National Brain Cancer Foundation

The Cannabinoid Research Group of Complutense University in Madrid, Spain and Voices Against Brain Cancer, a national foundation headquartered in New York, announce today that a collaborative alliance has been signed by both organizations. The consideration of the benefits of Marijuana and the compounds contained within the plant known as "cannabinoids" for medicinal purposes is currently a prominent subject matter in North America. In an effort to fast track the propagation of accurate scientific based information on therapeutic opportunities incorporating cannabinoids, these two groups have formed an exclusive partnership in the United States.

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When asked about the research findings to date, Mr. Guzman noted that "published research clearly shows the anticancer action of cannabinoids impacting glioblastoma multiforma (GBM), and how chemotherapy results of tumor reduction are improved upon by adding cannabinoids as part of the treatment regimen."

"We have an obligation to remain open minded about where the cure for brain cancer will come from, said Michael Klipper, Chairman of Voices Against Brain Cancer. Manuel Guzmán and his research team are world class leaders in the clinical research of cannabinoids and cancer." We recognize our responsibility to disseminate the information associated with the published research, which supports the medicinal legitimacy and can help guide patients and government lawmakers when considering the use of Cannabinoids."

Pharmacology Is Coming Around

I just got a pitch for a new book on pharmacology. Pharmacology Condensed. Here is what they say about the body's endocannabinoid system.

Cannabinoids are extracts of Cannabis sativa, the marijuana plant, the psychoactive properties of which have been known to humankind for thousands of years. The main active component of marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and recent work has shown that, surprisingly, substances similar to THC occur in the human body and constitute part of the ‘endocannabinoid system’ which has a vital and hitherto unsuspected role in bodily function.

That is a very limited view. Because THC is not the only important cannabinoid. CBD - cannabidiol is another one - among many. But it is a start.

How Cannabis Cures Cancer

Dennis Hill explains how cannabis kills cancer cells in: How Cannabis Oil Works to Kill Cancer Cells.

First let’s look at what keeps cancer cells alive, then we will come back and examine how the cannabinoids CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) unravels cancer’s aliveness.

In every cell there is a family of interconvertible sphingolipids that specifically manage the life and death of that cell. This profile of factors is called the “Sphingolipid Rheostat.” If endogenous ceramide(a signaling metabolite of sphingosine-1-phosphate) is high, then cell death (apoptosis) is imminent. If ceramide is low, the cell is strong in its vitality.

Very simply, when THC connects to the CB1 or CB2 cannabinoid receptor site on the cancer cell, it causes an increase in ceramide synthesis which drives cell death. A normal healthy cell does not produce ceramide in the presence of THC, thus is not affected by the cannabinoid.

There is much more. Follow the link to read it.

Cannabis For Brain Tumors

I'm going to post a medical abstract that covers brain tumors. Yes there is a lot of complicated medical terminology. So what is the bottom line? Cannabis seems to be the only medicine that affects these tumors and it does so without dangerous side effects. Not "no side effects" but side effects that do not kill you or introduce new problems (like cancer). See below for videos on the subject.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common form of primary brain tumor and is diagnosed in approximately 15,000 people each year in the United States alone. No cure for this type of cancer exists, and the current standard of care treatments provide little benefit and are associated with debilitating side effects. Recent evidence shows that a large number of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) invade the GBM tumor mass and secrete factors that directly and indirectly promote tumor growth. TAMs express a panel of unique receptors that could be targeted for therapeutic benefit. One such receptor, cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), is a member of the endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling system, and its activation has been shown to tightly control the migration and phenotype of both macrophages and microglia. Additional receptors, also engaged by eCBs and cannabinoid-like compounds, are expressed by macrophages and microglia. These receptors also control cell migration and phenotype, but exhibit distinct pharmacological profiles and operate through a different mechanism of action. Strong evidence accumulated over the past decade indicates that membrane receptors expressed by TAMs represent novel targeting opportunities to treat GBM tumor progression. Here we review studies that significantly increased our understanding of the molecular mechanism of action of receptors engaged by eCBs and cannabinoid-like compounds expressed by GBM tumor cells and TAMs. This evidence provides a strong rationale for developing new therapeutics that target the eCB signaling of TAMs for the treatment of GBM while minimizing the typical side effects associated with standard care.

PubMed NIH - cannabinoid cancer.

Marijuana Prohibition is a crime against humanity.

Cannabinoid Profiles

Discoverer of THC Dr. Raphael Mechoulam is an Israeli professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel.

THC - Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol

THCA - Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid

THCV - Tetrahydrocannabivarin

CBD - Cannabidiol

CBN - Cannabinol

CBG - Cannabigerol

CBC - Cannabichromene

Cannabinoids And The Reason Why The Establishment Hates Them, Dr Bob Melamede 30Aug2013

Doctor Bob had to put his shirt on. I'd have to put on a few more garments than that to be presentable for video blogging. Dr. Bob notes that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That points to the fact that a given cannabis plant cannabinoid mix may be more effective than a single individual cannabinoid.

Scientific Research and Real Facts about the Cannabinoids in Cannabis narrated by an old buddy of mine Peter Coyote.