Committee Blog: Cannabis And Cancer – As We Go Forward (Part 1)

by Ann Allworth, Ph.D. And Cynthia Shelby-lane, M.D.
Members of NCIA’s Scientific Advisory Committee

No part of the following information should be construed as medical advice on the part of NCIA.

As a cannabis industry professional, you’ve probably been asked the question: “Is it true that cannabis cures cancer?” If we know someone who has cancer and benefited from cancer using cannabis, we may say “cannabis aids in the treatment of cancer.” However, medical research has not indicated that cannabis cures cancer. NCIA’s Scientific Advisory Committee is reviewing the scientific data related to cannabis as an additional treatment to traditional care in the management of cancer. 

Our three-part blog aims to give you accurate and up to date information about cannabis and cancer by looking at the federal regulations governing cannabis research; reviewing past, current, and future research; a review of how our cells and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) work to disable cancerous cells; and looking at institutions involved in cannabis studies.

According to the CDC, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and second on the WeedMaps list of most common conditions that qualify you for a medical cannabis card. This is interesting, but really not a surprise as archeological evidence suggests this sacred plant has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. According to the Pen Tsao Ching, written nearly 5,000 years ago, cannabis is recommended for many of the same diseases and conditions that occupy the current composite qualifying lists in the states where cannabis is legal for medical purposes. This history magnifies the significance of the Endocannabinoid System, a little-known, but incredibly important system that maintains balance in our bodies at the cellular level.

Cancer is a disease that begins when the cells of our body go completely out of balance. Instead of following the instructions of their genes, cancer cells become destructive to the body they live in. Cancer starts when one or a small group of cells begin growing out of control. Cancer takes many forms, including blood cancers (leukemia, lymphomas), bone cancer, skin cancer, and solid tumors (e.g., stomach, lung, breast, prostate, ovary). Depending on how aggressive the cancer is, it may metastasize, meaning it can spread throughout the body.

Cancer Diagnosis

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with cancer, always get a second opinion. Be sure when choosing a doctor or Cancer Center that they have solid knowledge of all treatment options for your type of cancer, and understand that diet and lifestyle are critically important for healing.

If you want to use cannabis as a cancer treatment, find a doctor who is knowledgeable about how cannabis can affect the metabolism and effectiveness of chemotherapy and understands the invaluable medicinal benefits. For example, cannabis can alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatments including pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, numbness, tingling, and anxiety. A summary of patterns of cannabis use among cancer patients in the United States can be found here, along with a brief review about patterns of use of medical cannabis among Israeli cancer patients.

Cancer treatment depends largely on the type of cancer, its stage, and what your doctor recommends. The most common treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. There are several more advanced treatment options but few insurance companies cover them. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy have significant and unpleasant side effects because healthy cells are often destroyed in the process of killing cancer cells.

The Current State of Cannabis and Cancer Research  

Under the existing political and legal landscape, cannabis research has faced multiple hurdles. Currently, little to no research on the medical benefits of cannabis has been done in federally funded institutions due to its federal illegality.

The most serious hurdle is the lack of experimental data proving there is great medicinal value in the plant. Even so, there are numerous physicians, scientists, and other professionals who believe there is no plant on earth with greater medicinal value than cannabis.

Next Steps in Cannabis Research

Hopefully, more clinical trials will be performed as political and legal requirements are improved and clarified. 

The National Cancer Institute hosted a “Cannabis and Cannabinoids and Cancer Research Symposium” in December 2020 to “address current barriers to research and strategies to navigate these hurdles to ensure the feasibility of rigorous studies designed to address gaps in knowledge as well as potential research opportunities in the area of cancer-related cannabis research.”  

In essence, we’re missing consistent and reproducible evidence that cannabis can treat cancer and treat the side effects of conventional cancer treatments. Also, we need more doctors educated on cannabis use amongst patients with cancer. Oncologists (cancer doctors) want more information about medical marijuana and cannabis. 

Recent surveys reveal 30% of oncologists feel they can advise their patients about cannabis formulations in conjunction with their therapy. 

The majority of oncologists as well as the American Cancer Society state, “do not forgo conventional therapy in favor of cannabis products only.”  Dr. Donald Abrams, an integrative oncologist, discussed this issue in an article, “Should Oncologists Recommend Cannabis?’

In our next blog post, we will explain how the ECS and cells in our bodies interact with cannabis to disable threats from cancer cells. 

Ann Allworth, PhD, is a cell biologist, who for more than 35 years has been educating adults, first in medical schools as an anatomy professor; then in the natural product industry, teaching the immense value of phytonutrient-rich foods and herbs to optimal health and well-being. Upon learning of the endocannabinoid system, she founded Cannabis Education Solutions, a company dedicated to illuminating minds to the vast nature of the endocannabinoid system and its unparalleled role in human health. Ann is now semi-retired and will soon be making a transition to a partnership in a new organization involved in medical cannabis advocacy.

Cynthia Shelby-Lane, MD, is an emergency physician, board-certified in anti-aging and functional medicine, and a certified Marijuana Doctor practicing medicine in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Shelby-Lane has certified more than 10,000 medical cannabis patients in the State of Michigan.  She coaches patients on their use of cannabis in conjunction with their current medications and medical conditions.  She has been a member of NCIA and the Scientific Advisory Committee for the past five years, in addition to membership in multiple cannabis associations and organizations. She speaks at conferences/webinars and in the community on the use and benefits of cannabis and the evolving landscape of cannabis research.  Dr. Shelby-lane has worked closely with the Last Prisoner Project.