The National Cancer Institute and US government have confirmed that cannabis kills cancer cells in rats and mice.
This research will help in the further fight for legalization of cannabis.
The National Cancer Institute, part of the US department of health, stated: “Laboratory and animal studies have shown that cannabinoids (the active ingredient in cannabis) may be able to kill cancer cells while protecting normal cells.”
“They may inhibit tumor growth by causing cell death, blocking cell growth, and blocking the development of blood vessels needed by tumors to grow.”
The studies conveyed on rodents have shown that cannabinoids may reduce the risk of liver, colon and breast cancer and can also help in making the chemotherapy more effective.
But researchers also said: “At this time, there is not enough evidence to recommend that patients inhale or ingest cannabis as a treatment for cancer-related symptoms or side effects of cancer therapy.”
There are many states in USA where cannabis is already legal for medical use and cancer patients are using the drug to alleviate pain.
But the Cancer Research reacts cautiously, claiming that there was no indication of a similar effect in humans.
A spokesman claimed: “There isn’t enough reliable evidence to prove that cannabinoids, whether natural or synthetic, can effectively treat cancer in patients, although research is ongoing around the world.”
Finally patients should be careful of fraudsters selling cannabis treatments.
Source: http://fitlife.tv
