The trans-9 (and 8) -tetrahydrocannabinols

Can Cannabis Cure Cancer

A nice study but not really supported by the results of scientific research, but in some cases
there where remarkable results. On the other site it remains a fact that the use in of Cannabis
during a Chemotherapy works a strong catalyst.
There should be no more confusion about whether or not marijuana is effective for cancer
patients. Medical marijuana is chemotherapy, natural style, for all cancer patients. The two
forms of hemp oil, one with THC and CBD and the other CBD alone (which is pretty much
legal everywhere) provide the body with chemo therapeutics without the danger and
staggering side effects. There are many chapters in this book about cancer patients using
marijuana but in this one we present a quick overview of the science that backs up the
assertion that every cancer patient and every oncologist should put medical marijuana on
their treatment maps.
What you will see in this chapter is reference to many scientific studies that are all viewable
on governmental sites. The United States government is pathetic in its dishonesty about
medical marijuana both believing in it and holding patents for its medical use and claiming at
the same time that it has no medical use. The federal government and still many states would
rather throw innocent people in jail for using medical marijuana than be honest about how
much it can help people recover from cancer and other diseases.
Below are summaries to just some of the scientific research out there that sustains the belief
that medical marijuana will help people cure their cancer.
One of the most exciting areas of current research in the cannabinoid field is the study of the
potential application of these compounds as antitumor drugs. CBD represents the first
nontoxic exogenous agent that can significantly decrease Id-1 expression in metastatic breast
cancer cells leading to the down-regulation of tumor aggressiveness. The CBD concentrations
effective at inhibiting Id-1 expression correlated with those used to inhibit the proliferative
and invasive phenotype of breast cancer cells. Of the five cannabinoids tested: cannabidiol,
cannabigerol, cannnabichromene; cannabidiol-acid and THC-acid, it was found that
cannabidiol is the most potent inhibitor of cancer cell growth. Taken together, these data
might set the bases for a cannabinoid therapy for the management of breast cancer.
Results show that 9-tetrahydrocannabinol reduces tumor growth, tumor number, and the
amount/severity of lung metastases in MMTV-neu mice. Cannabinoids induce ICAM-1,
thereby conferring TIMP-1 induction and subsequent decreased cancer cell invasiveness thus
inhibits lung cancer invasion and metastasis.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.
Researchers have observed expression of CB1 (24%) and CB2 (55%) in NSCLC patients.
They have also shown that the treatment of NSCLC cell lines (A549 and SW-1573) with

CB1/CB2- and CB2-specific agonists Win55,212-2 and JWH-015, respectively, significantly

attenuated random as well as growth factor-directed in vitro chemotaxis and chemo invasion
in these cells.
Researchers in lung cancers also reported that they observed significant reduction in focal
adhesion complex, which plays an important role in cancer migration. Medical marijuana
significantly inhibited in vivo tumor growth and lung metastasis (50%).
In research on pancreatic cancer it was found that cannabinoids lead to apoptosis of
pancreatic tumor cells via a CB2 receptor and de novo synthesized ceramide-dependent upregulation of p8 and the endoplasmic reticulum stressrelated genes ATF-4 and TRB3. These
findings may contribute to set the basis for a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of
pancreatic cancer as reported by the National Cancer Institute.
Prostate cancer cells possess increased expression of both cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptors, and
stimulation of these results in decrease in cell viability, increased apoptosis, and decreased
androgen receptor expression and prostate-specific antigen excretion.
In colorectal carcinoma cell lines, cannabidiol protected DNA from oxidative damage,
increased endocannabinoid levels and reduced cell proliferation in a CB(1)-, TRPV1- and
PPAR-antagonists sensitive manner. It is concluded that cannabidiol exerts chemo
preventive effect in vivo and reduces cell proliferation through multiple mechanisms.
Ovarian cancer represents one of the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women and is
the most common gynecologic malignancy. Results with medical marijuana support a new
therapeutic approach for the treatment of ovarian cancer. It is also conceivable that with
available cannabinoids as lead compounds, non-habit forming agents that have higher
biological effects could be developed.
Examination of a number of human leukaemia and lymphoma cell lines demonstrate that
CB2 cannabinoid receptors expressed on malignancies of the immune system may serve as
potential targets for the induction of apoptosis. Also, because CB2 agonists lack psychotropic
effects, they may serve as novel anticancer agents to selectively target and kill tumors of
immune origin.[11] Plant-derived cannabinoids, including Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC), induce apoptosis in leukemic cells.
Cannabinoid-treated tumors showed an increased number of apoptotic cells. This was
accompanied by impairment of tumor vascularization, as determined by altered blood vessel
morphology and decreased expression of proangiogenic factors (VEGF, placental growth
factor, and angiopoietin. Abrogation of EGF-R function was also observed in cannabinoidtreated tumors. These results support a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of skin
tumors.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third cause of cancer-related death worldwide. When
these tumors are in advanced stages, few therapeutic options are available. In this study, the
effects of cannabinoidsa novel family of potential anticancer agentson the growth of HCC
was investigated. It was found that (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol ((9)-THC, the main active
component of Cannabis sativa) and JWH-015 (a cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB(2)) cannabinoid
receptor-selective agonist) reduced the viability of the human HCC cell lines Cannabinoids
were able to inhibit tumor growth and ascites in an orthotopic model of HCC xenograft.[14]

These findings may contribute to the design of new therapeutic strategies for the management
of HCC.
Both cholangiocarcinoma cell lines and surgical specimens from cholangiocarcinoma patients
expressed cannabinoid receptors. THC inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion,
and induced cell apoptosis. THC also decreased actin polymerization and reduced tumor cell
survival in anoikis assay. pMEK1/2 and pAkt demonstrated the lower extent than untreated
cells. Consequently, THC is potentially used to retard cholangiocarcinoma cell growth and
metastasis.
Smoking marijuana might decrease the smokers risk for bladder cancer, a new study shows.
Retrospectively analyzing a large database of patients, researchers at Kaiser Permanente in
California found that patients who reported cannabis use were 45% less likely to be
diagnosed with bladder cancer than patients who did not smoke at all.
THC is a potent inducer of apoptosis, even at 1 x IC(50) (inhibitory concentration 50%)
concentrations and as early as 6 hours after exposure to the drug. These effects were seen in
leukemic cell lines (CEM, HEL-92, and HL60) as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear
cells.[16] Cannabinoids represent a novel class of drugs active in increasing the life span
in mice carrying Lewis lung tumors and decreasing primary tumor size.

Research has also found a cannabidiol-driven impaired invasion of human cervical cancer
(HeLa, C33A) and human lung cancer cells (A549) that was reversed by antagonists to both
CB(1) and CB(2) receptorrs as well as to transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1).
The decrease of invasion by cannabidiol appeared concomitantly with up regulation of tissue
inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP the findings provide a novel mechanism
underlying the anti-invasive action of cannabidiol and imply its use as a therapeutic option
for the treatment of highly invasive cancers.
A new anticancer quinone (HU-331) was synthesized from cannabidiol. It shows significant
high efficacy against human cancer cell lines in vitro and against in vivo tumor grafts in nude
mice. Two non-psychotropic cannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidioldimethylheptyl (CBD-DMH), induced apoptosis in a human acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
HL-60 cell line.
Other studies show a synthetic and potent cannabinoid receptor agonist, investigated in
hepatoma HepG2 cells and a possible signal transduction pathway that is proposed, indicates
a potential positive role in liver cancer. Cannabinoids have been found to counteract intestinal
inflammation and colon cancer. The control of the cellular proliferation has become a focus
of major attention as opening new therapeutic possibilities for the use of cannabinoids as
potential antitumor agents. Cannabinoid treatment inhibits angiogenesis of gliomas in vivo.
Remarkably, cannabinoids kill glioma cells selectively and can protect non-transformed glial
cells from death. These and other findings reviewed here might set the basis for a potential
use of cannabinoids in the management of gliomas. Other confirming studies may provide the
basis for a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of malignant gliomas.
In summary

Cannabinoids are found to exert their anti-cancer effects in a number of ways and in a variety
of tissues.

Triggering cell death, through a mechanism called apoptosis

Stopping cells from dividing
Preventing new blood vessels from growing into tumors
Reducing the chances of cancer cells spreading through the body, by stopping cells
from moving or invading neighboring tissue
Speeding up the cells internal waste disposal machine a process known as
autophagy which can lead to cell death

All these effects are thought to be caused by cannabinoids locking onto the CB1 and CB2
cannabinoid receptors. Almost daily we are seeing new or confirming evidence that
Cannibinoids can be used to great benefit in cancer treatment of many types.

The point of view of scientists:

Marijuana and Cancer
Marijuana is the name given to the dried buds and leaves of varieties of the Cannabis sativa
plant, which can grow wild in warm and tropical climates throughout the world and be
cultivated commercially. It goes by many names, including pot, grass, cannabis, weed, hemp,
hash, marihuana, ganja, and dozens of others.
Marijuana has been used in herbal remedies for centuries. Scientists have identified many
biologically active components in marijuana. These are called cannabinoids. The two best
studied components are the chemicals delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (often referred to as
THC), and cannabidiol (CBD). Other cannabinoids are being studied.
At this time, the US Drug Enforcement Administration lists marijuana and its cannabinoids as
Schedule I controlled substances. This means that they cannot legally be prescribed,
possessed, or sold under federal law. Whole or crude marijuana (including marijuana oil or
hemp oil) is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical
use. But the use of marijuana to treat some medical conditions is legal under state laws in
many states.
Dronabinol, a pharmaceutical form of THC, and a man-made cannabinoid drug called
nabilone are approved by the FDA to treat some conditions.
Marijuana
Different compounds in marijuana have different actions in the human body. For example,
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) seems to cause the high reported by consumers of
marijuana, and also can help relieve pain and nausea, reduce inflammation, and can act as an
antioxidant. It can also lead to feelings of anxiety and paranoia. Cannabidiol (CBD) can help

treat seizures, can reduce anxiety and paranoia, and can counteract the high caused by
THC.
Different cultivars (strains or types) and even different crops of marijuana plants can have
varying amounts of these and other active compounds. This means that marijuana can have
different effects based on the strain used.
The effects of marijuana also vary depending on how marijuana compounds enter the body.
When taken by mouth, the THC is absorbed poorly and can take hours to be
absorbed. Once its absorbed, its processed by the liver, which produces a second
psychoactive compound (a substance that acts on the brain and changes mood or
consciousness) that affects the brain differently than THC.
When marijuana is smoked or vaporized (inhaled), THC enters the bloodstream and
goes to the brain quickly. The second psychoactive compound is produced in small
amounts, and so has less effect. The effects of inhaled marijuana fade faster than
marijuana taken by mouth.
How can marijuana affect symptoms of cancer?
A number of small studies of smoked marijuana found that it can be helpful in treating nausea
and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy.
A few studies have found that inhaled (smoked or vaporized) marijuana can be helpful
treatment of neuropathic pain (pain caused by damaged nerves).
Smoked marijuana has also helped improve food intake in HIV patients in studies.
There are no studies in people of the effects of marijuana oil or hemp oil.
Studies have long shown that people who took marijuana extracts in clinical trials tended to
need less pain medicine.
More recently, scientists reported that THC and other cannabinoids such as CBD slow growth
and/or cause death in certain types of cancer cells growing in laboratory dishes. Some animal
studies also suggest certain cannabinoids may slow growth and reduce spread of some forms
of cancer.
There have been some early clinical trials of cannabinoids in treating cancer in humans and
more studies are planned. While the studies so far have shown that cannabinoids can be safe
in treating cancer, they do not show that they help control or cure the disease.
Relying on marijuana alone as treatment while avoiding or delaying conventional medical
care for cancer may have serious health consequences.
Cannabinoid drugs
There are 2 chemically pure drugs based on marijuana compounds that have been approved in
the US for medical use.

Dronabinol (Marinol) is a gelatin capsule containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol

(THC) thats approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat
nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy as well as weight loss and poor
appetite in patients with AIDS.
Nabilone (Cesamet) is a synthetic cannabinoid that acts much like THC. It can be
taken by mouth to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy when
other drugs have not worked.
Nabiximols is a cannabinoid drug still under study in the US. Its a mouth spray made up of a
whole-plant extract with THC and cannabidiol (CBD) in an almost one to one mix. Its
available in Canada and parts of Europe to treat pain linked to cancer, as well as muscle
spasms and pain from multiple sclerosis (MS). Its not approved in the US as of 2015, but its
being tested in clinical trials to see if it can help a number of conditions.
How can cannabinoid drugs affect symptoms of cancer?
Based on a number of studies, dronabinol can be helpful for reducing nausea and vomiting
linked to chemotherapy.
Dronabinol has also been found to help improve food intake and prevent weight loss in
patients with HIV. In studies of cancer patients, though, it wasnt better than placebo or
another drug (megestrol acetate).
Nabiximols has shown promise for helping people with cancer pain thats unrelieved by
strong pain medicines, but it hasnt been found to be helpful in every study done. Research is
still being done on this drug.
Side effects of cannabinoid drugs
Like many other drugs, the prescription cannabinoids, dronabinol and nabilone, can cause
side effects and complications.
Some people have trouble with increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure (especially
when standing up), dizziness or lightheadedness, and fainting. These drugs can cause
drowsiness as well as mood changes or a feeling of being high that some people find
uncomfortable. They can also worsen depression, mania, or other mental illness. Some
patients taking nabilone in studies reported hallucinations. The drugs may increase some
effects of sedatives, sleeping pills, or alcohol, such as sleepiness and poor coordination.
Patients have also reported problems with dry mouth and trouble with recent memory.
Older patients may have more problems with side effects and are usually started on lower
doses.
People who have had emotional illnesses, paranoia, or hallucinations may find their
symptoms are worse when taking cannabinoid drugs.
Talk to your doctor about what you should expect when taking one of these drugs. Its a good
idea to have someone with you when you first start taking one of these drugs and after any
dose changes.

What does the American Cancer Society say about the use of marijuana in people with
cancer?
The American Cancer Society supports the need for more scientific research on cannabinoids
for cancer patients, and recognizes the need for better and more effective therapies that can
overcome the often debilitating side effects of cancer and its treatment. The Society also
believes that the classification of marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance by the US
Drug Enforcement Administration imposes numerous conditions on researchers and deters
scientific study of cannabinoids. Federal officials should examine options consistent with
federal law for enabling more scientific study on marijuana.
Medical decisions about pain and symptom management should be made between the patient
and his or her doctor, balancing evidence of benefit and harm to the patient, the patients
preferences and values, and any laws and regulations that may apply.
To learn more
More information from your American Cancer Society
The following information may also be helpful to you. These materials may be read online or
ordered from our toll-free number, 1-800-277-2345.
More about complementary treatments and herbal medicines
Complementary and Alternative Methods and Cancer
Dietary Supplements: What Is Safe?
Placebo Effect
The ACS Operational Statement on Complementary and Alternative Methods of Cancer Management

Finding out about new ways to treat and prevent cancer

Learning About New Cancer Treatments
Learning About New Ways to Prevent Cancer

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