has slowed or prevented the spread of prostate, brain, colon and lung cancer.

Scientific reports on this subject have existed for more than two decades. In an earlier article, we made reference to the NIH report of December 1, 2011, which detailed that cannabinoids have been found to help kill breast cancer cells and fight liver cancer.

Equally important, is the position taken by four researchers from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM). After reviewing 134 pieces of scientific literature, they expressed the view that there should be further exploration to determine the potential of CBD to treat and prevent cancer. The result of their review was published on the National Institutes of Health website on October 30, 2020. The researchers determined that “CBD, alone or with other agents, has been shown to successfully induce cell death, inhibit cell migration and invasion in vitro, decrease tumor size, vascularization, growth, and weight, and increase survival and induce tumor regression in vivo.”

The take-away is that cannabis compounds can potentially impede the metastatic spread of tumors. Additionally, CBD may enhance the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, as it has been shown to reduce drug resistance in certain cancer cells.

There is also research relating to the effectiveness of cannabis Terpenes in battling cancer cells. It is believed that some terpenes are indeed effective in inhibiting the activity and growth of cancer cells. More information is provided in this article: Medical Marijuana: THC, CBD, Treatments And Access.

There are professionals who view cannabis as a valuable addition to symptom management and care of some cancer patients. Based on published reports, medicine derived from the plant has had favorable results in alleviating certain symptoms associated with cancer. Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD and other cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating various physiological processes, including immune function, pain perception, and inflammation. By influencing this system, cannabis can provide several benefits to patients suffering from cancer.

Thus, the easing of symptoms is one of the primary ways that cannabis is known to assist cancer patients. Such patients frequently experience pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and insomnia. Cannabis has shown promise in managing these symptoms, with THC demonstrating analgesic properties and CBD exhibiting antiemetic and appetite-stimulating effects. By improving patients’ quality of life, cannabis can complement conventional therapies and enhance overall well-being.

The “Way of Leaf” website (accessed February 12, 2022), reported on the result of research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in June 2015. That research considered the effects of marijuana on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. According to Way of Leaf, “it discovered that vomiting and nausea stopped completely in almost half of the patients who used cannabis. In comparison, the symptoms only stopped in 20% of patients who used a placebo.” This and other similar findings must be viewed as a significant development in the fight against cancer.

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Based on research previously done, the article quoted PRNewswire in reporting “when the two formulations were combined, nearly 100 per cent of HER2+ breast cancer cells in 3D cell cultures were killed through the three different pathways: direct cell cytotoxicity, immune stimulated T-cell cytotoxicity, and macrophage-induced phagocytosis.” Additional reporting is anticipated on results from this scientific investigation. 

More recently, according to the Jamaica Gleaner (February 8, 2023), Flavocure Biotech, a drug company founded by Jamaican scientist Dr Henry Lowe, has been pushing towards phase-one clinical trials for one of its cancer drugs called Caflanone. This drug is derived from a special strain of cannabis. In fact, it is reported that the particular strain of cannabis is very rare and difficult to locate outside Jamaica. The company is based in Maryland (USA) and is awaiting the FDA greenlight to commence trials.

Caflanone is intended to treat pancreatic cancer, but bone marrow myeloma cancer and certain brain tumors may also be responsive to the drug. The same company is seeking to develop cannabis drugs to treat acute myeloid leukemia.

Although the potential benefits of cannabis in the treatment of cancer are encouraging, one must clearly understand that further research is necessary to fully understand its mechanisms of action, optimal dosages, and potential side effects. Additionally, the use of cannabis as treatment for cancer should be approached with caution and under the guidance of healthcare professionals, as it may interact with other medications and individual responses can vary.

Finally, it is undeniable that there have been many positive developments relating to cannabis in the fight against cancer. By alleviating symptoms associated with the disease and potentially exerting anti-tumor effects, compounds from the plant hold real promise. It is anticipated that further exploration will establish the full therapeutic potential of cannabis and ensure its safe and effective integration into cancer treatment protocols.

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References:

Emily S. Seltzer, Andrea K. Watters, Danny MacKenzie, Jr., Lauren M. Granat, and Dong Zhang. “Cannabidiol (CBD) as a Promising Anti-Cancer Drug.” NIH National Library of Medicine. Published online Oct 30, 2020.
Accessed 12 Apr. 2023 from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7693730/#:~:text=CBD%2C%20alone%20or%20with%20other,70%2C71%2C74%5D.

Peter A. Clark, Kevin Capuzzi and Cameron Fick. “Medical Marijuana: Medical necessity versus political agenda.” Medical Science Monitor. December 1, 2011. Accessed 23 Nov. 2021 from
https://www.medscimonit.com/abstract/index/idArt/882116

“Cannabis company Flavocure preparing cancer drug trial.” The Jamaica Gleaner. February 8, 2023.

“Jamaican women first in line for new ganja treatment of breast cancer.” Jamaica Observer. May 21, 2021

“The Ultimate Cannabis Debate: Healing Herb or Illicit Drug?” Way of Leaf. Mar. 17, 2021. Accessed 12 Feb. 2022 from
https://wayofleaf.com/blog/the-marijuana-debate-healing-herb-or-dangerous-drug

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