Cannabis has been found to kill cancer cells in mice and rats, according to researchers from the US National Cancer Institute.
The institute, part of the US Department of Health, posted on its website that "laboratory and animal studies have shown that cannabinoids [the active ingredient in cannabis] may be able to kill cancer cells while protecting normal cells".
It added: "They may inhibit tumour growth by causing cell death, blocking cell growth, and blocking the development of blood vessels needed by tumours to grow."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Studies carried out on rodents found that cannabinoids could help make chemotherapy more effective and reduce the risk of breast, colon and liver cancer, the Daily Telegraph reports.
But researchers said that it is too early to tell whether the drug will have the same effect on humans.
"At this time, there is not enough evidence to recommend that patients inhale or ingest cannabis as a treatment for
cancer-related symptoms or side-effects of cancer therapy."
A spokesman for the Cancer Research UK charity said: "There isn't enough reliable evidence to prove that cannabinoids, whether natural or synthetic, can effectively treat cancer in patients, although research is ongoing around the world."
-
‘A legacy news brand brings a visibility of its own’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
8 of the best ‘cozy crime’ series of all timeThe Week Recommends Murder mysteries don’t necessarily have to make us miserable, and these shows have perfected a feel-good crime formula
-
Youth revolts rattle Morocco as calls against corruption grow louderTHE EXPLAINER Snowballing controversy over World Cup construction and civic services has become a serious threat to Morocco’s political stability
-
Deadly fungus tied to a pharaoh's tomb may help fight cancerUnder the radar A once fearsome curse could be a blessing
-
'Poo pills' and the war on superbugsThe Explainer Antimicrobial resistance is causing millions of deaths. Could a faeces-filled pill change all that?
-
The Y chromosome degrades over time. And men's health is paying for itUnder the radar The chromosome loss is linked to cancer and Alzheimer's
-
A bacterial toxin could be contributing to the colorectal cancer rise in young peopleUnder the radar Most exposure occurs in childhood
-
Why are more young people getting bowel cancer?The Explainer Alarming rise in bowel-cancer diagnoses in under-50s is puzzling scientists
-
Five medical breakthroughs of 2024The Explainer The year's new discoveries for health conditions that affect millions
-
Covid might be to blame for an uptick in rare cancersThe explainer The virus may be making us more susceptible to certain cancers
-
The alarming rise of cancer in young peopleUnder the radar Cancer rates are rising, and the cause is not clear
