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Cannabinoids As Cancer Hope

 

by Paul Armentano

Senior Policy Analyst

NORML | NORML Foundation

 

“Cannabinoids possess … anticancer activity [and may] possibly represent

a new class of anti-cancer drugs that retard cancer growth, inhibit

angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and the metastatic

spreading of cancer cells. " So concludes a comprehensive review

published in the October 2005 issue of the scientific journal

Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry.

 

Not familiar with the emerging body of research touting cannabis'

ability to stave the spread of certain types of cancers? You're not alone.

 

For over 30 years, US politicians and bureaucrats have systematically

turned a blind eye to scientific research indicating that marijuana may

play a role in cancer prevention -- a finding that was first documented

in 1974.

That year, a research team at the Medical College of Virginia (acting at

the behest of the federal government) discovered that cannabis inhibited

malignant tumor cell growth in culture and in mice. According to the

study's results, reported nationally in an Aug. 18, 1974, Washington

Post newspaper feature, administration of marijuana's primary

cannabinoid THC, " slowed the growth of lung cancers, breast cancers and

a virus-induced leukemia in laboratory mice, and prolonged their lives

by as much as 36 percent. "

 

Despite these favorable preclinical findings, US government officials

dismissed the study (which was eventually published in the Journal of

the National Cancer Institute in 1975), and refused to fund any

follow-up research until conducting a similar –- though secret –-

clinical trial in the mid-1990s. That study, conducted by the US

National Toxicology Program to the tune of $2 million concluded that

mice and rats administered high doses of THC over long periods

experienced greater protection against malignant tumors than untreated

controls.

 

Rather than publicize their findings, government researchers once again

shelved the results, which only came to light after a draft copy of its

findings were leaked in 1997 to a medical journal, which in turn

forwarded the story to the national media.

 

Nevertheless, in the decade since the completion of the National

Toxicology trial, the U.S. government has yet to encourage or fund

additional, follow up studies examining the cannabinoids' potential to

protect against the spread cancerous tumors.

 

Fortunately, scientists overseas have generously picked up where US

researchers so abruptly left off. In 1998, a research team at Madrid's

Complutense University discovered that THC can selectively induce

apoptosis (program cell death) in brain tumor cells without negatively

impacting the surrounding healthy cells. Then in 2000, they reported in

the journal Nature Medicine that injections of synthetic THC eradicated

malignant gliomas (brain tumors) in one-third of treated rats, and

prolonged life in another third by six weeks.

 

In 2003, researchers at the University of Milan in Naples, Italy,

reported that non-psychoactive compounds in marijuana inhibited the

growth of glioma cells in a dose dependent manner and selectively

targeted and killed malignant cancer cells.

 

The following year, researchers reported in the journal of the American

Association for Cancer Research that marijuana's constituents inhibited

the spread of brain cancer in human tumor biopsies. In a related

development, a research team from the University of South Florida

further noted that THC can also selectively inhibit the activation and

replication of gamma herpes viruses.

The viruses, which can lie dormant for years within white blood cells

before becoming active and spreading to other cells, are thought to

increase one's chances of developing cancers such as Karposis Sarcoma,

Burkitts lymphoma, and Hodgkins disease.

 

More recently, investigators published pre-clinical findings

demonstrating that cannabinoids may play a role in inhibiting cell

growth of colectoral cancer, skin carcinoma, breast cancer, and prostate

cancer, among other conditions. When investigators compared the efficacy

of natural cannabinoids to that of a synthetic agonist, THC proved far

more beneficial – selectively decreasing the proliferation of malignant

cells and inducing apoptosis more rapidly than its synthetic alternative

while simultaneously leaving healthy cells unscathed.

 

Nevertheless, US politicians have been little swayed by these results,

and remain steadfastly opposed to the notion of sponsoring – or even

acknowledging – this growing body clinical research, preferring instead

to promote the unfounded notion that cannabis use causes cancer. Until

this bias changes, expect the bulk of research investigating the use of

cannabinoids as anticancer agents to remain overseas and, regrettably,

overlooked in the public discourse.

 

Corrupt World (02/21/06 03:14:56)

 

The problem is marijuana is too useful,

making competition for all major corporations, ie, oil and gas,

plastics, paper and fiber, recreational (Tobacco, Alcohol),

pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, clothes. And being so easy and cheap to

grow (as easy and cheap as tomatoes) big companies don't want you you

smoking marijuana for your bipolar disease or what ever medicinal use.

they want you buying expensive drugs that make them big money on their

patented drugs.

 

© 2006 NORML

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  • 1 year later...

Cannabinoids As Cancer Hope

 

by Paul Armentano

Senior Policy Analyst

NORML | NORML Foundation

 

" Cannabinoids possess … anticancer activity [and may] possibly

represent a new class of anti-cancer drugs that retard cancer growth,

inhibit angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and the

metastatic spreading of cancer cells. " So concludes a comprehensive

review published in the October 2005 issue of the scientific journal

Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry.

 

Not familiar with the emerging body of research touting cannabis'

ability to stave the spread of certain types of cancers? You're not

alone.

 

For over 30 years, US politicians and bureaucrats have systematically

turned a blind eye to scientific research indicating that marijuana

may play a role in cancer prevention -- a finding that was first

documented in 1974. That year, a research team at the Medical College

of Virginia (acting at the behest of the federal government)

discovered that cannabis inhibited malignant tumor cell growth in

culture and in mice. According to the study's results, reported

nationally in an Aug. 18, 1974, Washington Post newspaper feature,

administration of marijuana's primary cannabinoid THC, " slowed the

growth of lung cancers, breast cancers and a virus-induced leukemia

in laboratory mice, and prolonged their lives by as much as 36

percent. "

 

Despite these favorable preclinical findings, US government officials

dismissed the study (which was eventually published in the Journal of

the National Cancer Institute in 1975), and refused to fund any

follow-up research until conducting a similar –- though secret –-

clinical trial in the mid-1990s. That study, conducted by the US

National Toxicology Program to the tune of $2 million concluded that

mice and rats administered high doses of THC over long periods

experienced greater protection against malignant tumors than

untreated controls.

 

Rather than publicize their findings, government researchers once

again shelved the results, which only came to light after a draft

copy of its findings were leaked in 1997 to a medical journal, which

in turn forwarded the story to the national media.

 

Nevertheless, in the decade since the completion of the National

Toxicology trial, the U.S. government has yet to encourage or fund

additional, follow up studies examining the cannabinoids' potential

to protect against the spread cancerous tumors.

 

Fortunately, scientists overseas have generously picked up where US

researchers so abruptly left off. In 1998, a research team at

Madrid's Complutense University discovered that THC can selectively

induce apoptosis (program cell death) in brain tumor cells without

negatively impacting the surrounding healthy cells. Then in 2000,

they reported in the journal Nature Medicine that injections of

synthetic THC eradicated malignant gliomas (brain tumors) in one-

third of treated rats, and prolonged life in another third by six

weeks.

 

In 2003, researchers at the University of Milan in Naples, Italy,

reported that non-psychoactive compounds in marijuana inhibited the

growth of glioma cells in a dose dependent manner and selectively

targeted and killed malignant cancer cells.

 

The following year, researchers reported in the journal of the

American Association for Cancer Research that marijuana's

constituents inhibited the spread of brain cancer in human tumor

biopsies. In a related development, a research team from the

University of South Florida further noted that THC can also

selectively inhibit the activation and replication of gamma herpes

viruses. The viruses, which can lie dormant for years within white

blood cells before becoming active and spreading to other cells, are

thought to increase one's chances of developing cancers such as

Karposis Sarcoma, Burkitts lymphoma, and Hodgkins disease.

 

More recently, investigators published pre-clinical findings

demonstrating that cannabinoids may play a role in inhibiting cell

growth of colectoral cancer, skin carcinoma, breast cancer, and

prostate cancer, among other conditions. When investigators compared

the efficacy of natural cannabinoids to that of a synthetic agonist,

THC proved far more beneficial – selectively decreasing the

proliferation of malignant cells and inducing apoptosis more rapidly

than its synthetic alternative while simultaneously leaving healthy

cells unscathed.

 

Nevertheless, US politicians have been little swayed by these

results, and remain steadfastly opposed to the notion of sponsoring –

or even acknowledging – this growing body clinical research,

preferring instead to promote the unfounded notion that cannabis use

causes cancer. Until this bias changes, expect the bulk of research

investigating the use of cannabinoids as anticancer agents to remain

overseas and, regrettably, overlooked in the public discourse.

 

 

highertimes (02/14/06 11:42:19)

Cannabis is proving to truly be THE wonder drug.

 

updated: Feb 15, 2006

 

© 2008 NORML

 

NORML and the NORML Foundation:

1600 K Street NW, Suite 501

Washington DC, 20006-2832

Tel: (202) 483-5500 •

Fax: (202) 483-0057 •

Email: norml

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I don't honestly think the gum mint wants to cure cancer! There is only a one time increase in profit for cures but for medicines (just another name for relief) there would be many, many times an increase in profits. It is all about staying in business to make a bigger buck.

 

Kenneth T

 

-

rpautrey2

Thursday, January 24, 2008 3:28 AM

Re: Cannabinoids As Cancer Hope

Cannabinoids As Cancer Hope by Paul ArmentanoSenior Policy AnalystNORML | NORML Foundation"Cannabinoids possess . anticancer activity [and may] possibly represent a new class of anti-cancer drugs that retard cancer growth, inhibit angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and the metastatic spreading of cancer cells." So concludes a comprehensive review published in the October 2005 issue of the scientific journal Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry. Not familiar with the emerging body of research touting cannabis' ability to stave the spread of certain types of cancers? You're not alone.For over 30 years, US politicians and bureaucrats have systematically turned a blind eye to scientific research indicating that marijuana may play a role in cancer prevention -- a finding that was first documented in 1974. That year, a research team at the Medical College of Virginia (acting at the behest of the federal government) discovered that cannabis inhibited malignant tumor cell growth in culture and in mice. According to the study's results, reported nationally in an Aug. 18, 1974, Washington Post newspaper feature, administration of marijuana's primary cannabinoid THC, "slowed the growth of lung cancers, breast cancers and a virus-induced leukemia in laboratory mice, and prolonged their lives by as much as 36 percent."Despite these favorable preclinical findings, US government officials dismissed the study (which was eventually published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 1975), and refused to fund any follow-up research until conducting a similar -- though secret -- clinical trial in the mid-1990s. That study, conducted by the US National Toxicology Program to the tune of $2 million concluded that mice and rats administered high doses of THC over long periods experienced greater protection against malignant tumors than untreated controls.Rather than publicize their findings, government researchers once again shelved the results, which only came to light after a draft copy of its findings were leaked in 1997 to a medical journal, which in turn forwarded the story to the national media.Nevertheless, in the decade since the completion of the National Toxicology trial, the U.S. government has yet to encourage or fund additional, follow up studies examining the cannabinoids' potential to protect against the spread cancerous tumors. Fortunately, scientists overseas have generously picked up where US researchers so abruptly left off. In 1998, a research team at Madrid's Complutense University discovered that THC can selectively induce apoptosis (program cell death) in brain tumor cells without negatively impacting the surrounding healthy cells. Then in 2000, they reported in the journal Nature Medicine that injections of synthetic THC eradicated malignant gliomas (brain tumors) in one-third of treated rats, and prolonged life in another third by six weeks.In 2003, researchers at the University of Milan in Naples, Italy, reported that non-psychoactive compounds in marijuana inhibited the growth of glioma cells in a dose dependent manner and selectively targeted and killed malignant cancer cells.The following year, researchers reported in the journal of the American Association for Cancer Research that marijuana's constituents inhibited the spread of brain cancer in human tumor biopsies. In a related development, a research team from the University of South Florida further noted that THC can also selectively inhibit the activation and replication of gamma herpes viruses. The viruses, which can lie dormant for years within white blood cells before becoming active and spreading to other cells, are thought to increase one's chances of developing cancers such as Karposis Sarcoma, Burkitts lymphoma, and Hodgkins disease.More recently, investigators published pre-clinical findings demonstrating that cannabinoids may play a role in inhibiting cell growth of colectoral cancer, skin carcinoma, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, among other conditions. When investigators compared the efficacy of natural cannabinoids to that of a synthetic agonist, THC proved far more beneficial - selectively decreasing the proliferation of malignant cells and inducing apoptosis more rapidly than its synthetic alternative while simultaneously leaving healthy cells unscathed. Nevertheless, US politicians have been little swayed by these results, and remain steadfastly opposed to the notion of sponsoring - or even acknowledging - this growing body clinical research, preferring instead to promote the unfounded notion that cannabis use causes cancer. Until this bias changes, expect the bulk of research investigating the use of cannabinoids as anticancer agents to remain overseas and, regrettably, overlooked in the public discourse. highertimes (02/14/06 11:42:19)Cannabis is proving to truly be THE wonder drug. updated: Feb 15, 2006 © 2008 NORML NORML and the NORML Foundation: 1600 K Street NW, Suite 501 Washington DC, 20006-2832Tel: (202) 483-5500 .Fax: (202) 483-0057 . Email: norml «¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»§ - PULSE ON 21st CENTURY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE! §Subscribe:......... - «¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤» Any information here in is for educational purpose only; it may be news related, purely speculation or SOMEONE'S OPINION. Always consult with a qualified Medical Doctor before deciding on any course of treatment, especially for serious or life-threatening illnesses.By becoming a member of this group you AGREE to hold this group its members, list owners, moderators and affiliates harmless of any liability for any direct, consequential, incidental, damage incurred.YOU AGREE; to accept responsibility and liability for your own actions and to contact a licensed Medical Doctor before deciding on any course of treatment, especially for serious or life-threatening illnesses. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE; you must :

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