Cannabis Sativa is an ancient herbal remedy for pain, anxiety, nausea and anorexia – among many other traditional uses, including it’s sedative and psychoactive effects. This humble, ancient plant is getting more hype in the news because scientists are beginning to unlock some of Cannabis’ hidden chemical and biological gifts.

Humans are built for cannabis

Did you know we have an entire system in our bodies built specifically for cannabis? These are neurons in the brain, called ‘cannabinoid receptors’ that activate only in the presence of the chemical constituents of cannabis.

These receptors, along with endogenous cannabinoid receptor agonists (endocannabinoids, molecules naturally found in and produced by the body that activate these receptors), are known collectively as the endocannabinoid system.

–Medical Marijuana for Cancer by Joan L. Kramer, M.D.

Common uses of Pharmaceutical Cannabis

Dronabinol is one example of an FDA approved pharmaceutical currently used to allay the side-effects of conventional cancer treatments including radiation and chemotherapy. The American Cancer Society reports that cannabis, whether smoked, eaten, or taken as a pharmaceutical derivative, is effective in treating nausea, vomiting, weight loss, pain, insomnia, and fatigue.

New to this topic? Click here to read “Medical Marijuana for Beginners”

What is more interesting, are recent discoveries – and acceptance by the medical establishment – of cannabis’ potential to directly affect the growth and development of cancer cells.

More recently, scientists reported that THC and other cannabinoids such as CBD slow growth and/or cause death in certain types of cancer cells growing in lab dishes. Some animal studies also suggest certain cannabinoids may slow growth and reduce spread of some forms of cancer.

– American Cancer Society “Marijuana and Cancer“, 10:59 am 3/21/19

Studies are also revealing that not only do cancer cells contain cannabinoid receptors, but that cannabinoids (the chemical constituents of cannabis) have demonstrated “antineoplastic” or anti-tumor effects. Further studies have shown cannabis does not interfere with common chemotherapy drugs.

Christina Sanchez, a biologist at the University of Madrid, was studying brain cancer cells when she observed cancer cell “apoptosis” (cell death) when exposed to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Did you know cannabis is used to treat more than just cancer? Click here to read about cannabis for ADHD

Scientists at Harvard have also discovered cannabis’ ability to significantly slow tumor growth, target cancer cells, and inhibit the ability of cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body.

Some folks aren’t waiting for science to catch up…

While the use of cannabis to treat – and possibly cure – cancer is still a heated debate among scientists, people living with cancer are taking their health into their own hands. Why?

• proven to reduce side-effects of conventional treatment

• less invasive

• less toxic

• proven to slow the growth of certain tumors

• many forms available

• available by prescription

Read our most popular article about the use of cannabis and chemotherapy here!

Mia Spandl, herbalist and creator of WombLove Apothecary in Colorado (where medicinal and recreational cannabis is legal), creates her own full extract cannabis oil with food grade 190 proof alcohol.

Cannabis is cancer fighting in so many ways – juicing the leaves, making medicine with the roots, etc. The most effective way is making full extract cannabis oil. This is full spectrum healing with all cannabinoids present, not just CBD. THC is needed to bind to the necessary receptors and destroy cancer cells.

-Mia Spandl, creator of WombLove Apothecary

This article is offered first and foremost with deep compassion and understanding of everyone affected by cancer, personally or by relation. We do not directly endorse any therapies, but encourage our readers to think for yourself and make your own best informed decisions.

The American Cancer Society does NOT recommend stopping conventional treatment in favor of ‘alternative’ therapies.

Many sources do not recommend smoking marijuana to treat cancer, especially lung cancer, as combusting and inhaling any substance deposits residues in the lungs and impair lung function.

Finally, cannabis in any form has side effects of it’s own including dizziness, euphoria, lack of coordination, and difficulty concentrating. For some, these effects can be serious – even from the ‘non-psychoactive’ CBDs, which still contain a small percentage of active THC.

Ever heard of cannabanoid hyperemesis syndrome? Read our analysis here

Consult with your qualified health care professional, listen to your body, proceed with caution, start small, and keep doing your due diligence! Read, research, ask questions, and fight for your health and your life.