Marijuana and Cancer

Medical marijuana has been available for a while now, and it is known to relieve symptoms associated with some diseases and with certain treatments. But now some researchers are showing that compounds in marijuana might actually stop cancer cells from growing.

Two researchers at California Pacific Medical Center, after 20 years of research, found that the compound called Cannabidiol affects a gene called ID-1, present in certain aggressive cancers. The Cannabidiol stops cancer cells from growing, and stops the tumor from creating new blood vessels to feed it. The early research has shown success with a number of aggressive cancers -- breast, prostate, and brain.

The compound has already been used with other, non-cancerous diseases; it relieves nausea and anxiety, for example. And all indications are that it is non-toxic, so side effects should be minimal.

The researchers are hoping to start clinical trials very soon. That means it could be some time before anything comes of this, but it certainly appears promising.

It's easy to joke about this ("Researching for 20 years? Wonder why that marijuana research went soooooo slooooowly?") But it really does seem promising. There's actually a pretty long line of research into marijuana as a direct treatment for cancer, rather than just a way to manage symptoms (the Daily Beast offers a quick review as they describe this current research). It's controversial, naturally, and there are plenty of people who would rather not encourage marijuana use for any reason.

But I say, explore away. Anything that might help fight cancer is fine with me.

(You were probably expecting another marijuana joke, huh?)