Earlier this month, the National Cancer Institute nodded to a growing body of studies indicating that one of the chemical compounds in cannabis slows—or stops—uncontrolled cell growth. In one study, tumors in lab mice shrank once exposed to the compound CBD. The NCI updated its website to include a reference to a "possible direct antitumor effect" from cannabis. But sometime since, the reference was removed, much to cannabis advocates' disgust.
The original passage read, "In the practice of integrative oncology, the health care provider may recommend medicinal cannabis, not only for symptom management, but also for its possible direct antitumor effect." This week, actvists noticed this passage had been changed, removing all references to the anti-tumor effect. The new text that had been put in its place stated: "Though no relevant surveys of practice patterns exist, it appears that physicians caring for cancer patients who prescribe medicinal cannabis predominantly do so for symptom management."
"The backpedaling has begun," said Kris Hermes of Americans for Safe Access, which first reported the change. "Apparently, politics speak louder than science." (SF Weekly, March 30)
Photo: Themadpothead
Comments
Study: cannabis compounds can kill cancer cells
A British researcher has found that cannabinoids, a term for chemicals derived from marijuana, can kill leukemia cells, and he expects clinical trials for new medications to begin soon. The findings, published in the October issue of the journal Anticancer Research, show that certain non-psychoactive cannabinoids "resulted in dramatic reductions in cell viability" and "caused a simultaneous arrest at all phases of the cell cycle," according to an abstract posted online. The study tested six cannabinoids, together and independently, on leukemia cells. Study author Wai Liu, an oncologist at the University of London's St. George's medical school, told U.S. News the chemicals displayed "potent anti-cancer activity" and, significantly, "target and switch off" pathways that allow cancers to grow. (US News & World Report, Oct. 24)
Government admits cannabis anti-cancer properties
The London Cannabis Club notes that the US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) had added the following text to its page entitled "DrugFacts: Is Marijuana Medicine?"
But it also states: