Forbes Reports Research Citing Cannabinoids Eliminate Colon Cancer Cell Growth in Two Studies

This week, Lindsey Bartlett with Forbes reports promising new research from two studies showing colon cancer cell growth can be eliminated by cannabinoids. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. Estimates from The American Cancer Society forecast 106,180 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed this year. 

“Our data indicate that CBD and its derivatives could be promising agents for the prevention of human colorectal cancer,” the study’s researchers writes. The scientists cited in this study include Hee-Seop Lee , Gillian Tamia, Hee-Jung Song, Darshika Amarakoon, Cheng-I Wei, Seong-Ho Lee.

The study found that this “anti-proliferative activity” was also observed for other cannabinoids including cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabicyclol (CBL), and cannabigerovarin (CBGV).

Two promising new studies have found that certain cannabinoids— including CBD, CBDV, CBG, CBGV, and CBL— can eliminate the growth of harmful colorectal cancer cells in humans. Although limited in scope, these studies offer promise to those researching cannabinoids for cancer treatment. 

THC was not able to be included in the research group in either study due to regulations that don’t allow certain scientists to study it. The “psychoactive” cannabinoid was left out of the picture. But the studies do indicate that entourage effect with other cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBL working in concert help to propel the “anti-proliferative” effect. One of the studies even points to the entourage effect with cannabinoids and mushroom extracts working together to reduce the cancer cells.

The colon cell study model shows 90% elimination of cancer cells,  demonstrating validity to the research that could have future life-changing implications for cancer patients and their families. 

There are over 100 known cannabinoids at this time.
Professor Tami Peretz, a senior oncologist at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, and Dr. Isaac Angel, a pharmacologist specializing in drug development, explained more of their research findings in the full article on Forbes. 

Second study finds cannabinoids can inhibit cancer cell growth in humans

A second study published recently from scientists at the University of Maryland’s Department of Nutrition and Food Science found that cannabidiol exerts “anti-proliferative activity” in colorectal cancer cells, meaning it stops their growth.

The study had three main findings:

1. CBD represses viability of human colorectal cancer cells,

2. CBD induces cell cycle arrest and increases apoptosis and ER stress in human colorectal cancer cells, 

and

3.  CBD represses cell viability and induces apoptotic cell death via a CB2-dependent mechanism.

The cannabinoid receptor 2, is the receptor where this effect was observed. 

Read the full article on Forbes and find the full second research study on Science Direct.