Study Finds Cannabis Components as Promising Anticancer Agents

New Study Suggests Minor Cannabinoids Have Potential Anticancer Effects on Blood Cancer

A groundbreaking study published in the journal BioFactors has revealed that several lesser-known cannabinoids found in cannabis may have significant anticancer effects, particularly on blood cancer. The research focused on minor cannabinoids and their impact on multiple myeloma (MM), a type of blood cancer, showcasing promising results that warrant further investigation.

Study Details and Findings

The research team, comprising scientists from the University of Camerino in Italy and Vancouver-based Entourage Biosciences, explored the effects of minor cannabinoids—cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidivarin (CBDV)—on MM cell lines. They also examined the effects of CBN in a mouse model.

“Together, our results suggest that CBG, CBC, CBN, and CBDV can be promising anticancer agents for MM,” the study authors wrote, “due to their cytotoxic effect on MM cell lines and, for CBN, in in vivo xenograft mouse model of MM.”

Therapeutic Potential of Minor Cannabinoids

The study found that these minor cannabinoids not only inhibited the growth of MM cells but also induced necrotic cell death, reducing the invasion of cancer cells and bone resorption. Notably, CBG and CBN showed a beneficial effect on bone by limiting MM cells’ invasion toward the bone and preventing bone resorption.

Efficacy in Inhibiting Cancer Cell Growth

Among the cannabinoids tested, CBN and CBDV were the most effective in reducing cancer cell viability, followed by CBG and CBC. The researchers observed that CBG, CBC, CBN, and CBDV reduced the invasion of MM cells toward osteoblast cells, with CBG and CBN being the most effective. Additionally, these cannabinoids decreased bone resorption by osteoclasts, with CBG, CBDV, and CBN showing the highest efficacy.

Mouse Model Results

In the mouse model, CBN treatment resulted in a significant reduction in tumor weight after three weeks compared to the control group. The study noted no significant differences in body weight or the weight of the liver, spleen, or pancreas between the treated and control groups, indicating the potential safety of CBN.

Need for Further Research

The researchers emphasized the necessity for additional studies to better understand the mechanisms by which phytocannabinoids exert their effects and to further investigate their impact on human models. While cannabis is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment, the potential of cannabinoids to directly affect cancer progression has garnered increasing interest.

Broader Implications for Cancer Treatment

Previous studies, including a 2019 literature review, have indicated that cannabinoids like THC and CBD can slow cancer cell growth and even induce cell death in certain cases. However, most of these studies have been conducted in vitro, with limited human subject involvement. The current study expands this research by highlighting the potential of minor cannabinoids in cancer therapy.

Future Directions and Research Funding

Earlier this year, the National Institutes of Health awarded $3.2 million to study the effects of cannabis use during immunotherapy for cancer treatment. This funding aims to explore whether cannabis can help reduce health disparities and improve treatment outcomes.

Additionally, federal courts are currently considering two lawsuits regarding legal access to therapeutic psilocybin for cancer patients in end-of-life care, reflecting a broader interest in exploring alternative and adjunctive therapies for cancer.

The findings of this study underscore the potential of minor cannabinoids as promising anticancer agents for multiple myeloma. As research continues to uncover the diverse therapeutic properties of cannabinoids, these compounds could offer new avenues for cancer treatment, complementing existing therapies and improving patient outcomes.

Related Developments

Meanwhile, a scientific review of CBD highlighted the diverse anticancer properties of cannabinoids, presenting “promising opportunities for future therapeutic interventions in cancer treatment.” Research published last year also found that marijuana use was associated with improved cognition and reduced pain among cancer patients, further supporting the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis in oncology.