The evidence supporting the medical uses of marijuana is still developing, but recent research indicates that it could be useful in the fight against cancer. As more states and countries legalize marijuana for medical use, researchers are able to dig deeper into its potential benefits. One such advantage is that marijuana could possibly help lessen the need for some cancer patients to undergo chemotherapy.
Marijuana has long been known to help cancer patients alleviate symptoms such as nausea, improved appetite, and reduced pain. However, it has also been found to have potential cancer-fighting properties. Researchers from St George’s, University of London, have found that compounds in marijuana called cannabinoids can kill leukemia cells. They discovered that when leukemia cells were treated first with chemotherapy and then with cannabinoids, the cells were eradicated more efficiently than with chemotherapy alone. Further study is needed, but the evidence so far is promising.
This was not the first study to demonstrate the potential anti-cancer abilities of cannabinoids. In 2014, St George’s researchers found that cannabinoids increased the effectiveness of radiation therapy on animals with brain cancer. Another study from the same year, conducted by Spanish researchers, found that cannabinoids fought tumors in mice with breast cancer. While clinical trials in humans have yet to be conducted, these results are encouraging.
Cannabinoid Extracts vs. Smoking Marijuana
It is important to note that researchers used concentrated extracts of cannabinoids in these studies, which have a different effect than smoking marijuana. According to Dr. Wai Liu, the researcher who led the St George’s study, smoking marijuana will not provide the same anti-cancer benefits as using concentrated extracts. However, cannabinoids are becoming an exciting prospect in oncology, and these studies are helping to establish the best ways to use them.
Cannabinoid extracts can be found at marijuana dispensaries in states where the substance is legal for medical or recreational use. Varieties are available that provide health benefits without getting users high. Additionally, cannabidiol (CBD) oil derived from hemp can be purchased online and in states where marijuana is still illegal. Many people report significant health improvements from using these oils, even if they do not have cancer. Research has also shown that they may help keep the brain healthy as it ages.
In Conclusion
Although the scientific evidence is still in its early stages, marijuana’s potential benefits in fighting cancer are becoming more evident. As more research is conducted and clinical trials with human patients are pursued, we may find that cannabinoids play a crucial role in cancer treatment. In the meantime, using cannabinoid extracts or CBD oil could help improve overall health and well-being.
While it is not a substitute for traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, the future looks promising for cannabis as a complementary approach to cancer treatment. In any case, using cannabinoid extracts or CBD oil as part of a holistic approach to health is worth considering.
