Many years ago, the now well decorated research scientist, Dr. Mechoulam from Jerusalem, began researching the Cannabis plant. In time he was able to demonstrate that THC could stop, and in some cases reverse tumor growth in laboratory animals. He also was able to cure untreatable epileptic patients with high doses of CBD, stopping their seizures altogether. While he didn’t find CBD to directly kill cancer cells, it now appears that it actually does have the ability to impact cancer treatment.
Dr. Mechoulam found that an entourage effect exists during Cannabis treatment, that all individual cannabinoids work better as a team. THC for example, might provide better results when accompanied by the full spectrum of cannabinoids found in Cannabis. This would include CBD, as well as the dozens of other cannabinoids and terpenes.
What has recently been discovered, is that CBD inhibits the Id-1 gene, the gene that researchers believe is responsible for the process that spreads metastatic cancer cells from the original tumor throughout the body. This gene is initially responsible for the development of human embryos, but after birth should remain static. When cancer develops, it is believed this gene again becomes active.
Senior researcher, Pierre-Yves Desprez likens the cancer treatment process to an orchestra. If you were to eliminate a violinist, (an analogy for removing a tumor) the orchestra continues to play. Eliminate the conductor, and the music stops. And it appears through their research, that CBD may have the ability to eliminate the conductor by inhibiting the Id-1 gene responsible for spreading the cancer into other areas. CBD may have the ability to stop the growth network of metastatic cancer cells within the human body.
We should note that these findings have been discovered through cultured cells in a laboratory and have yet to be proven on an actual patient. In addition, there are still more metastatic genes in the body.
Success Stories
Part of what fuels the recent interest in these alternative therapies are the many stories of successful breast cancer treatments using Cannabis Therapies. Dee Mani claims her breast cancer was put into complete remission using cannabis oil. Though the article makes no reference, her treatment likely included only trace amounts of CBD and relied primarily on THC. Read more on the Daily Mail about Dee and her Cannabis Treatment.
Read about Stephanie LaRue’s breast cancer treatment with Cannabis Oil.
Apoptosis
A recent study suggests that CBD can induce cell death in Breast Cancer cells by Apoptosis – Programmed Cell Death. A highly technical read, the study concludes that Cannabidiol (CBD) induces cell suicide in breast cancer cells via apoptosis and autophagy (self eating). Read this study about Apoptosis and Autophagy.
Dosing
There does seem to be some degree of consensus in using the CBD:THC ratios of 1:1, equal amounts of both CBD and THC. (Some suggest that there are different dosage suggestions for metastatic and inflammatory breast cancer.)
My personal recommendation, especially when using Cannabis oil containing THC, is to start small. Begin with a dose that does not provide any psychoactive effects and gradually work up from there. With Cannabis oil in a syringe, that is usually just a dot. A grain of rice, which is often suggested for a more long-term dosage could initially make you uncomfortably high when first beginning therapy. But the body develops a tolerance over time and you will eventually be able to increase the dosage while staying within a comfortable range.
Most recommendations would include using an Indica strain. Indicas, taken in the proper dosage are calming and can provide more comfort to a user than the stimulating sativa strains. Consult your local dispensary for more specific recommendations, but general dosing recommendations can be found on our CBD blog.
Topical CBD Treatments
Most dispensaries sell high quality salves and lotions, but many products exist that do not even list the number of Cannabinoids they contain. Be sure to check the label for the amount of CBD or THC in milligrams before purchasing. Or for a CBD only salve containing 400 mg of CBD, you can purchase our CBD Body Lotion for $54.95. A little goes a long way.
CBD Products
You will find several options when searching for CBD products. CBD chocolate, various edibles, tinctures, paste and oil. There are two forms of oil. One has the obvious light oil like consistency and often comes flavored. The other form, dark and tar like, is more potent, has a much thicker consistency and is most often found in syringe form. Some people confuse this form with paste, but paste is made exclusively from cannabis or hemp bud, simply cooked down in oil and most often sold in a jar. More of the cannabinoids and terpenes survive the paste creation process, whereas most of the cannabinoids and terpenes do not survive any of the oil creation processes.
Conclusion
While there are no conclusive case studies proving the effectiveness of cannabis related therapies on people, there are many personal success stories and enough laboratory research to make the possibilities intriguing. And with Cannabis being much less toxic than most current medical treatments, there is a great argument for it at least being a consideration. Researchers at St. George’s University of London found improved results when combining chemotherapy with cannabinoids during Leukemia research, so it may be possible to use both therapies simultaneously.
See your healthcare provider for more answers and to find out if such therapies could be right for you.
Disclaimer – The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are a food supplement and not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. Do not use if under 18, pregnant or breast feeding. Always consult with your health care provider before making any medical decisions.
