Relationship Between Endocannabinoid System and Cancer

Endocannabinoid system and cancer: is this the new frontier of cancer research?

Despite being demonized for decades, cannabis is finally getting the attention it deserves in the fight against cancer.

Recent studies are showing tremendous progress in the endocannabinoid system's ability to thwart cancer.

One promising line of research shows that cannabis can directly attack and even prevent tumors.

Studies suggest that cannabis may play a part in accelerating cell death in tumors while protecting the healthy cells around it.

This indicates the tremendous power the endocannabinoid system has in fighting cancer.

While there is no cure for cancer yet, the endocannabinoid system and cancer show one of the greatest lines of potential research to date.

What Is The Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system is the naturally occurring system of cannabinoid receptors throughout the body.

These molecular receptors regulate homeostasis; the internal stability of the body.

They are found throughout the body in the brain, immune system, connective tissue, organs, glands, etc.

For instance, endocannabinoids may intercede at the site of an injury, regulating surrounding tissue and chemical responses in order to heal and relieve pain.

When it comes to endocannabinoid system and cancer, endocannabinoids have proven to inhibit the growth of tumors or even kill them.

Can Cannabinoids Cure Cancer?

“Curing cancer” is a word that we throw around to mean a number of things.

Ideally, the medical world would prescribe a pill, cancer would be destroyed, and the effects reversed.

We're not quite there yet.

There are really two methods of dealing with cancer: prevention and treatment.

The causes of most cancers are still widely unknown, but the effects are.

Endocannabinoids appear to be able to tackle cancer on both fronts.

While it's unclear if cannabinoids can ultimately prevent cancer from forming in the first place, scientific studies show that the endocannabinoid system and cancer are not friends. 

Cannabinoids seem to destroy tumors and could, therefore, be used as a very early treatment.

Simultaneously, cannabis has proven to be very useful in managing the side effects of more aggressive cancer treatments.

Could it be that cannabis is the “silver bullet” we've been looking for all these years to cure cancer?

Can Cannabinoids Ease Cancer Suffering?

Cannabis has been used for centuries in multiple cultures to treat pain in general.

When it comes to the endocannabinoid system and cancer, nausea and vomiting are widely treated with cannabis to great effect.

Smoked (inhaled) cannabis even helps alleviate neuropathic pain (nerve damage).

Then there's the long-term relief of cannabis: ending cancer quickly.

If research continues to show such promising results, curing, not just alleviating, cancer will reduce the suffering of millions.

Years of cancer suffering could be potentially averted… all with the correct application of cannabinoids.

Is Cannabis Safe When Treating Cancer?

Many studies ranging over several western countries attest to the safety and efficacy of cannabis.

Decades of long-term research has yet to find any seriously adverse effects from cannabis.

The only exceptions being extreme cases of overuse and some intensely diseased individuals.

Other than that, the endocannabinoid system and cancer seem to be ideal partners to overcoming one of mankind's greatest foes.

Is Cannabis Treatment Legal?

The legal status is constantly changing every day with some states legalizing it and the Federal government still prohibiting it.

It can be a sometimes confusing and contradictory set of laws to navigate, but things are looking up.

More and more states have adopted legalization laws that either legalize cannabis outright or ease restrictions at least.

In the case of medical marijuana, a prescription can easily be obtained in most states without any trouble.

Check your state and local laws for how to obtain and maintain possession of medical marijuana.

Even if your doctor can't or won't prescribe cannabis or cannabinoid treatments, that doesn't mean you're out of options.

They may be bound by FDA, state, or even ethical restrictions.

Contact any number of medical marijuana advocacy groups for guidance on how to obtain cannabis safely and legally.

Treatment Options

The method of treatment depends on the type of cancer you're treating.

It also depends if you're only treating symptoms of traditional cancer treatments.

For instance, skin cancer responds very well to cannabis oil.

You'll need about 1oz of oil. Apply it lightly and cover with a bandage.

As with any cannabis oil treatments, start very slowly at first. Don't build up too fast over the next 90 days.

Slow and steady is the best way to let your body adapt.

Remember, even though cannabis is safe and effective, your body isn't used to having it on such a regular basis.

Don't increase the dosage until you're 100% sure you're not experiencing and side effects.

Chances are you won't, but the most effective treatment will be slow and consistent over a long period of time.

This isn't a one-time “pill” like we're used to in the West. Endocannabinoid treatments take time to get the maximum effect.

The Big Picture On The Endocannabinoid System And Cancer

Cancer is a big and complex disease.

Unlike many other diseases, cancer isn't confined to one part of the body.

There are multiple organs cancer can attack, some slowly, some quickly.

Cancer can take days to do its damage, or years.

That being said, there is no one quick fix to cancer on the horizon.

Despite decades of intense research and billions of dollars spent, we're only at the tip of the iceberg.

However, the discovery and acceptance of the endocannabinoid system is a huge leap in the right direction.

We can lament “if they only would've accepted cannabis sooner” all day long, but that won't get us much closer to a cure.

In the meantime, pressing for more cannabis research appears to be the best way forward.

And now that medical marijuana is common, and cannabis is becoming (or has become) legal in many states, things are looking much more positive than before.

The demonization of cannabis is quickly fading, and the immense benefits of the endocannabinoid system and cancer treatment are horizons we can all long for.