Marijuana contains a non-psychoactive chemical compound called cannabidiol (CBD) that could potentially be used as a therapy for glioblastoma, a difficult-to-treat brain cancer. Colorado State University researchers examined human and canine brain cancer cells in the lab and found that CBD decreased the cells’ mitochondrial activity and, by doing so, stunts their growth.
CBD’s anti-cancer power lies in this ability to cause mitochondria to dysfunction. It also makes them release harmful reactive oxygen species rendering them toxic. Mitochondria is what allows cells to produce energy and therefore keep living.
The study’s findings are fascinating because survival rates for glioblastoma are low and have not improved much. It is often deadly and spreads rapidly. Chase Gross, a researcher involved with the study, said:
Further research and treatment options are urgently needed for patients afflicted by brain cancer. “Our experiments showed that CBD slows cancer cell growth and is toxic to both canine and human glioblastoma cell lines. Importantly, the differences in anti-cancer effects between CBD isolate (100% CBD) and extract (contains small amounts of other naturally occurring compounds) appear to be negligible.
CBD is not a cure. It is to be used alongside other cancer treatments as a booster. Mr. Gross said:
Our work shows that CBD has the potential to provide an effective, synergistic glioblastoma therapy option and that it should continue to be vigorously studied.
The next phase of the study is to transition from cell cultures to live animal models. If CBD’s effects on glioblastoma carry through in the animal studies, the work could progress to clinical trials on dogs.
Other Beneficial Effects Of CBD
In addition to possessing anti-cancer properties, CBD can help with many other ailments, including:
- It can reduce pain
- Treat various anxiety disorders such as depression and OCD
- Treat epilepsy (there are FDA approved drugs for this on the market already)
- Reduce nausea and vomiting symptoms of chemotherapy and radiation treatments (there are FDA approved medications for this on the market already too)
- Be used as an antiacne agent due to its anti-inflammatory properties
- Reduce itching and inflammation associated with psoriasis and eczema
- Lowers blood pressure and therefore the risk of stroke
- Be used to fight addiction to anything from cocaine and opioids to alcohol and tobacco
- Be used to improve diabetes outcomes by lowering fasting insulin levels and measures of insulin resistance
- Fend off invading pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant superbugs
- Kill staph and strep bacteria that cause infection
- A sleeping aid for people with insomnia
Who Is CBD Good For?
If you are dealing with one of the conditions mentioned above and want to try using CBD, you should consult with your physician first because there are side effects or instances where it could be dangerous. Research has shown that CBD can interact with certain medications in a harmful way. Otherwise, it is a more natural solution over other drug options currently available.
