How does marijuana affect cancer?

We immediately warn you and do not urge you to try to treat yourself, because without the supervision of a specialist, it can be harmful. Health is no place for experiments, so trust the professionals! The material is for scientific informational purposes only.

Does cannabis cause cancer? Debunking myths

The first question that worries many people is: is it true that marijuana causes cancer? You've probably heard horror stories that smoking cannabis can cause lung cancer. Indeed, smoke is not the best friend of our health. But studies show that the link between marijuana and cancer is not as direct as with tobacco. For example, in 2015, the journal Cancer Medicine published an analysis that found no clear evidence that regular cannabis smoking increases the risk of lung cancer. However, this does not mean that smoking every day is a good idea!

What about other ways of using it? Edible cannabis or oils don't pose such a risk, because the lungs are not involved. So if you're wondering if cannabis causes cancer, the answer so far is that it doesn't, but the way you use it matters.

Marijuana and cancer symptoms. Is there any relief?

For those fighting cancer, it's not the cause that matters, but the help. And this is where marijuana can really play a role. Many patients use it to ease the side effects of chemotherapy. What exactly does it do? Here are some examples:

1. Reduces nausea - after chemotherapy, this is a real lifesaver.

2. Improves appetite - when food doesn't go down your throat, cannabis helps to bring back the desire to eat.

3. Relieves pain - chronic pain often accompanies cancer, and marijuana can be an alternative to painkillers.

Doctors in countries where marijuana-based medicines are allowed prescribe such drugs for these purposes. For example, Marinol, a synthetic THC, has long been used in the United States. So marijuana and cancer symptoms are a connection that does work for many people.

Effects of cannabinoids on cancer cells in the body

And now the most interesting thing is, can cannabinoids treat cancer and not just alleviate the condition? In laboratories, scientists have long been studying the effects of cannabinoids on cancer cells in the body. There is evidence that THC and CBD, the main active ingredients in cannabis, can slow the growth of tumors or even cause cancer cells to die. For example, studies in mice have shown that cannabinoids can “turn off” genes that help cancer spread.

However, don't rush to rejoice! So far, these results are only at the experimental level. In real life, there is no such clear evidence in humans. But the very fact that cannabis affects cancer at the cellular level gives us hope. Perhaps in the future we will see marijuana-based medicines that will attack tumors directly?

Marijuana-based medicines - what is already available?

Today, pharmacies in some countries are already selling cannabinoid-based drugs. In addition to the aforementioned Marinol, there is Sativex, a mouth spray that helps with pain and spasms. These medicines do not cure cancer as such, but they significantly improve the quality of life of cancer patients. Imagine, instead of a bunch of pills - one simple remedy! Isn't it cool?

Scientists are also working on new forms. For example, capsules or injections with CBD that could more accurately affect the body. So far, these are just plans, but the direction is encouraging.

Should we rely on cannabis for cancer?

So, what do we have? Marijuana doesn't cause cancer by itself, it helps fight symptoms, and may someday be able to attack tumors. But there is one “but” - self-medication is a bad idea. If you're interested in how cannabinoids can help treat cancer for you, consult a doctor. Only a specialist will tell you whether and in what form to try.

What do you think? Do you believe that marijuana will be a breakthrough in oncology, or is it just another hype? Share your thoughts in the comments to the article, because the topic is really worth discussing! And while science is looking for answers, cannabis is already making life easier for many people - and that's a fact that's hard to deny.