Why marijuana matters on World Cancer Day

written by Emily Gray Brosious

 

(Photo credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images/Cancer Research UK)

Cancer and Cannabis

Feb. 4 is World Cancer Day, an annual day aimed at promoting research for curing and preventing cancer.
An estimated 14.1 million cancer cases were reported across the globe in 2012, and that number is expected to jump to 24 million by 2013, according to World Cancer Research Fund International.

So why are people talking about marijuana on World Cancer Day?

Because marijuana holds tremendous potential for cancer treatment and even a potential cure, according to data published by the National Cancer Institute.

Federal marijuana prohibition has prevented medical research for years, but now the tide is turning. People and organizations are actively pushing to change marijuana laws and open the door for more research into cannabis and its potential for treating cancer.

Types of cancer that cannabis may treat or prevent

Colon Cancer  Canabis has been found to protect against inflamation of the colon and may potentially reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Brest Cancer  Studies show CBD a compound found in marijuana may increase chemotheraphy effectiveness and also kill brest cancer cells.

Liver Cancer  studies show that THC compound found in marijuana damages or kills ancer cells in liver cancer patients.

Brain Cancer (glioma)  Studies show CBD may increase the effectiveness of chemotheraphy and kills cancer cells in Glioma patients.

Lung Cancer  THC may have anti-tumor effects on non small cell lung cancer.