Cannabis has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, and more recently, researchers have been studying its potential to treat cancer. While there are still many unknowns when it comes to the effects of cannabis on cancer, there is evidence to suggest that it may provide some relief from symptoms and even potentially be a cure. In this article, we’ll explore what we know so far about the potential of cannabis to treat cancer and what further research needs to be conducted.
Does marijuana have any proven anti-cancer properties?
There is some evidence that cannabis compounds may aid in the treatment of some forms of cancer. Studies have suggested that cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, can slow the growth of certain types of cancer cells and reduce the spread of cancer. However, more research is needed to determine the efficacy of marijuana for cancer treatment.
What specific types of cancer may be treated with cannabis?
Cannabis has been studied for its potential to treat certain types of cancer, including brain, breast, and prostate cancer. Studies suggest that cannabis may be able to reduce the size of tumors, improve the effectiveness of traditional cancer treatments, and reduce nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.
What are the long-term effects of using cannabis to treat cancer?
The long-term effects of using cannabis to treat cancer are still being studied, but some research has suggested that it may be beneficial. Studies have shown that cannabis may help to reduce tumor size, improve appetite and reduce nausea, as well as decrease inflammation and pain. However, more research is needed to confirm the effects of cannabis on cancer and its long-term effects.
Does the use of marijuana to treat cancer have any side effects?
Yes, the use of marijuana to treat cancer can have side effects. These may include dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, and fatigue. It may also interact with other medications and have an effect on the user’s mental health. It is important for users to speak with their doctor before using marijuana to treat cancer to ensure that it is safe and effective.
Are there any legal restrictions on using cannabis to treat cancer?
Yes, there are legal restrictions on using cannabis to treat cancer. In the United States, cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning that it has no accepted medical use and is considered to have a high potential for abuse. Therefore, it is illegal to use cannabis for medical purposes in the United States, except in some states that have passed laws allowing the use of medical marijuana. Even in those states, medical cannabis must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider.
Cancer accounted for about 10 million deaths worldwide in , according to the World Health Organization. One popular social media post suggests some of those deaths could have been avoided if cancer patients used cannabis. A two-minute Facebook video shared Jan. A voiceover describes the benefits of the plant, including its ability to treat cancer. Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks. The post generated close to 1, interactions and 92, views in less than a week. Variations of this claim have amassed hundreds of likes on Facebook. Experts told USA TODAY that, while some studies have shown chemical compounds in cannabis can kill cancer cells, those findings have not been replicated in clinical trials involving humans. And while the Food and Drug Administration has approved cannabis-based products for the treatment of cancer-related side effects, they are not proven to cure cancer. Cannabinoids , chemical compounds in the cannabis plant, have long been demonstrated to kill cancer cells in test tube experiments, according to Dr. However, these findings have not been replicated in clinical studies involving humans the gold standard of medical research. Studies also dont typically use cannabis in its raw form, he said. There are about 80 to cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, with tetrahydrocannabinol THC and cannabidiol CBD being the main two, according to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation. Cannabinoids can interact with receptors in the nervous system and regulate cell activity. The earliest published research on the anticarcinogenic effects of cannabinoids is a study that found the compounds inhibited lung adenocarcinoma cancer cell growth in vitro and in mice, according to a literature review. Preclinical studies published in later years also found cannabinoids inhibited cancer cell growth for conditions like breast cancer , melanoma skin cancer and thyroid cancer. Some studies have shown cannabinoids eliminate cancer cells without damaging healthy ones, according to the National Cancer Institute. A study also found that extracts from the cannabis plant protect normal colon cells while reducing the viability of cancerous cells. Those studies are promising. Thats still true today, Holstege said. While research has indicated some compounds in cannabis can inhibit the growth of cancerous cells, that doesnt mean its a cure. Cancer patients who rely on cannabis to treat their condition can face potential health risks, according to Holstege. Adverse side effects from taking cannabis products include drowsiness, sleepiness, blood pressure change, increased heart rate and nausea, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Clinic. More Can Bidens Cancer Moonshot succeed? Its possible, experts say, but it will take more than words. Two commercially available cannabis-based drugs, dronabinol and nabilone, are FDA-approved for the treatment of cancer-related side effects, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, the FDA has not approved any cannabis products for the treatment of cancer itself. Preclinical studies have shown that cannabis compounds can kill cancer cells, but no clinical trials in humans have replicated those results. While some cannabis-based drugs are approved by the FDA to treat cancer-related side effects, experts caution that they are not a substitute for cancer treatment. They could also have some adverse side effects. Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can s ubscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. Fact check Claim that cannabis kills cancer cells is missing context. Show Caption. Hide Caption. Bidens moonshot aims at cancer deaths. President Joe Biden initially launched the Cancer Moonshot initiative during his final years as vice president under Barack Obama. Watch this woman listen to her body and kick cancers butt. Kayde Ford took the first step in saving her own life by demanding a mammogram. Now shes using her journey to shape other peoples futures. Facebook Twitter Email. Share your feedback to help improve our site!
For thousands of years people have used cannabis for recreational, ritualistic and medicinal purposes. In the modern era, the latter property excites a lot of people, and there is no shortage of wild claims about the supposed medical benefits of the plant. Of all the claims, perhaps the most bold is the assertion that cannabis can cure cancer. Astounding testimonials about cannabis and its derived products shrinking tumours or curing terminal cases are easy to find on the internet. But alluring as these stories are, they tend to be based on misunderstanding, wishful thinking or outright falsehood. Contrary to what most people believe, medical uses of cannabis have been widely studied. A review by the National Academy of Science looked at over 10, studies.