Cancer is just another word for cannabinoid deficiency

Marijuana has been used in herbal remedies for centuries. Everyone from hippies to conspiracy theorists and even several creditable scientists have previously argued that smoking or ingesting the herb can have medicinal benefits. Scientists have identified many biologically active components in marijuana. These are called cannabinoids. The two best studied components are the chemicals delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (often referred to as THC), and cannabidiol (CBD). Other cannabinoids are being studied.

Cancer kills up to 20,000 people worldwide every day, according to global health estimates. Health researchers for the US government claim that cannabinoids - the active ingredients in cannabis - can inhibit the illness by causing cell death and blocking key blood vessels needed by tumours to grow. The studies in mice and rats show cannabinoids may be able to kill cancer cells - while still protecting normal cells.


The findings of studies NCI (National Cancer Institute) have included:

• 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.
• 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 it damaged or killed the cancer cells. The same study of delta-9-THC in models of liver cancer showed that it had anti-tumor 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 and estrogen receptor negative breast cancer cells showed that it caused cancer cell death while having little effect on normal breast cells. Studies of metastatic breast cancer showed that cannabinoids may lessen the growth, number, and spread of tumors.
• A laboratory study of cannabidiol 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 showed that CBD together with delta-9-THC may make chemotherapy such as temozolomide more effective.

*These studies are considered by the NCI as preclinical. They were all done using animals.

The NCI has included findings on peripheral benefits for cancer patients from marijuana:

• Delta-9-THC and other cannabinoids stimulate appetite and can increase food intake.
• Cannabinoid receptors have been studied in the brain, spinal cord, and nerve endings throughout the body to understand their roles in pain relief.
• Cannabinoids have been studied for anti-inflammatory effects that may play a role in pain relief.

A molecular biologist, Dr Christina Sanchez, at the Compultense University in Madrid (Spain) spells out the exact mechanism at work, wherein the THC - "the main psychoactive constitute of the cannabis plant" - completely destroys the cancer cells. Dr Sanchez explains how our body itself produces endocannabinoids that activate various processes within, "creating a healthy environment". According to her, it's important to note that cannabis has the potential to kill anything cancerous, without giving birth to any psychoactive effects.

According to Dr Sanches, using the plant works best when it's eaten or when its oil is extracted. It's also important to note here that cannabis still has some ground to cover before it can rub shoulders with chemotherapy.
But it definitely seems that the world's come full circle in treating cannabis as a medicinal plant rather than a plant that kills. Watch Dr Sanchez explain this mechanism in her own words: