Find out how Cannabinoids (CBD) & Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can help battle cancer cells and improve cancer patients well being during their illness.
The Cannabis plant has been known for 2 main compounds, one being Cannabinoids (CBD), the other being Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Endocannabinoid System and Cannabis
Although medical cannabis has only recently become legal in several countries, studies have been ongoing since the mid 1990's. Renowned researcher Dr Ralph Mechoulam, professor of medicinal chemistry at Hebrew University in Israel, made a fascinating discovery that has changed how we look at plant medicine, in particular the cannabis plant. One of his discoveries was a system within the body that had a unique balancing effect on most systems. Dr Mechoulam named this system the Endocannabinoid (EC) System. Not only is this system present in humans, it can also be found in all mammals!
The Endocannabinoid system is made up of molecular receptors that are built to receive one of the major compounds found in the cannabis plant, cannabinoids. There are 2 main compounds for these receptors to receive, they are cannabidiol (CBD) & tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The receptors also work with other substances such as cannabinol (CBN) & cannabigerol (CBG).
Dr Mechoulam was lead to his research by prior research that was conducted in the 1980s. From this Mechoulam could distinguish 2 main receptors in the human body. Cannabinoid 1 (CB1) & Cannabinoid 2 (CB2). What many did not know was that endocannabinoids are naturally produced within the body in a similar way that endorphins are produced. What we call phytocannabinoids (THC & CBD) come directly from the cannabis plant.
Both CB1 & CB2 are the main receptors designed to receive THC, with our naturally produced endocannabinoids helping to synthesize it. One of the main reasons for the 2 decade research is to find out how cannabis can assist in the treatment of cancer.
Spain has been one of the pioneers in linking cannabis and tumors with Dr Christine Sanchez being at the forefront of the research. Her research was carried out at Compultense University in Madrid and was the first to find antitumor effects from cannabinoids.
“We now know that the endocannabinoid system regulates a lot of biological functions such as appetite, food intake, motor function, reproduction and many others and that is why the plant has such a wide therapeutic potential,” says Dr. Sanchez in a video interview for the web-based cable channel Cannabis Planet.
For those interested to find out more, be sure to stop by at GratefulMeds in Arrecife, Lanzarote where monthly talks are given on the benefits of the cannabis plant with an array of illnesses and diseases. Here from people that have undergone medical cannabis treatment and get insights from patients that have witnessed the powerful healing properties of cannabis and its extracts.
Lymphoma Foundation of America
“For certain persons, the medical use of marijuana can literally mean the difference between life and death. At a minimum, marijuana provides some seriously ill patients with the gift of relative health and the ability to function as productive members of society.”