| A report from Salerno, Italy suggests that naturally | | | | cancer.” |
| occurring compounds in cannabis (medical marijuana) | | | | A 2008 review in the journal Cancer Research |
| possess anti-tumor properties. This information allows | | | | reported that the administration of cannabinoids halts |
| for a new approach to treating cancer according to | | | | the spread of a wide range of cancers, including brain |
| the review that was published in the February issue | | | | cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, |
| of the journal, Best Practice & Research: Clinical | | | | skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lymphoma. This is |
| Endocrinology & Metabolism. | | | | great news for those who are suffering from the |
| According to the investigators at the University of | | | | different forms of cancer. |
| Salerno, cannabinoids (one of the compounds found | | | | To date, only one clinical trial assessing the use of |
| in medical marijuana) limit cancer cell proliferation and | | | | cannabinoids as anti-cancer agents has been |
| induce tumor-selective cell death. | | | | conducted. That trial reported that THC |
| The authors of the scientific review concluded that, | | | | administration decreases recurrent glioblastoma |
| cannabinoids inhibit “tumor growth and migration, | | | | multiforme (GBM) tumor growth in patients afflicted |
| angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels to | | | | with the disease. |
| cancerous tumors), [and] metastasis (the transfer of | | | | As more and more states create laws allowing for |
| malignant cells from one site to another).” They | | | | the use of medical marijuana we expect that the |
| are also quoted as stating that, “Emerging | | | | medical community will also come along side and do |
| evidence suggests that agonists of cannabinoid | | | | even more scientific research into the qualities and |
| receptors … may offer a novel strategy to treat | | | | benefits of medical marijuana. |