In recent years, the world has seen a surge in studies and research on the effects of marijuana on fighting cancer. A number of studies have proved that marijuana has the potential to kill cancer cells, reduce the size of tumors, and impede the growth of cancerous cells.
One of the most notable studies on this topic was conducted by the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. The study found that a chemical compound found in marijuana, known as cannabidiol, could kill breast cancer cells by turning off a protein called ID-1. The lead researcher, Dr. Sean McAllister, stated that “CBD could be the first non-toxic agent to show promise in treating metastatic forms of breast cancer.”
Another study published in the Journal of Molecular Medicine discovered that THC, also found in marijuana, could also reduce the size of tumors in cancer patients. The study found that THC killed off cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Marijuana has also been shown to help alleviate symptoms experienced by cancer patients during and after their treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, marijuana has been found to effectively combat nausea and vomiting, two common side effects of cancer treatment.
Despite these proven benefits, marijuana faces strong political and pharmaceutical push-back due to its classification as a Schedule I drug in the United States. This classification makes it difficult for researchers to conduct further studies on the drug’s potential benefits.
Furthermore, the legalization of marijuana in certain states has been met with resistance from some politicians and pharmaceutical companies who fear it may cut into their profits. However, medical marijuana has been legalized in a number of states in the U.S., including California, where the aforementioned study was conducted.
In conclusion, the potential benefits of marijuana in fighting cancer cannot be ignored. In addition to killing cancerous cells and reducing tumor growth, marijuana can also help alleviate common side effects of cancer treatment. As research continues, it is important for policymakers to consider the potential benefits of medical marijuana for cancer patients.
References:
- McAllister, S. D. et al. Cannabinoids selectively inhibit proliferation and induce death of cultured human glioblastoma multiforme cells. Journal of Neurooncology 74, 31–40 (2005).
- McAllister, S. D., Christian, R. T., Horowitz, M. P., Garcia, A. & Desprez, P.-Y. Cannabidiol as a novel inhibitor of Id-1 gene expression in aggressive breast cancer cells. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics 6, 2921–2927 (2007).
- Velasco, G. et al. Cannabinoids and gliomas. Molecular Neurobiology (2007).
