Cannabis is a controversial plant. Also known as marijuana, it is used both recreationally and medically. Recent studies are discovering the undeniable therapeutic effects of cannabis on the human body. This is because we have an endocannabinoid system with receptors for cannabinoids, the chemical compounds found in cannabis. Cannabis is increasingly gaining ground when it comes to preventing and treating cancer. Here are 5 ways cannabis kills cancer cells.
Table of Contents
CBD And Cancer
Along with THC, CBD or cannabidiol, is a key constituent of the cannabis plant, and one that has been extensively researched. It is now widely available, is non psychoactive, and is beneficial for anxiety, inflammation, pain, and nausea. Cannabinoids are so effective because they imitate compounds that are endogenously made; including anandamide and 2AG. Anandamide is responsible for the “runner’s high” many of us have experienced.
These compounds promote homeostasis or balance in the body, and promote cell-to-cell communication. Symptoms arise when the endocannabinoid system is not functioning efficiently. This is where cannabis is showing so much promise because the cannabinoids contained within the plant mimic the compounds that are naturally made in the body.
In fact, there is a name for inadequate cannabinoid production. It’s called endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome. This syndrome presents when the body doesn’t make enough endocannabinoids or enough receptors for them to attach to. Immune dysfunction, inflammation, IBS, migraines, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia are all red flags that the endocannabinoid system may not be functioning properly.
THC And Cancer
THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the cannabinoid with psychoactive properties that has prevented cannabis from being legalized in some states. It binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system, producing feelings of euphoria.
Many cannabis users abuse the intoxicating properties in THC, making it difficult to obtain for people who want to use cannabis medically. This is particularly unfortunate in children with epilepsy and other neurological conditions who so desperately need the therapeutic properties of cannabis. These patients respond favorably to strains of cannabis high in CBD, yet low in THC. These kids are not getting high from using cannabis.
There is a phenomenon called the “entourage effect” that is the result of over a hundred natural compounds, like cannabinoids and terpenes, working synergistically together to produce a positive effect. That’s why CBD works better when combined with THC. Significantly, the entourage effect enhances the therapeutic properties of each of these compounds, while minimizing the psychoactive effects.
Raphael Mechoulam, an Israeli chemist, isolated THC in 1964. This event heralded the beginning of cannabis research, and the discovery of over 100 other cannabinoids.
CB1 And CB2 Receptors
The compounds in cannabis exert their effects by attaching to receptors. Kind of how a key fits in a lock. There are two types of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. There will likely be more receptors discovered in the future. CB1 receptors are found mainly in the brain, white blood cells, the reproductive system, endocrine glands, and gastrointestinal tract.
CB1 receptors influence processes such as motor control, memory, and pain regulation. CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system, white blood cells, and the peripheral nervous system. These receptors are likely responsible for the notable anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis.
Interestingly, both CB1 and CB2 receptors are found in the immune system, with a greater number of receptors in the latter. Cannabinoids regulate cytokine release, an essential function of the immune system.
CB1 receptors produce psychoactive effects when stimulated, however, this is not seen in CB2 receptor activation, making these receptors particularly promising for their anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory potential.
How Cannabis Kills Cancer Cells
1. Cannabis And Apoptosis
Apoptosis is programmed cell-death, a protective mechanism in the body to destroy rogue cells, including cancer cells. The cannabinoids in cannabis accelerate apoptosis without harming normal cells. Cannabinoids have the ability to pass through cellular membranes of malignant cells, instructing them to commit suicide.
This is critically important when it comes to brain cancer because of the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier. The purpose of this barrier is to protect the brain from outside influences. Of particular importance is the ability of cannabinoids to pass through this protective barrier due to their lipotrophic properties.
Because they are lipid compounds, cannabinoids can gain entry into the brain, where they can directly target cancer cells. They can also pass through the cell membranes of cancerous cells, instructing them to commit suicide.
2. Cannabis Is Anti-Tumor
Cannabis inhibits the growth of tumors through a specific set of cannabinoid receptors, namely CB2 and GPR55. Research has demonstrated that giving THC to mice with tumors initiated autophagy, which reduced tumor growth.
Autophagy is a cellular cleanup process whereby diseased or dysfunctional cells are eliminated or recycled. Cannabinoids and costly pharmaceutical drugs impact similar pathways in the body. However, cannabis, unlike prescription drugs, won’t add to the toxic load.
Aside from its apoptotic and anti-tumor properties, cannabis is a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Cannabis is highly beneficial for symptoms associated with chemotherapy, like pain, nausea, vomiting, and refractory cancer pain.
These side effects are particularly miserable on a ravaged body and damaged immune system. THC and CBD may offer more significant relief to cancer patients than opioids, and without the negative side effects and propensity for addiction.
[Read More: What Is The Immune System?]
3. Metastasis And Cannabis
Metastases is a terrifying word because it means cancer has spread from its original location. Cannabinoids are anti-metastatic, meaning they can prevent cancer cells from spreading to other organs and tissues.
This ability to spread is why someone with breast cancer may eventually die of metastatic bone, brain or lung cancer. The fact that cannabis can prevent metastases is revolutionary because it could potentially halt the progression of many types of aggressive cancers.
Cannabis prevents metastasis by down-regulating the ID-1 gene, which enables cancer to spread. It would stand to reason that aggressive cancers, such as brain and prostate cancer that present with high levels of ID-1, would respond favorably to treatment with cannabis.
4. Cannabis Has Anti-Proliferative Properties
Compounds in cannabis prevent cancer cells from reproducing. Reproduction is what makes cancer so deadly. If cancer cells can no longer reproduce, it’s possible to contain the cancer. Dividing, growing, and spreading is what cancer cells do best. Stopping this process is paramount to halting the disease.
On the other hand, when this process continues unabated, mortality rates skyrocket, with the patient most likely succumbing to the pathology.
Compounds in cannabis prevent cancer cells from reproducing. THC has been found to inhibit proliferation of cancer cells in the breast, with CBD producing a down-regulation of Ki-67 – a cancer antigen found in dividing cells – resulting in a reduction of proliferation in tumor cells.
Ki-67 is therefore useful as an index of cell proliferation, differentiation, and growth, and is used to classify tumors and track disease progression. This marker can be monitored while using cannabis.
5. Angiogenesis and Cannabis
Chemical signals within a tumor stimulate its growth by forming new blood vessels. This formation of new blood vessels is called angiogenesis, and is one mechanism whereby cancer spreads. Cannabis prevents angiogenesis from occurring, stopping tumor growth by cutting off the blood and oxygen supply.
Tumors can’t survive when they no longer receive these vital nutrients that have enabled their growth. Angiogenesis is a normal aspect of human physiology that promotes growth and healing in healthy tissues, but is unfortunately instrumental in the progression of certain diseases, including cancer.
The cannabinoids THC and CBD are both anti-angiogenic, although their mechanisms vary. Since cannabis is considered a low-risk drug, there are no side effects, unlike angiogenesis inhibitors that cause a plethora of side effects.
Pain Relief And Cannabis
Cannabis is widely used for pain management. Each person may react differently in how their body responds to cannabis. It is used to reduce inflammation, alleviate headaches, calm neuropathic pain, and decrease muscle soreness. Cannabinoids act as mild sedatives to promote restful sleep and relax the nervous system, and are becoming increasingly popular to treat post-injury syndrome and following surgery.
Used in conjunction with conventional cancer therapies, cannabinoids are beneficial in mitigating the horrific side effects of chemotherapy. Cannabis improves quality of life, and decreases the anxiety so prevalent in ill people.
In tincture form, cannabis is highly impactful for treating chronic pain, and these effects can last up to eight hours. It can be ingested in a variety of forms, such as capsules, liquids, and edibles or be vaporized or applied topically. These various delivery methods allow treatment with cannabis to be layered throughout the day, resulting in optimal pain management.
Here’s an informative book called “The Cannabis Manifesto: A New Paradigm For Wellness” that is a call to action to radically change our relationship with cannabis, which is both controversial and beneficial. Obtaining medical marijuana will depend on your state’s laws. CBD, however, is legal in all states and can be purchased online. CBDPure is a reputable company and one that I endorse. You can purchase it HERE.
If you need topical pain relief, here’s a potent, fast-acting hemp balm.
Key Points
The high potential for benefit juxtaposed against cannabis’ low-risk profile, makes cannabis a popular player in the holistic cancer community. It’s certainly a viable option that can be used alongside conventional cancer treatments.
Cannabis eradicates cancer by various mechanisms. It is anti-tumor, prevents metastasis and angiogenesis, and induces apoptosis, all processes which allow cancer to thrive. If you or someone you know has cancer, please consider medical cannabis as part of your protocol.
How do you feel about using cannabis for cancer prevention and treatment? Let me know in the comments:)
References:
(1) Medical News Today: Cannabis reduces tumor growth in study
(2) British Pharmacological Society Journals: Targeting multiple cannabinoid anti‐tumour pathways with a resorcinol derivative leads to inhibition of advanced stages of breast cancer
(3) ResearchGate:The heterogeneity and complexity of Cannabis extracts as antitumor agents
(4) US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Effects of Tetrahydrocurcumin on Tumor Growth and Cellular Signaling in Cervical Cancer Xenografts in Nude Mice
(5) US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Cannabidiol (CBD) as a Promising Anti-Cancer Drug
(6) Oncotarget: The heterogeneity and complexity of Cannabis extracts as antitumor agents
(7) frontiers in Pharmacology: Antitumor Cannabinoid Chemotypes: Structural Insights
(8) Molecular Cancer: Cannabinoids reduce ErbB2-driven breast cancer progression through Akt inhibition
(9) Jama Network: Association Between Marijuana Use and Risk of CancerA Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
(10) Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Publishers: Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol
Wow! Great Article, I have a cousin that swears by CBD oil for his health and this article definitely makes it believable. I am curious to see just how many other benefits will come to light from cannabis. It is only a matter of time before the mainstream media and governments cannot deny it’s effectiveness.
Hi Nathan,
I agree, as more time passes, more people to wise up to the benefits of cannabis.
You really explained this very well in this article. A lot of people don’t know about the medical benefits of cannabis. I once told a friend of mine that cannabis has many medical benefits but he disagreed saying the only benefit is to get high. I will direct him to this article so he would stop arguing. Thanks!
Hi Linus,
Thanks for reading. You’re right, many people view cannabis only as a way to get high, but it’s medical benefits are profound.
In recent times the use of medical cannabis as allowed by the Canadian government has shown that cannabis may not be as destructive as it was thought to be.
This article has proven that there are various ways cannabis could help in curing cancer. My opinion is that if cannabis is well-monitored and processed into capsules and tablets, it is safe.
Cannabis helps in cancer treatment through a variety of mechanisms. It’s nice to be able to take it in capsule form. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Cannabis has been known to treat illness even other than cancer. I want to first appreciate you for the insight you have giving on various ways cannabis kills cancer. According to research it’s been proving that cannabis has so many health benefits especially when you remove THC from it which makes it very safe to use and also not addictive. Guess we are all learning daily as scientists explore other great benefits of cannabis for human health. Nice post.
Thank you. Yes, everyday we are learning more and more about the healing properties of cannabis.
I appreciate this educative post on 5 ways Cannabis kill cancers. I did research last year on Cannabis and Sex, that opened my eyes to the therapeutic benefits of Cannabis. From that research, I know that Cannabis has great medicinal properties.
The abuse of Cannabis generally is why it has been legalized at the federal level, and while it is still banned in many states. I would have loved to share this post but noticed you don’t have a sharable link for this. More awareness like this that you have done on cancer might convince those in authority to lift the ban on at the federal level.
I continue to keep creating awareness around this issue. Thanks for comment!
Thanks for writing out this lovely article and I must say it’s a must for everyone to read and digest. I’m amazed that cannabis can also be a cure for cancer cells in the body.
I have read a lot about how cannabis also prevents vomiting and decreases pain. This article is insightful and informative. I will bookmark this page and also share among friends and family.
Best regards.
Thank you. I’m hoping to educate others on the healing benefits of cannabis.
Wow! What a great helpful article this is. I have read the whole article about ”5 Ways Cannabis Kills Cancer Cells”. This is an awesome article with pertinent information. I am not familiar with cannabis.
But after reading this article I have learned that cannabis is a great remedy for cancer. Cannabis treats cancer by 5 methods: anti-tumor, prevents metastasis and angiogenesis, and induces apoptosis. One of my uncles is suffering from cancer.
I will discuss with him about cannabis and recommend for him to take medical cannabis as part of his treatment plan. I think using cannabis is great for cancer prevention and treatment. Thank you very much for sharing such an informative article with us. I will share this article with my friends and relatives so that they can benefit from this article as well.
Thanks for sharing my article with your family and friends and for taking the time to leave a comment.
Hi Holly,
I have read your article on 5 Ways Cannabis Kills Cancer Cells, really very helpful and informative article. Lots of information about killing cancer. A a cancer educator you have provided lots of useful information from your own experience.
Thank you so much for your great work. I will share this with my friends.
Thank you. I really appreciate your comment.
Hi, beautifully said, one of my best friends used cannabis to relief her pain, and I saw first hand, from the results that it actually works, so I know how much it helps. I don’t think she as ever tried the CBD but i will let her know about it. I so hate the word cancer so anything that aids in helping to relieve the pain, I am all for it.
Thank you. I’m so glad to hear cannabis helps your friend. Cancer is a very frightening word, isn’t it?!
What dosage of cannabis should a cancer patient take to have the positive effect?
Dosages range anywhere from 100mg, up to several hundred milligrams per day, for someone who is fighting cancer. It’s best to start low and gauge your reaction before increasing the aamount. Thanks for reading my post.