National Cancer Institute Study Finds Cannabis May Inhibit Tumor Growth

In a groundbreaking development, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the United States has recognized the potential of cannabis in inhibiting tumor growth. This revelation comes after extensive research indicating that cannabis can kill cancer cells and block the blood vessels tumors need to spread. The study highlights cannabis's potential effectiveness against colon, liver, breast, and several other types of cancer. This marks a significant shift in the perception of cannabis's role in cancer treatment

The NCI study, conducted on mice, shows promising results, though it has yet to be tested in human clinical trials. The research underscores cannabis's ability to inhibit tumor growth by killing cancer cells and preventing the proliferation of blood vessels necessary for tumor expansion. While these findings are preliminary, they open the door for further exploration into cannabis as a potential cancer treatment

Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, have been recognized for their ability to alleviate chemotherapy side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and pain. These compounds also help stimulate appetite, reduce anxiety, and promote sleep, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of chemotherapy. Although the study's findings are based on animal models, they provide a foundation for future human trials and potential therapeutic applications

Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two cannabinoid-based medications for cancer patients. These approvals highlight the growing acceptance of cannabis-derived treatments in the medical field. Meanwhile, in Europe, countries like France have faced challenges in the commercialization of cannabis-based medicines, such as Sativex, due to pricing disputes, despite its approval for multiple sclerosis patients

The implications of the NCI's findings are significant, particularly as cannabis legalization continues to evolve globally. Countries like Croatia have already legalized medical cannabis, and the study's conclusions could influence more nations to consider cannabis as a viable medical treatment. This potential shift could lead to broader acceptance and integration of cannabis in cancer treatment protocols worldwide

Experts believe that the study's results could pave the way for new research and development in cannabis-based cancer therapies. The potential for cannabis to serve as a complementary treatment alongside traditional cancer therapies offers hope for improved patient outcomes. As the medical community continues to explore cannabis's therapeutic benefits, further studies are expected to validate and expand upon these initial findings