Cannabinoids & Cancer: How Can It Help?

*DISCLAIMER* Anectdotal Article

So everyone knows that cannabinoids and terpenes have the ability to kill cancer cells, but not many actually know how or why this happens.

Well, when THC connects to the CB1 or CB2 cannabinoid receptor site on the cancer cell, it induces an increase in ceramide synthesis that leads to cell death (apoptosis). A normal cell does not produce ceramide when it is near THC; therefore it is not affected by the cannabinoid. The reason the cancer cell dies is not because of the cytotoxic chemicals, but because there is a small shift in the mitochondria. The purpose of the mitochondria within a cell is to produce energy for the cell to use. As the ceramide is produced, it turns up the sphingolipid rheostat. This production increases the mitochondrial membrane permeability to cytochrome c, which is a vital protein in energy synthesis. The cytochrome c is then pushed out of the mitochondria, which ultimately kills the source of energy for that particular cell.

This is just one of the many ways cannabinoids and terpenes fight cancer.

Since most types of cancer are highly metastatic, the cells spread throughout the body and end up affecting different organs and lymph nodes, but commonly end up in the bones, liver or lungs. Once these cells reach their destination, a new tumor is formed. For this tumor to survive and flourish, a blood supply is necessary. Thus, angiogenesis (creation of new blood vessels) occurs, sprouting and splitting pre-existing vessels, creating a new, mini circulatory system to support the newly-developed malignant mass.

This is why CBG (Cannabigerol) is such an integral part of cancer treatment. CBG has the ability to inhibit the angiogenic stimulators that are released by the tumor cells, stopping the activation of endothelial cell receptors in nearby blood vessels. This process hinders the tumors ability to grow its supporting vascular structures, therefore starving the newly-formed tumor cells and inevitably leading to their death.

When treating cancer, whether with cannabinoids or conventional treatments, containment and the prevention of metastasis is absolutely paramount. It is much easier to fight a war on one front, rather than multiple. These are just two examples of how cannabinoids can help win the fight against this horrible disease.

Cannabinoids don't ravage your body like chemotherapy and radiation treatments, nor do they produce any short or long-term side effects. You can compare cannabinoid treatment to that of a precise scalpel, only affecting the cancer, whereas chemotherapy and radiation are more akin to using a rocket launcher to kill a bee. These conventional treatments cause irreparable damage to your nervous system, bones/joints, as well as so many other areas of the body that otherwise would not be harmed if using cannabinoids.

If yourself or a loved one is battling cancer, please consider cannabinoid treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation only have an approximate success rate of 5-15%, depending on the type of cancer and stage of progression. Cannabinoid therapies, when formulated and administered correctly, can have a success rate of more than 50%! If anything, it is AT LEAST worth 30 minutes of your time to discuss your options. You can always reach out to us here at Thistle Therapies for a free consultation, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.