Marijuana and Cancer

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New evidence suggests that the active compound in marijuana, THC, may fight cancer by causing diseased cells to essentially commit suicide. A study among brain cancer patients at Complutense University in Spain revealed that cancerous cells underwent autophagy, meaning they digested themselves, when directly exposed to THC. This happened in mice as well as humans, and no toxic effects were reported.[1]

Where it is legal, medical marijuana is sometimes used to treat symptoms of cancer as well as to ease cancer drug side effects. Some doctors believe that marijuana can contribute to some of the same cancers caused by cigarette smoke, but this has not been backed up by research. One study funded by the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institute on Drug Abuse found no correlation between marijuana and cancer risk.[2]



Flickr: katherine_hitt
Forms of marijuana Dried buds, hash, hash oil
Manufacturer Various independent growers
Uses Treats a variety of illnesses and side effects, also used recreationally
Common side effects Dry mouth, red eyes, changes in appetite, feelings of euphoria, hallucinations
Who should not take marijuana Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Disclaimer The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician.
 

Contents

Marijuana and Cancer Treatment

In states that have legalized the use of medical marijuana, the drug is sometimes recommended to patients who are undergoing treatment for a variety of different cancers. While marijuana is not used to fight the cancer itself, it has been shown to help curb some of the side effects and symptoms of both the disease and the treatments that are used to fight it (particularly chemotherapy). Patients who experience nausea or lose their desire to eat may find some level of relief with marijuana. While THC has been shown effective in relieving these side effects, it is unclear whether or not it works better that traditional treatments. Some studies have shown that it is more effective, while others show evidence to the contrary.[3]

Marijuana and Cancer Risk

There is conflicting evidence regarding marijuana use and cancer risk. Some medical experts have theorized that smoking marijuana can lead to lung and other cancers, just as smoking cigarettes can. While marijuana does not itself contain known carcinogens, it has been assumed that deep inhalation of smoke would contribute to head and neck cancers. Many of the same toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke are also present in marijuana smoke.[4]

In addition, a 2009 study by Swedish scientists showed that marijuana can damage DNA in smokers, potentially leading to cancer.[5] Another 2009 study, conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington, showed the possibility of a link between marijuana use and testicular cancer in men.[6]

However, some research has shown that there is likely no link between marijuana use (in any form) and increased cancer risk.[2]

One 2008 study published in the medical journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention showed no increased risk for head and neck cancers among occasional marijuana users.[7]

Even if smoking does increase cancer risk, when marijuana is eaten or consumed in other ways without burning, no carcinogens are present. Therefore, concerned users can dispel cancer worry by ingesting marijuana in ways other than smoking.[4]

Marijuana and Lung Cancer

One marijuana study found it unlikely that the drug contributes to lung cancer.

Also See:Marijuana Side Effects, Marijuana and Pregnancy, Marijuana and Anxiety, Marijuana and Alcohol, Marijuana and Depression, Marijuana and Weight, Marijuana and Pain, Marijuana, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Mylotarg Recall, Arimidex Side Effects

References

  1. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/cancer/brain-cancer/news/20090401/marijuana-chemical-may-fight-brain-cancer
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/25/AR2006052501729.html
  3. ↑ http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/marijuana
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-teenage-mind/201102/does-marijuana-cause-cancer
  5. ↑ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615095940.htm
  6. ↑ http://www.fhcrc.org/content/public/en/news/releases/2009/02/marijuana.html
  7. ↑ http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/site/misc/about.xhtml
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