The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa recently presented the preliminary results of an early phase of cannabis research that analyzed the influence of marijuana on 200 types of different cancer cells. The cancer study involved 50 different strains of cannabis, which means that the results should be vast and comprehensive.
The scientists detected that cannabinoids seem to slow tumor growth in vitro. Moreover, they may provoke the death of cancer cells in a process known as “apoptosis.” The Israeli scientists are now looking into the effects various combinations of cannabis derivatives, as well as their delivery methods and doses, have on different types of cancer cells.
Dr. David Meiri, the head of the cannabis research program, emphasizes that there is a significant amount of data that proves the ability of cannabinoids to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even contribute to their death. Furthermore, cannabis contains a variety of other therapeutic agents, such as flavonoids and terpenoids. They are present in small quantities but in combination with cannabinoids provide a stable therapeutic effect.
The primary field of Meiri's research are cell cytoskeletons, which have a tremendous role in the processes of division and movement of cancerous cells. During his research of compounds that can affect cell structure, Meiri stumbled upon cannabis and decided to broaden the scope of available information about its properties.
Cannabis is already prescribed to cancer patients suffering from pain, nausea, and appetite loss as a result of chemical treatment. But all these scientific findings make us think that there are still many undiscovered properties of marijuana that have the potential to make a breakthrough in the treatment of serious diseases.