Exploring the Role of Marijuana in Cancer Treatment

Marijuana has a wide range of uses. The plant can be used in an industrial context for paper, textiles, and even biofuel. Many are familiar with the plant's medical applications for relieving stress and managing chronic pain. However, few are familiar with the plant's use in fighting cancer. Many personal stories have been spread about the potential of the drug to help treat cancer but do the stories hold up against the test of science? Well, look no further as we examine the current information on the subject and see if there is a connection to marijuana in treating cancer.  

The science behind cancer and marijuana

What is Cancer?

Before diving into this complicated subject's science, we must first understand what cancer is and how it works. Basically, cancer is when the body produces too many cells. An uncontrolled growth of cells in the body causes cancer, which forms lumps called tumors. These abnormal cells can invade nearby tissues and organs or spread to other body parts. Cancer cells do not follow the body's signals to stop growing and dividing, unlike normal cells. Cancer is classified according to the organ or tissue from which it first appears. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy are just some of the options one can you to help fight the condition. The prognosis can be improved through early diagnosis and treatment.

Generally, cancer treatment usually works by targeting the troubled area. Chemotherapy gives patients one or more anti-cancer drugs that help destroy cancer cells. These powerful drugs travel throughout your body, even affecting healthy cells, leading to common symptoms like hair loss and nausea. Many factors go into determining if chemotherapy might be right for you, like age, weight, type of cancer, health, stage of cancer, and other medical conditions. 

Cancer treatment can last up to six months to a year and even as long as it is needed. The process can be stressful and put a lot of strain on a patient mentally and psychically. The intent for treatment can range from curative or reduced symptoms, similar to palliative care. 

The Different Types of Cancer

About 1.9 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer every year. The most common types of cancer differ between the genders. With men, the most common type of cancer is prostate cancer. Roughly 250,000 men will be diagnosed with this type of cancer. With women, the most common type of cancer is breast cancer, with about 280,000 diagnosed. 

Here is a list of the most common cancers and a brief description:

Breast cancer: Cancer that develops in the breast tissue, usually in the milk ducts or lobules. Alterations to the size or shape of your breasts, as well as lumps or unusual skin or nipples, are all possible side effects of this cancer.

Lung cancer: Smoking and exposure to certain chemicals can lead to lung cancer. Coughing up blood, chest pain, or shortness of breath are some symptoms.

Prostate cancer: A blood test or physical examination usually detects abnormal prostate gland growth in men. The symptoms may include difficulty urinating or trouble to empty the bladder.

Colon cancer: Polyps in the colon's lining often cause colon and rectum cancers. A person may experience bowel changes, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and weight loss without explanation.

Skin cancer: Cancer that develops in the skin after exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or even tanning beds. Skin changes, sores that don't heal, or lumps or patches may be symptoms.

Marijuana as Cancer Treatment

Many personal stories have been told about the benefits of medical marijuana. The drug can help in many ways—the prime reason why seems to be the non-psychoactive component of the plant CBD. As we have previously discussed, CBD can be used to fight chronic pain, but some have found other unexpected uses. 

In an article published by ABC news a man was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. This form of cancer is the second most common form of skin cancer. After going through treatment, the man started to lose weight drastically. He thought his battle was ending until he heard about medical marijuana. After receiving a medical marijuana license, a doctor prescribed him CBD oil. Following consistent use, his symptoms started to die down. This is just a one-off story, so it should not be considered concrete evidence. Read on as we look at what the science has to say about the controversial subject. 

Marijuana in cancer treatment?

In marijuana, cannabinoids, the active ingredients, interestingly interact with the endocannabinoid system. In the body, cannabinoids may regulate the immune system and promote balance with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. This system controls various body functions, including appetite, pain perception, and mood. With this knowledge, many look to cannabis as a possible treatment. CBD has been the focus of research as a potential cancer treatment. In contrast, THC has not shown as much promise due to its psychoactive effects. Marijuana is still considered a Schedule I drug, but the FDA has approved different cannabinoids like Dronabinol. 

The research on marijuana's link to cancer is still very new. One study found that an oral cannabis spray could treat recurrent cancer. According to some studies, CBD can reduce pain, nausea, and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment. An analysis of patients with cancer-associated anorexia showed that marijuana stimulated appetite and improved weight gain.

A 2011 paper titled "The intersection between cannabis and cancer in the United States", found that cannabinoids might be able to stop the growth of cancer cells. This result has been seen in different types of cancer, including lung, brain, breast, prostate, skin, and colon. The way cannabinoids stop cancer growth is by stopping cell signaling, causing cancer cells to die, or triggering autophagy. Cannabinoids have been shown to activate proteins that cause cancer cells to die in certain cancers. It appears that cannabinoids inhibit the production of proteins that promote the development of blood vessels in tumors. A cannabinoid receptor called CB2 may be crucial for cannabinoids to work against cancer cells. Much of this data dates to the 1970s, so more relevant information would be needed to confirm the information. The paper goes as far as to explain that more research is required to understand the pros and cons of cannabis use in cancer treatment. Before safe and effective dosing and administration methods can be established, this must be done.

It is still controversial to use marijuana in cancer treatment despite these potential benefits. This is because of concerns over adverse reactions, drug interactions, and a lack of consistent dosing and quality assurance. Cannabis may not be safe or beneficial for all cancer patients. Before medicating with marijuana, patients should consult with their doctors.

Can Marijuana cause Cancer?

We have discussed the different types of cancer and marijuana being used as a form of treatment for cannabis, but there is also a discussion of marijuana causing cancer. This is mainly due to smoking the plant. When you smoke marijuana, you put yourself at risk of being exposed to carcinogens. Exposure to carcinogens changes cells' DNA, causing cancer. Limiting your exposure to carcinogens is vital to mitigating your risk of cancer. It is a good option to try non-combustible ways of using marijuana to limit your risk. Options include edibles, vape pens, or tinctures. 

The Current State

Since marijuana is still a Schedule I drug, the research will be limited. Much of the current information is either dated or does not pass today's rigorous standards to deem the plant a credible tool in cancer treatment. The information on the subject is relatively new, but expect more information to be published in the near future. For more information on medical marijuana in Viriginia, click the button below.