82 studies on the efficiency of marijuana against cancer

Mechanisms of cannabinoid action against brain tumors
Mechanisms of cannabinoid action against brain tumors

October 2015 Update: Since we published this article on August 2014, many new studies have been developed. We have added 14 new studies published by the National Insitute of Health of the United States. We have now 82 scientific studies!

Cancer is a leading cause of death in industrialised countries. So far, the treatments available from the pharmaceuticals mostly have limited efficiency, as well as a significant toxicity and strong undesirable side effects. It is known that the marijuana plant can help in a natural way and relieve symptoms of cancer and chemotherapy: pain relief, nausea, vomiting, greater appetite, improvement of mood, sleep, relationships with the environment... And we all know how important it is to have a good quality of life when fighting against any disease.

Therefore, we can now find something even more interesting: some cannabinoids in the marijuana plant have a healing action against different forms of cancer. Several testimonies are available now in social networks, particularly in the United States, where medical marijuana is much more accessible than in Europe. Examples of the most common cures are leukemia and brain tumors (gliomas), usually in children and even babies. However, these numerous testimonies are not sufficient evidence to convince the medical and scientific communities, which need reliable studies to confirm these claims. In order to rectify the situation, we propose here a (non-exhaustive) list of 68 international scientific publications, drawn from the best research laboratories, demonstrating the efficiency of the cannabinoids found in marijuana plants in the treatment of cancer.

Diagram of the cannabinoid action against cancer cells
Diagram of the cannabinoid action against cancer cells

Studies on the action of cannabinoids against cancer

Marijuana against brain cancer (glioma, glioblastoma...)

  • The antitunour action of cannabinoids on Glioma tumorigenesis. Published by Histology and Hispathology, June 2015.
  • The Combination of Cannabidiol and ?9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Enhances the Anticancer Effects of Radiation in an Orthotopic Murine Glioma Model. Published by  Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, December 2014.
  • Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid compound, inhibits the proliferation and invasion in U87-MG and T98G glioma cells through a multitarget effect. Study published in the Public Library of Science journal in October 2013.
  • CBD, a novel therapeutic target against glioblastoma. Study published in Cancer Research in March 2013.
  • Local delivery of cannabinoid-filled microparticles inhibits tumor growth in a model of glioblastoma multiforme. Study published in Public Library of Science in January 2013.
  • Cannabinoid action inhibits the growth of malignant human glioma  U87MG cells. Study published in Oncology Reports in July 2012.
  • A combined preclinical therapy of cannabinoids and temozolomide against glioma. Study published in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics in January 2011.
  • Cannabidiol enhances the inhibitory effects of THC on human glioblastoma cell proliferation and survival. Study published in the Molecular Cancer Therapeutics journal in January 2010.
  • Cannabinoid action induces autophagy-mediated cell death in human glioma cells. Study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation in May 2009.
  • Cannabinoids inhibit glioma cell invasion by down-regulating matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression. Study published in Cancer Research in March 2008.
  • Cannabinoids and gliomas, a study published in Molecular Neurobiology in June 2007.
  • Cannabinoids inhibit gliomagenesis. Study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry in March 2007.
  • A pilot clinical study of THC in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. The results were published in the British Journal of Cancer in June 2006.
  • Cannabidiol inhibits human glioma cell migration through an independent cannabinoid receptor mechanism. Study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology in April 2005.
  • Cannabinoids inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway (VEGF) in gliomas. Study published in the Journal of Cancer Research in August 2004.
  • Antitumor effects of cannabidiol, a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, on human glioma cell lines. Study published in the Journal of Pharmacology in November 2003.
  • Inhibition of glioma growth in vivo by selective activation of the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. Study published in the Journal of Cancer Research in August 2001.

Mechanisms of cannabinoid action against brain tumors

Mechanisms of cannabinoid action against brain tumors

Marijuana against breast cancer

  • Modulation of the tumor microenvironment and inhibition of EGF/EGFR pathway. Published by Molecular Oncology, January 2015.
  • Targeting multiple cannabinoid antitumor pathways with a resorcinol derivative leads to inhibition of advanced stages of breast cancer. Study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology in June 2014.
  • CBDA, an acid form of CBD found in fiber-type cannabis, is an inhibitor of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell migration. Study published in Toxicology Letters in November 2012.
  • Cannabinoids: A new hope for breast cancer therapy? Study published in Cancer Treatment Reviews in June 2012.
  • Pathways mediating the effects of cannabidiol on the reduction of breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.  Study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment in August 2011.
  • CBD induces programmed cell death in breast cancer cells by coordinating the cross-talk between apoptosis and autophagy. Study published in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics in May 2011.
  • Cannabinoids reduce ErbB2-driven breast cancer progression.  Study published in Molecular Cancer in July 2010.
  • CBD as a novel inhibitor of Id-1 gene expression in aggressive breast cancer cells. Study published in Molecular Therapeutics Research in November 2007.
  • THC inhibits cell cycle progression in human breast cancer cells through Cdc2 regulation. Study published in Cancer Research in July 2006.
  • Antitumor activity of plant cannabinoids with emphasis on the effect of cannabidiol on human breast carcinoma. Study published in the Journal of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics in May 2006.

Explanation of cannabinoid action against breast tumors

Explanation of cannabinoid action against breast tumors

Marijuana against blood cancer  (leukemia, myeloma, lymphoma...)

  • The effects of cannabidiol and its synergism with bortezomib in multiple myeloma cell lines. Study published in the International Journal of Cancer  in December 2013.
  • Enhancing the activity of CBD and other cannabinoids against leukaemia. Study published in Anticancer Research in October 2013.
  • Cannabis extract treatment for terminal acute lymphoblastic leukemia of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1). Study published in Case Reports in Oncology in September 2013.
  • Expression of type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptors in lymphoma. Study published in the International Journal of Cancer in June 2008.
  • Cannabinoid action in mantle cell lymphoma. Study published in Molecular Pharmacology in November 2006.
  • THC-induced apoptosis in Jurkat leukemia. Study published in Molecular Cancer Research in August 2006.
  • Targeting CB2 cannabinoid receptors as a novel therapy to treat malignant lymphoblastic disease. Study published in Blood American Society of Hemmatology in July 2002.

Marijuana against lung cancer

  • In vitro and in vivo evaluation of ?9-tetrahidrocannabinol/PLGA nanoparticles for cancer chemotherapy. Published by the International Journal of Pharmaceutics, April 2015.
  • Cannabinoids increase lung cancer cell lysis by lymphokine-activated killer cells via upregulation of Icam-1. Study published in Biochemical Pharmacology in July 2014.
  • Cannabinoids inhibit angiogenic capacities of endothelial cells via release of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 from lung cancer cells. Study published in Biochemical Pharmacology in June 2014.
  • COX-2 and PPAR-? confer CBD-induced apoptosis of human lung cancer cells. Study published in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics in January 2013.
  • CBD inhibits lung cancer cell invasion and metastasis via intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Study published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology in April 2012.
  • Cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, as novel targets for inhibition of non?small cell lung cancer growth and metastasis. Study published in Cancer Prevention Research in January 2011.
  • THC inhibits epithelial growth factor-induced (EGF) lung cancer cell migration in vitro as well as its growth and metastasis in vivo. Study published in the journal Oncogene in July 2007.

Cannabinoids induce apoptosis of various cell types
Cannabinoids induce apoptosis of various cell types

Cannabinoids against colorectal cancer

  • Colon carcinogenesis is inhibited by the TRPM8 antagonist cannabigerol, a Cannabis-derived non-psychotropic cannabinoid. Published by Carcinogenesis magazine, September 2014.
  • Inhibition of colon carcinogenesis by a standardised Cannabis Sativa extract with high content of CBD. Study published in Phytomedecine in December 2013.
  • Chemopreventive effect of the non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid CBD on colon cancer. Study published in the Journal of Molecular Medecine in August 2012.
  • Cannabinoids against intestinal inflammation and cancer. Study published in Pharmacology Research in August 2009.
  • Action of cannabinoid receptors on colorectal tumor growth. Study published by the Cancer Center of the University of Texas in July 2008.

Marijuana against stomach cancer

  • Cannabinoid receptor agonist as an alternative drug in 5-Fluorouracil-resistant gastric cancer cells. Study published in Anticancer Research in June 2013.
  • Antiproliferative mechanism of a cannabinoid agonist by cell cycle arrest in human gastric cancer cells. Study published in the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry in March 2011.

Marijuana against prostate cancer

  • Non-THC cannabinoids inhibit prostate carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo: pro-apoptotic effects and underlying mechanisms. Study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology in December 2012.
  • The role of cannabinoids in prostate cancer: Basic science perspective and potential clinical applications. Study published in the Indian Journal of Urology in January 2012.
  • Induction of apoptosis by cannabinoids in prostate and colon cancer cells is phosphatase dependent. Study published in Anticancer Research in November 2011.

  Mode of action of cannabinoids against tumor cells

Mode of action of cannabinoids against tumor cells

Marijuana against liver cancer

  • Involvement of PPAR? in the antitumoral action of cannabinoids on hepatocellular carcinoma (CHC). Study published in Cell Death and Disease in May 2013.
  • Evaluation of anti-invasion effect of cannabinoids on human hepatocarcinoma cells. Study published on the site Informa Healthcare in February 2013.
  • Antitumoral action of cannabinoids on hepatocellular carcinoma. Study published in Cell Death and Differentiation in April 2011.

Marijuana against pancreatic cancer

  • Cannabinoids inhibit energetic metabolism and induce autophagy in pancreatic cancer cells. Study published in Cell Death and Disease in June 2013.
  • Cannabinoids Induce apoptosis of pancreatic tumor cells. Study published in Cancer Research in July 2006.

Marijuana against skin cancer

Bud Buddies: Project Storm, Cannabis VS Cancer (2014)

Marijuana against other types of cancer

  • Bladder: Marijuana reduces the risk of bladder cancer. Study published in the Medscape site in May 2013.
  • Kaposi sarcoma: Cannabidiol inhibits growth and induces programmed cell death in Kaposi sarcoma?associated herpesvirus-infected endothelium. Study published in the journal Genes & Cancer in July 2012.
  • Nose, mouth, throat, ear: Cannabinoids like THC inhibit cellular respiration of human oral cancer cells. Study by the Department of Pediatrics at the State University of New York, published in June 2010.
  • Bile duct: The dual effects of THC on cholangiocarcinoma cells: anti-invasion activity at low concentration and apoptosis induction at high concentration. Study published in Cancer Investigation in May 2010.
  • Ovaries: Cannabinoid receptors as a target for therapy of ovarian cancer. Study published on the American Association for Cancer Research website in 2006.

Finally, it's worth highlighting from these publications that the efficacy of cannabinoids against cancer depends on the dose: the higher the dose, the more important the action. Since it is difficult to obtain high and constant blood concentrations of cannabinoids by consuming marijuana plants in the usuall ways (smoking, vaporizing...) most patients use extractions of cannabinoids. The most popular extraction is called Rick Simpson's oil .

Efficiency of cannabinoids against cancer
Efficiency of cannabinoids against cancer

We advise you to use a high CBD marijuana strain for your extractions, for this non-psychoactive cannabinoid seems to be the one with best anti-tumor properties.

We greatly appreciate the research work carried out by Dr Manuel Guzman's team at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid for their current work on the use of cannabinoids against cancer.

Do not hesitate to share this information in your community, particularly if you know doctors who do cancer research, and obviously with people suffering from this disease and seeking a natural, effective and safe complementary therapy.

The current legislation on medical marijuana is not adapted to the medical information available today.

Cannabis VS Cancer (<a href="https://survivingmesothelioma.com/mesothelioma-and-marijuana-cannabis-oil/infographic/">Source : Surviving Mesothelioma</a>)
Cannabis VS Cancer (Source : Surviving Mesothelioma)


The articles published by Alchimiaweb, S.L. are reserved for adult clients only. We would like to remind our customers that cannabis seeds are not listed in the European Community catalogue. They are products intended for genetic conservation and collecting, in no case for cultivation. In some countries it is strictly forbidden to germinate cannabis seeds, other than those authorised by the European Union. We recommend our customers not to infringe the law in any way, we are not responsible for their use.
2014-09-23 Medical marijuana

Comments in “82 studies on the efficiency of marijuana against cancer” (18)

avatar

misi 2017-07-28
Hii,my mother diagnosed with cervical cancer for the second tim,this time they are in nodes,can u pls tell me if CBD oil is beneficial for cervical as well?Wat kind of strain should I use ,I mean high THC or high cannabis ,pls guide don't have much knowledge about it.admin pls can u give me ur email

Alchimia Staff

Tim 2017-07-31
Hello misi, I'm sorry to hear about your mother's diagnosis. A quick search online throws up lots of positive articles on the subject of cervical cancer and cannabis. The general recommendation is for strains with a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD, rather than high THC or CBD. You can find more information and guidance here and at Alchimia we have a Medical Cannabis Consultant, but I'm afraid it's only available in Spanish language, while us Admins are only really qualified to answer basic questions related to medical marijuana. I'd suggest searching for medical cannabis associations or cannabis-friendly doctors in your area to get advice from professionals. Best wishes to you and your mother.

avatar

beatrix v d Merwe 2017-02-27
Please advice me if the oil will help me L have got autoimmune desease and live in South Africa. The name SCLERODERMA and no cure. Thank you please reply.

Alchimia Staff

Dani Alchimia 2017-02-28
Hi Beatrix, CBD oil is being used to treat symptoms of scleroderma. It won't cure it, but it can help to relieve a number of symptoms. Hope it helped!

avatar

beatrix v d Merwe 2017-02-27
I have got autoimmune disease. Could the oil correct my cells and kill them. I have got scleroderma. and there s no cure I am living in RSA. Thank you

avatar

Andrea Wrote 2016-07-28
All this research shows that marijuana is the cure of cancer so it should be used as a medical treatment.

Alchimia Staff

Dani Alchimia 2016-07-28
Hi Andrea, While not a panacea for cancer, it has been demonstrated that several cannabinoids and terpenes may help to combat this disease, so further research and investigation is required. There are literally milions of people who could benefit from the therapeutical properties of cannabis, and this is something to take into account seriously. Thanks for your comment!

avatar

LuciaLaver 2015-02-11
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This piece of writing posted at this web page is really good.

Alchimia Staff

Dani Alchimia 2015-02-11
Hi LuciaLaver, We are glad that you enjoyed the post. Speak soon! ;)

avatar

OveechBozeman 2015-02-10
Hi my loved one! I wish to say that this article is amazing, great written and include approximately all significant infos. I would like to look more posts like this .

Alchimia Staff

Dani Alchimia 2015-02-11
Hi OveechBozeman, Thanks for your words, we are constantly working on improving the content of our Blog so you can have the best info. Best vibes!

avatar

PearlinIta 2015-02-10
Hi, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, superb blog!

Alchimia Staff

Dani Alchimia 2015-02-10
Hello Pearlinlta, Thanks for you kind comment, we'll check it out and see if there is a problem. Best vibes!

avatar

TeoCerutty 2015-02-09
Hi there to every single one, it's genuinely a pleasant for me to pay a quick visit this website, it contains important Information.

avatar

PorfiriRfh 2015-02-06
Thank you, I have recently been searching for information approximately this topic for a while and yours is the best I've discovered till now. But, what concerning the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the source?

Alchimia Staff

Dani Alchimia 2015-02-06
Hi PorfiriRfh, We are glad that this post was useful for you. You have a link to every source, we think these are truthful and come from reputable professionals. Thanks for your post, Best vibes!

avatar

IveyCarruthers 2015-02-06
Excellent article! We are linking to this particularly great article on our website. Keep up the good writing.

Alchimia Staff

Dani Alchimia 2015-02-06
Hello Ivey, We are glad that you share our article with others, please do not forget to mention the source! ;) Best vibes

avatar

JaninaBlackburn 2015-02-05
magnificent post, very informative. I'm wondering why the other specialists of this sector do not understand this. You must continue your writing. I am confident, you have a great readers' base already!

Alchimia Staff

Dani Alchimia 2015-02-06
Hi Janina, Our goal is basically expanding our knowledge of these issues so people have accurate and truthful information. We are glad you enjoyed this post. Thanks for your confidence, Best vibes!

avatar

BrodieWolinski 2015-02-05
Great post.

avatar

aaron wicht 2014-11-12
wow great site, have u considered selling cbd to help people and make a little money on the side?

Alchimia Staff

Dani Alchimia 2014-11-14
Hello aaron, We have a selection of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals with products like Trompetol, Cannabios, Vitrovit, etc. Thanks for your comment, Best regards!

avatar

Bruno Tonon 2014-10-31
I wish to print this information in our newsletter. Is this okay Thank You

Alchimia Staff

Dani Alchimia 2014-11-03
Hello Bruno, As long as you mention Alchimia as the source of the information, there's no problem at all. If it is a digital newsletter, a link to our post would be also great. Thanks for your confidence, Best vibes!

avatar

Hemp Works Charity UK 2014-10-30
This is a wonderful compilation. Well done and keep up the great work. We are a charity in the UK where medical cannabis is illegal. We provide information to those in need and are pushing hard to raise awareness over here so that the politicians can't keep lying to the public. Let's keep breaking the taboo and push for the plant to be decriminalised. Over here most doctors do not know that we all have an endocannabinoid system and cannot say anything positive about cannabis. Should they do so, the British Medical Association will not stand behind them. So asking a doctor over here is a pointless process. Fingers crossed the votes go brilliantly on November 4th for Medical Cannabis. Love and great health to all.

Alchimia Staff

Dani Alchimia 2014-10-30
Hello friends, Fortunately, day by day medicinal cannabis is becoming a reality in most places, and it is our responsability to try to bring it to those places where people still don't have enough information. Over the last years, there has been a change in Spain, and many doctors recommend using marijuana to treat different diseases, although they can not prescribe it officially. Let's hope medicinal cannabis gets everywhere where it is needed, for people should have the right to treat their ailments in an efficient and natural way. Thanks for your comment, Best vibes!!

avatar

denise coffey 2014-09-30
so happy to hear of your outcome mikayla, my little boy is just 12 and has been sick all his life , worst these last 2 years with IBS and we just discovered he has a connective tissue disorder which also bring with it unbearable pain for days on end. half the time he has the teachers come teach him at home. i wonder if this canabis oil could help him. \

Alchimia Staff

Dani 2014-09-30
Hello denise, Maybe you should ask a doctor about your case and see if cannabis could help. Marijuana is helping so many people that the situation we are living is kind of ridiculous. We really hope your kid gets better. All our best vibes for you!!

avatar

Heaven 2014-09-29
Thank you for this article and for supporting this wonderful cause. Marijuana is the healing of our nation. It is so important to be educated and progressive so that we can be the best versions of ourselves. I was touched and amazed by this article. Fantastic.

Alchimia Staff

Dani 2014-09-30
We are glad you enjoyed this post, Heaven...one thing though: marijuana is the healing of our...planet!!! ;) Best vibes!!

avatar

peter 2014-09-27
The most wonderful news!

Do you want to give your opinion on 82-studies-efficiency-marijuana-against-cancer or ask a question about this product?

To be able to post your comments you must be identified as a user. Identify yourself or sign up as a user.

About this Cannabis Blog

This is the official blog of Alchimia Grow Shop. This blog is intended exclusively for the use of adults over the age of 18 years.

To buy equipment for growing cannabis at home you can consult our catalogue of cannabis seeds, grow shop and paraphernalia


Subscribe to the blog

Do you want to receive all the latest developments, news and curiosities from the world of cultivation?

(+34) 972 527 248
(+34) 972 527 248
keyboard_arrow_up Chat on Telegram