Achievements in cannabis research against cancer

Is the relationship between cannabis and cancer positive in fighting against the adverse effects of this terrible disease? Based on medical studies from the US National Cancer Institute, we’ll expand on this theme below.

Commonly known as marijuana, this plant is cultivated in many parts of the world. Cannabis produces a thick resin made up of compounds called cannabinoids. These chemicals which are present in marijuana positively influence the immune system and the central nervous system.

The main active cannabinoid is called delta-9-THC; another is cannabidiol, or CBD, which is capable of relieving pain and considerably reducing anxiety and inflammation without the psychoactive effects of marijuana (i.e. delta-9-THC). Cannabinoids can be taken orally – inhaled or placed directly under the tongue.

Cannabinoids for cancer and the legal framework

Cannabinoids are the chemical substances found in cannabis, and these have effects on our bodies similar to those that pharmaceuticals can produce. Although the main cannabinoid is delta-9-THC, there are more than 100 different types of cannabinoids.

The studies undertaken have satisfactorily demonstrated how these substances are capable of relieving pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. In addition, they help to reduce anxiety and lack of appetite as well as the dreaded side effects of chemotherapy. This is really just the preface to the incredible benefits that medical cannabis can bring us in the fight against cancer.

The drawback is that cannabis is illegal in many countries although there are cancer patients who use it for medicinal purposes. The laws on medical marijuana vary from one nation to another, but the truth is that its therapeutic benefits have already been recognised by the UN since December 2020.
You should be aware that the CIS, the Centre for Sociological Research, determined that 90% of Spaniards are in favour of legalising therapeutic marijuana. In fact, there are more than 70 countries that have chosen to authorise it for medicinal use

How can cannabis be consumed for medicinal use?

We can take it orally, either included in food products or as an herbal infusion. Another way of taking it is by inhaling it. When we ingest cannabis, delta-9-THC is processed in the liver to become an additional psychoactive called 11-OH-THC.

Another alternative is to inhale cannabis by smoking, which is a quick way for cannabinoids to get into the patient’s bloodstream. This way, smaller amounts of the psychoactive chemical 11-OH-THC are generated.

The possibility of a cannabis medicine, which contains specific amounts of cannabinoids and is sprayed under the tongue, is currently being studied.

Anti-tumour effects of medical marijuana

A recent scientific study in the US concludes that cannabinoids may have protective effects against the proliferation of certain tumours. Doses of THC administered by tube decreased the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic adenoma tumours. In addition, they acted positively on polyps and adenomas, the mammary gland, uterus, testicles and pancreas.

Two reviews discuss the actual mechanisms of action of cannabinoids used as anti-tumour agents. Studies conclude that cannabinoids can eliminate tumour cells without affecting their non-transformed counterparts.

Another study regarding CBD in breast cancer managed to show that it was capable of inducing programmed cell death; in other words, CBD did not allow breast cancer cell lines to survive. This study tells us that both CBD and THC are valid models for preventing and fighting breast cancer.

What’s more, parallel research confirms that CBD is an excellent chemopreventive for colon cancer. Experimental treatments that included CBD caused a decrease in the development of malignant lesions.

In vitro studies with colorectal cancer cells found that CBD generated DNA protection against oxidative damage. There was an increase in the levels of endocannabinoids and the consequent reduction in cell proliferation.

As you have seen, there are serious recent studies endorsed by the National Cancer Institute in the US.

¿Hay estudios de cannabis medicinal en humanos?

Some studies have been carried out in people, which we summarise in the following list:

• Use of an oral spray of cannabinoids type delta-9-THC and CBD, administered with temozolomide, which was used for the treatment of aggressive brain tumours.
• Oral CBD for stem cell transplant patients.
• Cannabinoids and cannabis as alternative ways of controlling the adverse effects of cancer and as support for treatments.

Relief from nausea and vomiting

Cannabinoids, nabilone and dronabinol were administered to treat nausea and vomiting that appeared after chemotherapy sessions.

Medical marijuana can restore appetite
The great capacity of cannabinoids to recover and increase cancer patients’ appetite has been proven.

Pain relief

Vaporised marijuana plus opiates relieves cancer pain as was demonstrated in 21 patients who developed chronic pain. Cannabis vaporised with morphine significantly decreased both discomfort and pain.

In addition, we find it interesting to tell you about another study carried out with aerosolised cannabis extract. The study outlines its use under the tongue, and it could be demonstrated that it helped to relieve pain in patients with advanced cancer. In fact, cannabis extract did what some strong opioids failed to do.

Finally, inhaled marijuana improved patients’ mood as it reduced anxiety and enhanced the feeling of greater well-being.

In conclusion, it is scientifically proven that the relationship between cannabis and cancer is positive in mitigating the adverse effects of this disease. Also, don’t forget that CBD-rich products can be legally marketed in Spain, provided that they are imported from another member country of the European Union