In claims that are in vast contrast to those of the Drug Enforcement Administration and other government entities, the government-funded National Cancer Institute has a report published on its website which proclaims several benefits of cannabis and cannabinoids, citing numerous scientific studies to back their claims. The page was updated as recently as August.
The report starts by explaining what cannabinoids are; “Cannabinoids are a group of 21-carbon–containing terpenophenolic compounds produced uniquely by Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica species”, the report continues, “These plant-derived compounds may be referred to as phytocannabinoids. Although delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive ingredient, other known compounds with biologic activity are cannabinol, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene, cannabigerol, tetrahydrocannabivarin, and delta-8-THC. CBD, in particular, is thought to have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity without the psychoactive effect (high) of delta-9-THC.”
The report then goes on to talk about the potential antitumor capabilities of cannabis and cannabinoids.
“One study in mice and rats suggested that cannabinoids may have a protective effect against the development of certain types of tumors.” They continue; “Cannabinoids may cause antitumor effects by various mechanisms, including induction of cell death, inhibition of cell growth, and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis invasion and metastasis. One review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of action of cannabinoids as antitumor agents. Cannabinoids appear to kill tumor cells but do not affect their nontransformed counterparts and may even protect them from cell death.”
According to the report; “An in vitro study of the effect of CBD on programmed cell death in breast cancer cell lines found that CBD induced programmed cell death, independent of the CB1, CB2, or vanilloid receptors. CBD inhibited the survival of both estrogen receptor–positive and estrogen receptor–negative breast cancer cell lines, inducing apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner while having little effect on nontumorigenic, mammary cells.”
In addition, the report states, “both plant-derived and endogenous cannabinoids have been studied for anti-inflammatory effects.”
After giving a comprehensive report on the potential anti-tumor capabilities of cannabis, the National Cancer Institute then goes on to speak about cannabis as an effective painkiller, and as an appetite stimulant.
This report, which cites dozens of scientific references, should be something that cannabis advocates share far and wide. It’s the government openly admitting that cannabis has some intense medicinal qualities.
Source: thejointblog.com
