Tuesday, July 8, 2025

MARC LANDERS: Cannabinoids combat cancer

Cannabis Compounds: The Next Frontier in Fighting Cancer, Brain Injuries, and Chronic Pain?

1. Anti-Cancer Properties Cannabinoids are being investigated for their ability to combat cancer through multiple mechanisms: Pancreatic Cancer: "Cannabinoids may help stop cancer by: Triggering cancer cell death (apoptosis). Slowing cancer cell growth (cell cycle arrest). Blocking blood vessel growth that feeds tumors (anti-angiogenesis). Boosting the immune system to attack cancer. Reducing harmful stress in cells (oxidative stress)." These effects are mediated through "CB-R1 and CB-R2 receptors found on pancreatic cancer cells" and other cellular pathways. Brain Tumours (Glioblastoma): Specific cannabis compounds (cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabidiol (CBD)), alongside black pepper-derived compounds, "strongly bound to GPR55 and PINK1, which are linked to glioblastoma." Critically, they "showed toxic effects on tumor cells, meaning they could kill or stop the growth of cancer cells." This suggests direct cytotoxic or growth-inhibitory effects on aggressive brain tumour cells. 2. Neurological and Brain Health Benefits Several cannabis compounds demonstrate neuroprotective and therapeutic potential for various brain-related conditions: Brain Injury (TBI): CBD shows significant promise in treating traumatic brain injuries. "It has properties that reduce inflammation, fight oxidative damage (like rust in the body), and prevent seizures." Its role in TBI includes protecting the brain by "calming harmful processes," supporting "brain communication systems," strengthening the "barrier protecting the brain," and reducing "oxidative stress, and lowers inflammation." Neuroprotection and Neuroplasticity (CBN): Cannabinol (CBN) is highlighted for its potential as a "supportive treatment for brain diseases." Research indicates that "CBN didn’t harm the cells at any tested strength" and "positively influenced processes related to handling stress and brain cell flexibility (neuroplasticity)." This suggests a role in neuronal survival and improved connectivity. Epilepsy (CBD): CBD appears to be a "game-changer for hard-to-treat epilepsy." A study showed that "66.6% (18 out of 27) had fewer seizures compared to before starting CBD," with a significant proportion experiencing a greater than 50% reduction. Beyond seizure reduction, caregivers reported improvements in "Attention and alertness (44.4%)," "Sleep quality (18.5%)," and "Movement or motor skills (11.1%)." Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (THC-heavy cannabis): A UK study on experienced users found that inhaling THC-heavy cannabis "slashes symptoms, boosts sleep & mood." After three months, patients reported "big improvements in their overall health, mood, and sleep quality," alongside "fewer unwanted memories, better mood, and felt less on edge." These improvements were sustained or enhanced at six months, with no reported side effects. 3. Anti-inflammatory and Pain Management Properties Cannabis compounds, particularly CBD and THC, exhibit strong anti-inflammatory effects and potential for pain relief: Chronic Inflammation (CBD & THC): Both CBD and THC are presented as potential "game-changers for inflammation." Researchers found that they "reduced inflammation by lowering IL-1β production," primarily by "blocking a process involving a protein complex (inflammasome) and an enzyme (caspase-1)." Notably, "THC was more effective than CBD at reducing inflammation."
Mechanism of CBD's Anti-inflammatory Action: CBD "seems to boost anti-inflammatory eicosanoids through the 15-LOX enzyme." Eicosanoids are described as "Molecules made from certain fats in your body... [that] help control inflammation," suggesting CBD's utility for conditions like "arthritis or autoimmune diseases." Fibromyalgia and Gut Issues: Medical cannabis showed significant improvements for fibromyalgia (FM) patients, many of whom also had co-occurring gut disorders (77% had at least one). "FM symptoms got much better over the 6 months," and "Gut symptoms like stomach pain, burning, abdominal pain, bloating, and feeling full also improved significantly over time." This suggests a holistic benefit for both pain and gastrointestinal health in FM patients. Disclaimer: The information provided in the source is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any medical conditions or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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