Key Study Proves Again that Cannabis can Slow Cancerous Tumor Growth
There have already been numerous studies conducted proving how Cannabis kills cancerous cells. Adding to the evidence, a new study from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain uncovers the existence of previously unknown signaling platforms responsible for Cannabis’ success in shrinking tumors.
For the study, human breast cancer cells were induced into mice, and then targeted with doses of the cannabis compound THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). Researchers found that two cell receptors specifically were responsible for the drug’s anti-tumor effects.
The results of the study found that cannabinoid receptor CB2 and GPR55 are over-expressed in cancer cells and control cell fate. CB2R and GPR55 form heteromers in cancer cells which impact signaling of each protomer.
CB2R-GPR55 heteromers drive biphasic signaling responses as opposed to the individual receptors via cross-antagonism. This means that these heteromers might explain some of the biphasic effects of cannabinoids and constitute potential new targets for fighting cancer.
Dr Peter McCormick, speaking for the UEA’s school of Pharmacy, commented:
“THC, the major active component of marijuana, has anti-cancer properties. This compound is known to act through a specific family of cell receptors called cannabinoid receptors. However, it was unclear which of these receptors were responsible for the anti-tumour effects of THC. We show that these effects are mediated via the joint interaction of CB2 and GPR55 — two members of the cannabinoid receptor family.
Our findings help explain some of the well-known but still poorly understood effects of THC at low and high doses on tumour growth. . .By identifying the receptors involved we have provided an important step towards the future development of therapeutics that can take advantage of the interactions we have discovered to reduce tumor growth.”
Another study from researchers with Saint George’s University of London and published in Anticancer Research, reveals how various compounds within cannabis are able to work together to kill human leukemia cells.
You can bet that as more of these studies come out and enhance public awareness about cannabis, pharmaceutical companies will attempt to make synthetic versions of THC. In fact, they already have.
Beware of ‘Fake Marijuana’
One street version of synthetic pot is popularly called K2, or Spice, a chemical similar to cannabis that gives a marijuana-like high, but there have been an increasing number of cases of individuals experiencing seizures, heart palpitations, fever, dehydration and some psychotic episodes after using the drug. Be aware of these fake drugs.
There’s nothing like the real thing. The natural cannabis plant should be legalized everywhere in the country. There is simply no longer any proof that it doesn’t have medicinal qualities as the Feds once told everyone.
It is great that Cannabis is finally getting a fair shake. Since countless are estimated to die from cancer in our generation, it would be wise to continue the important research and allow people to exercise their god given right of free will.
These laws only work to oppress our society and fuel the ever growing police state
Well said, the time to fully legalize it is now, …here is a good link for folks that may want to do their own research instead of relying on the general media.
Big pharma would never devolope a cure using anything! There is no money in curing! but there is enormous profit in ‘treating’
”A new treatment for hepatitis C “cured” 90% of patients with the infection in 12 weeks, scientists said” from the BBC with evidence from Pubmed PMC3893124 and 24725238 What’s more is that one of the companies behind these treatments what’s a 95% cure rate across most, if not all genotype’s and in 6-12 weeks. The cost of HCV over the lifetime of a patient can run into high six figures. The cost of transplant alone, can run up to $300-$350k. The cost of the cure? ~$70k.