Marijuana Compound Reverses Cancerous Tumor Growth in Laboratory Tests

A team of scientists from the UK have reported how a targeted dose of THC extracted from cannabis reversed the growth of cancerous tumors in mice. However, the time has not yet come to self-medicate.

British researchers have produced data suggesting that tumor growth in cancer patients could be reversed with the use marijuana. According to the team from the University of East Anglia, a compound found within cannabis has displayed real potential for treating and potentially eradicating the disease in test subjects.

For the purpose of testing, laboratory mice with cancerous tumors were treated with targeted does of Tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive compound found in marijuana and usually abbreviated to THC. The results brought two particular cell receptors to the attention of the researchers, which when treated with THC lead to a reduction in the tumor’s size.

“THC, the major active component of marijuana, has anti-cancer properties,” wrote the UAE’s Peter McCormick.

“This compound is known to act through a specific family of cell receptors called cannabinoid receptors,”

“However, it was unclear which of these receptors were responsible for the anti-tumor effects of THC.”

He also stated that drug giants are now in something of a race to create the first genuinely effective synthetic alternatives to medicinal marijuana that could be rolled out worldwide.

“There has been a great deal of interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind how marijuana, and specifically THC, influence cancer pathology,” he added.

“By identifying the receptors involved we have provided an important step towards the future development of therapeutics that can take advantage of the interactions we have discovered to reduce tumor growth.”

However, despite the initial tests having yielded reassuring results, the team responsible for the study insists that the time has not come to try treating themselves.

“Our research uses an isolated chemical compound and using the correct concentration is vital,” McCormick concluded.

“Cancer patients should not use cannabis to self-medicate, but I hope that our research will lead to a safe synthetic equivalent being available in the future.”

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Marijuana Compound Reverses Cancerous Tumor Growth in Laboratory Tests