Conditions : MMJ and Cancer - Who is killing who?
- Seniors MMJ Network
- Oct 18, 2015
- 4 min read
For people vehemently opposed to the legalization of MMJ, it's research and acknowledgments like this, that truly makes one wonder, what are they afraid of? Seniors MMJ Network takes the responsibility as an educator, to offer balanced, scientific based evidence in the highest regards. Our integrity as an educator is imperative to our mission. We've been aware of the potential for Medical Marijuana to kill certain forms of Cancer for many years, but now with the recent confirmation from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), we offer you this information to contemplate.
"Studies in mice and rats have shown that cannabinoids may inhibit tumor growth by causing cell death, blocking cell growth, and blocking the development of blood vessels needed by tumors to grow. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that cannabinoids may be able to kill cancer cells while protecting normal cells."
and now, a message from National Institute of Health : NIDA -
"NIH-funded and other researchers are continuing to explore the possible uses of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids for medical treatment.
For instance, recent animal studies have shown that marijuana extracts may help kill certain cancer cells and reduce the size of others. Evidence from one cell culture study suggests that purified extracts from whole-plant marijuana can slow the growth of cancer cells from one of the most serious types of brain tumors. Research in mice showed that treatment with purified extracts of THC and CBD, when used with radiation, increased the cancer-killing effects of the radiation" (Scott, 2014).
Considering the sources and the mountain of evidence needed to compel these groups to publicly make such statements, how could anyone be opposed to further research? We all share the same end goal of turning a terminal illness into something that isn't. If Medical Marijuana helps us unlock the secret, it's possible to form other medications or treatments based on the newly understood science. Some would describe that as "outside of the box" thinking, but if MMJ isn't your thing, we might be able to find an equally effective alternative.
Human trials have been blocked by the current Schedule 1 classification of Marijuana, but studies have been conducted in other countries, most notably in Israel. How can MMJ gain FDA approval for medicinal use in the US, you ask? It's interesting to note that they distinguish between the "whole plant" and the isolated cannabinoids in their statement -
"The FDA requires carefully conducted studies (clinical trials) in hundreds to thousands of human subjects to determine the benefits and risks of a possible medication. So far, researchers have not conducted enough large-scale clinical trials that show that the benefits of the marijuana plant (as opposed to its cannabinoid ingredients) outweigh its risks in patients it is meant to treat."
We imagine, this will come as a complete shock to some and it may be met with skepticism, again, we ask you to consider the sources. Tell a friend, share this article and get involved fighting for roadblocks to continued research to be cleared. Cancer effects millions of people annually, for many, it is close to home.
We've copied a portion of the new text from the National Institute of Health : National Cancer Institute. You can find their full posting here - http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/cannabis-pdq/#link/_13
National Institute of Health : National Cancer Institute
Preclinical studies of cannabinoids have investigated the following activities:
Antitumor activity
Studies in mice and rats have shown that cannabinoids may inhibit tumor growth by causing cell death, blocking cell growth, and blocking the development of blood vessels needed by tumors to grow. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that cannabinoids may be able to kill cancer cells while protecting normal cells.
A study in mice showed that cannabinoids may protect against inflammation of the colon and may have potential in reducing the risk of colon cancer, and possibly in its treatment.
A laboratory study of delta-9-THC in hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) cells showed that it damaged or killed the cancer cells. The same study of delta-9-THC in mouse models of liver cancer showed that it had antitumor effects. Delta-9-THC has been shown to cause these effects by acting on molecules that may also be found in non-small cell lung cancer cells and breast cancer cells.
A laboratory study of cannabidiol (CBD) in estrogen receptor positive andestrogen receptor negative breast cancer cells showed that it caused cancer cell death while having little effect on normal breast cells. Studies in mouse models of metastatic breast cancer showed that cannabinoids may lessen the growth, number, and spread of tumors.
A laboratory study of cannabidiol (CBD) in human glioma cells showed that when given along with chemotherapy, CBD may make chemotherapy more effective and increase cancer cell death without harming normal cells. Studies in mouse models of cancer showed that CBD together with delta-9-THC may make chemotherapy such as temozolomide more effective.
Below is a series of links to other studies with similar results. This is not new science, unfortunately, we've known of the potential for decades.
California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute : 2015
The Antitumor Activity of Plant-Derived Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids.
AntiCancer Research - International Journal of Cancer Research and Treatment : 2013
Harvard Medical School - Oncogene : 2008
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol inhibits epithelial growth factor-induced lung cancer cell migration in vitro as well as its growth and metastasis in vivo
California Pacific Medical Center, Research Institute : 2007
Cannabidiol as a novel inhibitor of Id-1 gene expression in aggressive breast cancer cells.
British Journal of Cancer : 2006
A pilot clinical study of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Denmark) : 2005
Journal of the National Cancer Institute : 1975 !
Antineoplastic activity of cannabinoids.
If you are curious about the subject, we encourage you to do some research. Always consider the source, cross reference the facts and keep an open mind to the potential benefits and risks.
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