The terrible truth about marijuana: Expert's devastating 20-year study

[Kahane-Was-Right BT]

It ruins people's lives? Give me a break. I know a chemist, a doctor and a contractor, to name 3, that smoke and/or grow the stuff, and they have no problems,

Anecdotal.  This type of testimony means absolutely nothing. 

and the contractor uses it for increased sexual stamina. 

I could say I use ogre toenail fungus for increased bicep strength, but that does not mean it actually works or that there is even a rationale for why it would work.

[nessuno]

http://jtf.org/forum/Smileys/super/dancing_jew.gifMy position has, and remains, that it is a medicine which should be used as such.

I am against a legalization for 'recreational' use..

Semantics.



Muman, at least be honest and call it what it is....a drug.

[nessuno]

You are correct Kahane-Was-Right BT.  I do think we should have full FDA approval for medicinal use and tight regulation of prescription.  We don't seem to have that.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/ucm401879.htm

I say, before we make it out to be a wonder drug, let's not even make it out to be a medical drug at all until it's proven to work in clinical trials and then we can judge the risk/benefit (if any benefit) profile.    Anything else is just speculation and pseudoscience which potheads love to promote because it gives credence to legalizing their favorite drug.

[Debbie Shafer]

Pot creates illusion and laziness...it is a drug pushed by the government that will create a nation of non-productive do nothings.

[nessuno]

Pot creates illusion and laziness...it is a drug pushed by the government that will create a nation of non-productive do nothings.

Great point!

[Israel Chai]

Anecdotal.  This type of testimony means absolutely nothing. 

I could say I use ogre toenail fungus for increased bicep strength, but that does not mean it actually works or that there is even a rationale for why it would work.

The anecdote is the best response to unsubstantiated claims about a little weed ruining someone's entire life. Other than being in the States, and getting raped in jail because a cop arrested a guy over a gram, I've never heard of any lives ruined in connection with weed.

OK, I don't know what ogre toenail fungus is, but marijuana increases sexual stamina while you are on it.

[Kahane-Was-Right BT]

The anecdote is the best response to unsubstantiated claims about a little weed ruining someone's entire life. Other than being in the States, and getting raped in jail because a cop arrested a guy over a gram, I've never heard of any lives ruined in connection with weed.

Read the study which opened this thread.  It is a research study pointing to statistics which indicate potentiial health problems and hazards associated withsmoking weed.  It is not your straw man "claim to ruin an entire life."

OK, I don't know what ogre toenail fungus is, but marijuana increases sexual stamina while you are on it.

If you want to make claims like this, Prove It Mr. shaman.   Anecdotes don't count.
Kindly point out the MOA while you're at it....

[Lewinsky Stinks, Dr. Brennan Rocks]

Most "downer" narcotics (like weed) kill the sex drive, at least over time. It is medical fact that cannabis lowers testosterone.

[muman613]

This topic is truly boring and I loath posting more facts about it because it is politically incorrect here to post positions which support medical use of Marijuana. But there is increasing evidence that Marijuana, and it's THC compound, has cancer inhibiting properties.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/healthprofessional/page4



See the link for the footnotes:

Laboratory/Animal/Preclinical Studies

Antitumor Effects
Appetite Stimulation
Analgesia

Cannabinoids are a group of 21-carbon–containing terpenophenolic compounds produced uniquely by Cannabis species (e.g., Cannabis sativa L.) .[1,2] These plant-derived compounds may be referred to as phytocannabinoids. Although delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive ingredient, other known compounds with biologic activity are cannabinol, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene, cannabigerol, tetrahydrocannabivarin, and delta-8-THC. CBD, in particular, is thought to have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity without the psychoactive effect (high) of delta-9-THC.

Antitumor Effects
One study in mice and rats suggested that cannabinoids may have a protective effect against the development of certain types of tumors.[3] During this 2-year study, groups of mice and rats were given various doses of THC by gavage. A dose-related decrease in the incidence of hepatic adenoma tumors and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was observed in the mice. Decreased incidences of benign tumors (polyps and adenomas) in other organs (mammary gland, uterus, pituitary, testis, and pancreas) were also noted in the rats. In another study, delta-9-THC, delta-8-THC, and cannabinol were found to inhibit the growth of Lewis lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo .[4] In addition, other tumors have been shown to be sensitive to cannabinoid-induced growth inhibition.[5-8]

Cannabinoids may cause antitumor effects by various mechanisms, including induction of cell death, inhibition of cell growth, and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis invasion and metastasis.[9-12] Two reviews summarize the molecular mechanisms of action of cannabinoids as antitumor agents.[13,14] Cannabinoids appear to kill tumor cells but do not affect their nontransformed counterparts and may even protect them from cell death. These compounds have been shown to induce apoptosis in glioma cells in culture and induce regression of glioma tumors in mice and rats. Cannabinoids protect normal glial cells of astroglial and oligodendroglial lineages from apoptosis mediated by the CB1 receptor.[15]

The effects of delta-9-THC and a synthetic agonist of the CB2 receptor were investigated in HCC.[16] Both agents reduced the viability of HCC cells in vitro and demonstrated antitumor effects in HCC subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice. The investigations documented that the anti-HCC effects are mediated by way of the CB2 receptor. Similar to findings in glioma cells, the cannabinoids were shown to trigger cell death through stimulation of an endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway that activates autophagy and promotes apoptosis. Other investigations have confirmed that CB1 and CB2 receptors may be potential targets in non-small cell lung carcinoma [17] and breast cancer.[18]

An in vitro study of the effect of CBD on programmed cell death in breast cancer cell lines found that CBD induced programmed cell death, independent of the CB1, CB2, or vanilloid receptors. CBD inhibited the survival of both estrogen receptor–positive and estrogen receptor–negative breast cancer cell lines, inducing apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner while having little effect on nontumorigenic, mammary cells.[19]

CBD has also been demonstrated to exert a chemopreventive effect in a mouse model of colon cancer.[20] In the experimental system, azoxymethane increased premalignant and malignant lesions in the mouse colon. Animals treated with azoxymethane and CBD concurrently were protected from developing premalignant and malignant lesions. In in vitro experiments involving colorectal cancer cell lines, the investigators found that CBD protected DNA from oxidative damage, increased endocannabinoid levels, and reduced cell proliferation. In a subsequent study, the investigators found that the antiproliferative effect of CBD was counteracted by selective CB1 but not CB2 receptor antagonists, suggesting an involvement of CB1 receptors.[21]

Another investigation into the antitumor effects of CBD examined the role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1).[12] ICAM-1 expression has been reported to be negatively correlated with cancer metastasis. In lung cancer cell lines, CBD upregulated ICAM-1, leading to decreased cancer cell invasiveness.

In an in vivo model using severe combined immunodeficient mice, subcutaneous tumors were generated by inoculating the animals with cells from human non-small cell lung carcinoma cell lines.[22] Tumor growth was inhibited by 60% in THC-treated mice compared with vehicle-treated control mice. Tumor specimens revealed that THC had antiangiogenic and antiproliferative effects. However, research with immunocompetent murine tumor models has demonstrated immunosuppression and enhanced tumor growth in mice treated with THC.[23,24]

In addition, both plant-derived and endogenous cannabinoids have been studied for anti-inflammatory effects. A mouse study demonstrated that endogenous cannabinoid system signaling is likely to provide intrinsic protection against colonic inflammation.[25] As a result, a hypothesis that phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids may be useful in the risk reduction and treatment of colorectal cancer has been developed.[26-29]

CBD may also enhance uptake of cytotoxic drugs into malignant cells. Activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 2 (TRPV2) has been shown to inhibit proliferation of human glioblastoma multiforme cells and overcome resistance to the chemotherapy agent carmustine.[30] In an in vitro model, CBD increased TRPV2 activation and increased uptake of cytotoxic drugs, leading to apoptosis of glioma cells without affecting normal human astrocytes. This suggests that coadministration of CBD with cytotoxic agents may increase drug uptake and potentiate cell death in human glioma cells.

Appetite Stimulation
Many animal studies have previously demonstrated that delta-9-THC and other cannabinoids have a stimulatory effect on appetite and increase food intake. It is believed that the endogenous cannabinoid system may serve as a regulator of feeding behavior. The endogenous cannabinoid anandamide potently enhances appetite in mice.[31] Moreover, CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus may be involved in the motivational or reward aspects of eating.[32]

Analgesia
Understanding the mechanism of cannabinoid-induced analgesia has been increased through the study of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and synthetic agonists and antagonists. The CB1 receptor is found in both the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral nerve terminals. Similar to opioid receptors, increased levels of the CB1 receptor are found in regions of the brain that regulate nociceptive processing.[33] CB2 receptors, located predominantly in peripheral tissue, exist at very low levels in the CNS. With the development of receptor-specific antagonists, additional information about the roles of the receptors and endogenous cannabinoids in the modulation of pain has been obtained.[34,35]

Cannabinoids may also contribute to pain modulation through an anti-inflammatory mechanism; a CB2 effect with cannabinoids acting on mast cell receptors to attenuate the release of inflammatory agents, such as histamine and serotonin, and on keratinocytes to enhance the release of analgesic opioids has been described.[36-38] One study reported that the efficacy of synthetic CB1- and CB2-receptor agonists were comparable with the efficacy of morphine in a murine model of tumor pain.[39]


See also http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/marijuana

http://www.sfweekly.com/sanfrancisco/miracle-cannabis-oil-may-treat-cancer-but-money-and-the-law-stand-in-the-way-of-finding-out/Content?oid=2825695

[muman613]

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279571.php

Previous studies have suggested that cannabinoids, of which tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one, have anti-cancer properties. In 2009, researchers at Complutense University in Spain found that THC induced the death of brain cancer cells in a process known as "autophagy."

The researchers found that administering THC to mice with human tumors initiated autophagy and caused the growth of the tumors to decrease. Two human patients with highly aggressive brain tumors who received intracranial administration of THC also showed similar signs of autophagy, upon analysis.

The team behind the new study - co-led by Complutense University and the University of Anglia (UEA) in the UK - claims to have discovered previously unknown "signaling platforms" that allow THC to shrink tumors.

The researchers induced tumors in mice using samples of human breast cancer cells. When the tumors were targeted with doses of THC, the researchers found that two cell receptors were particularly associated with an anti-tumor response.

"THC, the major active component of marijuana, has anti-cancer properties. This compound is known to act through a specific family of cell receptors called cannabinoid receptors," says Dr. Peter McCormick, from UEA's School of Pharmacy.

20 Studies which have been done which demonstrate anti-Cancer properties of THC...

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/08/23/20-medical-studies-that-prove-cannabis-can-cure-cancer/

[Kahane-Was-Right BT]

This topic is truly boring and I loath posting more facts about it because it is politically incorrect here to post positions which support medical use of Marijuana. But there is increasing evidence that Marijuana, and it's THC compound, has cancer inhibiting properties.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/healthprofessional/page4



See the link for the footnotes:

Laboratory/Animal/Preclinical Studies

Antitumor Effects
Appetite Stimulation
Analgesia

Cannabinoids are a group of 21-carbon–containing terpenophenolic compounds produced uniquely by Cannabis species (e.g., Cannabis sativa L.) .[1,2] These plant-derived compounds may be referred to as phytocannabinoids. Although delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive ingredient, other known compounds with biologic activity are cannabinol, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene, cannabigerol, tetrahydrocannabivarin, and delta-8-THC. CBD, in particular, is thought to have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity without the psychoactive effect (high) of delta-9-THC.

Antitumor Effects
One study in mice and rats suggested that cannabinoids may have a protective effect against the development of certain types of tumors.[3] During this 2-year study, groups of mice and rats were given various doses of THC by gavage. A dose-related decrease in the incidence of hepatic adenoma tumors and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was observed in the mice. Decreased incidences of benign tumors (polyps and adenomas) in other organs (mammary gland, uterus, pituitary, testis, and pancreas) were also noted in the rats. In another study, delta-9-THC, delta-8-THC, and cannabinol were found to inhibit the growth of Lewis lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo .[4] In addition, other tumors have been shown to be sensitive to cannabinoid-induced growth inhibition.[5-8]

Cannabinoids may cause antitumor effects by various mechanisms, including induction of cell death, inhibition of cell growth, and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis invasion and metastasis.[9-12] Two reviews summarize the molecular mechanisms of action of cannabinoids as antitumor agents.[13,14] Cannabinoids appear to kill tumor cells but do not affect their nontransformed counterparts and may even protect them from cell death. These compounds have been shown to induce apoptosis in glioma cells in culture and induce regression of glioma tumors in mice and rats. Cannabinoids protect normal glial cells of astroglial and oligodendroglial lineages from apoptosis mediated by the CB1 receptor.[15]

The effects of delta-9-THC and a synthetic agonist of the CB2 receptor were investigated in HCC.[16] Both agents reduced the viability of HCC cells in vitro and demonstrated antitumor effects in HCC subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice. The investigations documented that the anti-HCC effects are mediated by way of the CB2 receptor. Similar to findings in glioma cells, the cannabinoids were shown to trigger cell death through stimulation of an endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway that activates autophagy and promotes apoptosis. Other investigations have confirmed that CB1 and CB2 receptors may be potential targets in non-small cell lung carcinoma [17] and breast cancer.[18]

An in vitro study of the effect of CBD on programmed cell death in breast cancer cell lines found that CBD induced programmed cell death, independent of the CB1, CB2, or vanilloid receptors. CBD inhibited the survival of both estrogen receptor–positive and estrogen receptor–negative breast cancer cell lines, inducing apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner while having little effect on nontumorigenic, mammary cells.[19]

CBD has also been demonstrated to exert a chemopreventive effect in a mouse model of colon cancer.[20] In the experimental system, azoxymethane increased premalignant and malignant lesions in the mouse colon. Animals treated with azoxymethane and CBD concurrently were protected from developing premalignant and malignant lesions. In in vitro experiments involving colorectal cancer cell lines, the investigators found that CBD protected DNA from oxidative damage, increased endocannabinoid levels, and reduced cell proliferation. In a subsequent study, the investigators found that the antiproliferative effect of CBD was counteracted by selective CB1 but not CB2 receptor antagonists, suggesting an involvement of CB1 receptors.[21]

Another investigation into the antitumor effects of CBD examined the role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1).[12] ICAM-1 expression has been reported to be negatively correlated with cancer metastasis. In lung cancer cell lines, CBD upregulated ICAM-1, leading to decreased cancer cell invasiveness.

In an in vivo model using severe combined immunodeficient mice, subcutaneous tumors were generated by inoculating the animals with cells from human non-small cell lung carcinoma cell lines.[22] Tumor growth was inhibited by 60% in THC-treated mice compared with vehicle-treated control mice. Tumor specimens revealed that THC had antiangiogenic and antiproliferative effects. However, research with immunocompetent murine tumor models has demonstrated immunosuppression and enhanced tumor growth in mice treated with THC.[23,24]

In addition, both plant-derived and endogenous cannabinoids have been studied for anti-inflammatory effects. A mouse study demonstrated that endogenous cannabinoid system signaling is likely to provide intrinsic protection against colonic inflammation.[25] As a result, a hypothesis that phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids may be useful in the risk reduction and treatment of colorectal cancer has been developed.[26-29]

CBD may also enhance uptake of cytotoxic drugs into malignant cells. Activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 2 (TRPV2) has been shown to inhibit proliferation of human glioblastoma multiforme cells and overcome resistance to the chemotherapy agent carmustine.[30] In an in vitro model, CBD increased TRPV2 activation and increased uptake of cytotoxic drugs, leading to apoptosis of glioma cells without affecting normal human astrocytes. This suggests that coadministration of CBD with cytotoxic agents may increase drug uptake and potentiate cell death in human glioma cells.

Appetite Stimulation
Many animal studies have previously demonstrated that delta-9-THC and other cannabinoids have a stimulatory effect on appetite and increase food intake. It is believed that the endogenous cannabinoid system may serve as a regulator of feeding behavior. The endogenous cannabinoid anandamide potently enhances appetite in mice.[31] Moreover, CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus may be involved in the motivational or reward aspects of eating.[32]

Analgesia
Understanding the mechanism of cannabinoid-induced analgesia has been increased through the study of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and synthetic agonists and antagonists. The CB1 receptor is found in both the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral nerve terminals. Similar to opioid receptors, increased levels of the CB1 receptor are found in regions of the brain that regulate nociceptive processing.[33] CB2 receptors, located predominantly in peripheral tissue, exist at very low levels in the CNS. With the development of receptor-specific antagonists, additional information about the roles of the receptors and endogenous cannabinoids in the modulation of pain has been obtained.[34,35]

Cannabinoids may also contribute to pain modulation through an anti-inflammatory mechanism; a CB2 effect with cannabinoids acting on mast cell receptors to attenuate the release of inflammatory agents, such as histamine and serotonin, and on keratinocytes to enhance the release of analgesic opioids has been described.[36-38] One study reported that the efficacy of synthetic CB1- and CB2-receptor agonists were comparable with the efficacy of morphine in a murine model of tumor pain.[39]


See also http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/marijuana

http://www.sfweekly.com/sanfrancisco/miracle-cannabis-oil-may-treat-cancer-but-money-and-the-law-stand-in-the-way-of-finding-out/Content?oid=2825695

You cited all preclinical, basic research.   

This does not support medical use of marijuana any more than the hundreds and thousands of preclinical basic research studies support the medical use of any other unproven molecules and potential new drugs which seem to show interesting properties in lab experiments.   All that you dug up supports further study of marijuana, which *MIGHT have some important medicinal properties (or its components might!), but would require long, detailed, placebo-controlled clinical testing in humans to prove it has any disease-modifying effect whatsoever and proving the benefits (if any) outweigh the risks of whatever side effects its administration would cause.   = The same scrutiny every new drug has to go through to get regulatory clearance for sale as a medicine!

Again, the data you provided does NOT support medicinal use of marijuana.  It supports the need and the worthwhile cause to further investigate marijuana's (and its components which most likely have to extracted and purified for a real drug) properties with more research and testing.   Nothing more.

Otherwise, every witchdoctor and shaman could sell snakeoil on every street corner because he used it to cure cancer in a petri dish.   Oh wait, I said this already and you just ignored it.

The vast majority of promising preclinical new drug molecules fail in human testing, due to safety or efficacy or both, and the vast majority do not achieve regulatory approval for marketing because they are not effective medicines.   Asking me to believe your favorite pet plant and recreational hobby is going to overcome those odds "Just 'cause, it will, believe me" is a joke.    It may or it may not, but there is no reason to give it any special treatment that no other potential medicine receives.   Do the human clinical testing and prove it one way or another.   There is absolutely no sense to referring to marijuana as "medicinal" in any way until that point is reached.

By the way, please note that the research experiments you cited refer to THC and Cannabinoids.  That means they extracted and purified components of your favorite plant!   It does NOT mean they blew marijuana smoke on their cell plates lol.   They extracted and/or synthesized chemical compounds from within the marijuana plant, purified and concentrated to provide a high enough dose to produce an effect on the cells.   That in NO WAY supports smoking a plant any more than the fact that Aspirin has carbon element in its structure means I should lick a pencil tip.  (carbon atoms are the backbone of life so almost everything will contain carbon atoms).

You tried.  But you failed.

[Every Jew AK47]

What's worse Pot or Mountain Dew??  Mountain Dew shrinks your testicles and pot makes you grow boobs..

Both are not the best for your body, but both should be legal.

Why? Because neither is immediately fatal , nor extremely deadly and addictive such as opiate based drugs, like Heroine or uppers like Methamphetamines, Cocaine, Crack, etc.

If Marijuana could kill you by overdose, I would not be here.  I grew up in Oregon and lived around pot smoking hippies and rednecks and got my share..  No, I don't smoke it anymore.


Taxing Marijuana is going to be a great help to the state of Washington.  Why not help reduce the tax burden and strip the drug pushers of their illicit ,tax-free gains.  Also, drug pushers generate crime and many marijuana dealers are addicted to much stronger drugs and push marijuana as a way to support their hard drug habits, since illegal drug dealing means larger profits, enough to fund other addictions.

Legalizing marijuana is the best option and it does have medicinal properties.   Overall, it is an estrogen-laden, heavily tarred and mind-altering herb that has no benefit to people, but neither does a lot of other crap people put in their bodies.     Ethanol is a pretty toxic substance yet we saw how effective banning it was in our society.

[Super Mentalita]

It's a destructive drug that ruins peoples lives & I'm unconvinced that it helps people medically. So I'm 100% against this poison!

I know lots of succesfull people who smoke weed to calm down after a hard day of work. So the weed ruined their lives? Who are you to say that? It's legal in Holland, but it happens everywhere around the world illegal and i believe it happens even more in places where it's illegal. So you are 100% against it in general. Fine.

[Lewinsky Stinks, Dr. Brennan Rocks]

This topic is truly boring and I loath posting more facts about it because it is politically incorrect here to post positions which support medical use of Marijuana. But there is increasing evidence that Marijuana, and it's THC compound, has cancer inhibiting properties.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/healthprofessional/page4



See the link for the footnotes:

Laboratory/Animal/Preclinical Studies

Antitumor Effects
Appetite Stimulation
Analgesia

Cannabinoids are a group of 21-carbon–containing terpenophenolic compounds produced uniquely by Cannabis species (e.g., Cannabis sativa L.) .[1,2] These plant-derived compounds may be referred to as phytocannabinoids. Although delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive ingredient, other known compounds with biologic activity are cannabinol, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene, cannabigerol, tetrahydrocannabivarin, and delta-8-THC. CBD, in particular, is thought to have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity without the psychoactive effect (high) of delta-9-THC.

Antitumor Effects
One study in mice and rats suggested that cannabinoids may have a protective effect against the development of certain types of tumors.[3] During this 2-year study, groups of mice and rats were given various doses of THC by gavage. A dose-related decrease in the incidence of hepatic adenoma tumors and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was observed in the mice. Decreased incidences of benign tumors (polyps and adenomas) in other organs (mammary gland, uterus, pituitary, testis, and pancreas) were also noted in the rats. In another study, delta-9-THC, delta-8-THC, and cannabinol were found to inhibit the growth of Lewis lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo .[4] In addition, other tumors have been shown to be sensitive to cannabinoid-induced growth inhibition.[5-8]

Cannabinoids may cause antitumor effects by various mechanisms, including induction of cell death, inhibition of cell growth, and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis invasion and metastasis.[9-12] Two reviews summarize the molecular mechanisms of action of cannabinoids as antitumor agents.[13,14] Cannabinoids appear to kill tumor cells but do not affect their nontransformed counterparts and may even protect them from cell death. These compounds have been shown to induce apoptosis in glioma cells in culture and induce regression of glioma tumors in mice and rats. Cannabinoids protect normal glial cells of astroglial and oligodendroglial lineages from apoptosis mediated by the CB1 receptor.[15]

The effects of delta-9-THC and a synthetic agonist of the CB2 receptor were investigated in HCC.[16] Both agents reduced the viability of HCC cells in vitro and demonstrated antitumor effects in HCC subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice. The investigations documented that the anti-HCC effects are mediated by way of the CB2 receptor. Similar to findings in glioma cells, the cannabinoids were shown to trigger cell death through stimulation of an endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway that activates autophagy and promotes apoptosis. Other investigations have confirmed that CB1 and CB2 receptors may be potential targets in non-small cell lung carcinoma [17] and breast cancer.[18]

An in vitro study of the effect of CBD on programmed cell death in breast cancer cell lines found that CBD induced programmed cell death, independent of the CB1, CB2, or vanilloid receptors. CBD inhibited the survival of both estrogen receptor–positive and estrogen receptor–negative breast cancer cell lines, inducing apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner while having little effect on nontumorigenic, mammary cells.[19]

CBD has also been demonstrated to exert a chemopreventive effect in a mouse model of colon cancer.[20] In the experimental system, azoxymethane increased premalignant and malignant lesions in the mouse colon. Animals treated with azoxymethane and CBD concurrently were protected from developing premalignant and malignant lesions. In in vitro experiments involving colorectal cancer cell lines, the investigators found that CBD protected DNA from oxidative damage, increased endocannabinoid levels, and reduced cell proliferation. In a subsequent study, the investigators found that the antiproliferative effect of CBD was counteracted by selective CB1 but not CB2 receptor antagonists, suggesting an involvement of CB1 receptors.[21]

Another investigation into the antitumor effects of CBD examined the role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1).[12] ICAM-1 expression has been reported to be negatively correlated with cancer metastasis. In lung cancer cell lines, CBD upregulated ICAM-1, leading to decreased cancer cell invasiveness.

In an in vivo model using severe combined immunodeficient mice, subcutaneous tumors were generated by inoculating the animals with cells from human non-small cell lung carcinoma cell lines.[22] Tumor growth was inhibited by 60% in THC-treated mice compared with vehicle-treated control mice. Tumor specimens revealed that THC had antiangiogenic and antiproliferative effects. However, research with immunocompetent murine tumor models has demonstrated immunosuppression and enhanced tumor growth in mice treated with THC.[23,24]

In addition, both plant-derived and endogenous cannabinoids have been studied for anti-inflammatory effects. A mouse study demonstrated that endogenous cannabinoid system signaling is likely to provide intrinsic protection against colonic inflammation.[25] As a result, a hypothesis that phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids may be useful in the risk reduction and treatment of colorectal cancer has been developed.[26-29]

CBD may also enhance uptake of cytotoxic drugs into malignant cells. Activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 2 (TRPV2) has been shown to inhibit proliferation of human glioblastoma multiforme cells and overcome resistance to the chemotherapy agent carmustine.[30] In an in vitro model, CBD increased TRPV2 activation and increased uptake of cytotoxic drugs, leading to apoptosis of glioma cells without affecting normal human astrocytes. This suggests that coadministration of CBD with cytotoxic agents may increase drug uptake and potentiate cell death in human glioma cells.

Appetite Stimulation
Many animal studies have previously demonstrated that delta-9-THC and other cannabinoids have a stimulatory effect on appetite and increase food intake. It is believed that the endogenous cannabinoid system may serve as a regulator of feeding behavior. The endogenous cannabinoid anandamide potently enhances appetite in mice.[31] Moreover, CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus may be involved in the motivational or reward aspects of eating.[32]

Analgesia
Understanding the mechanism of cannabinoid-induced analgesia has been increased through the study of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and synthetic agonists and antagonists. The CB1 receptor is found in both the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral nerve terminals. Similar to opioid receptors, increased levels of the CB1 receptor are found in regions of the brain that regulate nociceptive processing.[33] CB2 receptors, located predominantly in peripheral tissue, exist at very low levels in the CNS. With the development of receptor-specific antagonists, additional information about the roles of the receptors and endogenous cannabinoids in the modulation of pain has been obtained.[34,35]

Cannabinoids may also contribute to pain modulation through an anti-inflammatory mechanism; a CB2 effect with cannabinoids acting on mast cell receptors to attenuate the release of inflammatory agents, such as histamine and serotonin, and on keratinocytes to enhance the release of analgesic opioids has been described.[36-38] One study reported that the efficacy of synthetic CB1- and CB2-receptor agonists were comparable with the efficacy of morphine in a murine model of tumor pain.[39]


See also http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/marijuana

http://www.sfweekly.com/sanfrancisco/miracle-cannabis-oil-may-treat-cancer-but-money-and-the-law-stand-in-the-way-of-finding-out/Content?oid=2825695

Muman, you are offended by anything that tarnishes the reputation of your cherished sacred herb. Give it a rest.

[nessuno]

The anecdote is the best response to unsubstantiated claims about a little weed ruining someone's entire life. Other than being in the States, and getting raped in jail because a cop arrested a guy over a gram, I've never heard of any lives ruined in connection with weed.

OK, I don't know what ogre toenail fungus is, but marijuana increases sexual stamina while you are on it.

Okay. Anecdotally.  My friend, a brilliant guitarist, does nothing with his talent.  He just sits around mellowly smoking pot constantly.  His brain is burnt out after 30 + years of smoking.  Not what I would want for my child.

[muman613]

There is nothing sacred or special about the medicinal use of this substance. It has been used for 1000s of years. It is 100x better than the pharmacuetical drugs which are available for mild pain reduction. I have a condition which causes great pain and I loathe taking the Hydrocodone based pain drugs. The addictive qualities of the hydrocodone drugs is much worse than the addiction to THC.

I sure hope that more study is done on this because it seems that a lot of the medicinal qualities of THC has been overlooked because it has been criminalized.

[Lewinsky Stinks, Dr. Brennan Rocks]

There is nothing sacred or special about the medicinal use of this substance. It has been used for 1000s of years. It is 100x better than the pharmacuetical drugs which are available for mild pain reduction. I have a condition which causes great pain and I loathe taking the Hydrocodone based pain drugs. The addictive qualities of the hydrocodone drugs is much worse than the addiction to THC.

I sure hope that more study is done on this because it seems that a lot of the medicinal qualities of THC has been overlooked because it has been criminalized.

[muman613]

What is the meaning of this? There was nothing to joke about in my post. Using medicine to control pain and/or cancer growth is a serious issue and one where I think THC have a great impact.

[muman613]

I am currently taking Norco (Hydrocodone) for my pain and it is very frustrating because I don't want to get addicted to it. Often I suffer with the pain rather than take a Hydrocodone drug.

http://drugabuse.com/library/the-effects-of-hydrocodone-use/

Long-term Effects of Hydrocodone

Addiction may be one of the most dangerous long-term effects of hydrocodone use. Hydrocodone is an opiate, or narcotic, similar to codeine, heroin and morphine. These kinds of substances are particularly risky, because you can become addicted even when you are taking them as recommended by your doctor. Repeated use of hydrocodone frequently leads to tolerance, so you will need to take more of the drug in order to get the same effect. Tolerance can easily lead to addiction, which happens when your substance abuse begins to have a negative impact on your everyday activities.

Long-term effects of hydrocodone use can include physical problems, such as hearing loss and liver damage, but the most damaging result of being addicted to hydrocodone may be its adverse effect on your personal life. Drug addiction can wreak havoc on family relationships, cause difficulties with job performance and lead to mental health problems. If you are experiencing personal troubles associated with hydrocodone use, you may have an addiction. Call 1-800-943-0566 today, and learn where to find help with prescription drug abuse.

[Israel Chai]

Okay. Anecdotally.  My friend, a brilliant guitarist, does nothing with his talent.  He just sits around mellowly smoking pot constantly.  His brain is burnt out after 30 + years of smoking.  Not what I would want for my child.

Lazy people can blame weed all they want. Nothing screws up your life unless you use to it screw up your life, or it's something like crack that causes physical and psychological detriment.

[Kahane-Was-Right BT]

There is nothing sacred or special about the medicinal use of this substance. It has been used for 1000s of years. 

Using it for 1000's of years to get high does not mean it works as a medicine.  For anything.

People used bloodletting for a thousand years, does that mean it was a medicine?  It's not used anymore because it hasn't shown to accomplish anything.  Neither has marijuana.

It is 100x better than the pharmacuetical drugs which are available for mild pain reduction. 

The only way to assert something like this is to test them, head-to-head, in double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trials and then demonstrate a statistically significant superiority for your wonder-herb in efficacy and safety.  The fact that you make claims like this when there's been no trial proving it, is absurd.   It sounds like you are the local shaman or witchdoctor selling magic beans.   

I mean, forget about "100x better" - it's never even been shown to be equally as good.

I have a condition which causes great pain and I loathe taking the Hydrocodone based pain drugs. The addictive qualities of the hydrocodone drugs is much worse than the addiction to THC.

I sure hope that more study is done on this because it seems that a lot of the medicinal qualities of THC has been overlooked because it has been criminalized.

Luckily they are coming out with abuse-deterrent forms, and there are many new biologics in development for pain which likely won't have the same risks as hydrocodone or the risks of NSAIDS, which are another thing people take.   NOTICE I SAID, LIKELY WON'T, BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW YET, NO ONE KNOWS FOR SURE, THEY HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE FULL GAMUT OF TESTING FIRST BEFORE WE CAN MAKE DEFINITIVE CLAIMS ABOUT THEIR RELATIVE BENEFITS.   Good gracious, it's not that complicated.

[Kahane-Was-Right BT]

I am currently taking Norco (Hydrocodone) for my pain and it is very frustrating because I don't want to get addicted to it. Often I suffer with the pain rather than take a Hydrocodone drug.

http://drugabuse.com/library/the-effects-of-hydrocodone-use/

I'm really confused by this post.   You are frustrated with it because you don't want to get addicted?   
Are you feeling signs of being addicted to it?
Is it treating your pain effectively?

Mr. Bigshot Weed is 100 times better, did not opt to simply smoke weed all day rather than take the Norco?   Gee, could it be because Norco relieves your pain - maybe even 100x better than marijuana ever could?     
So why mislead the forum with baseless statements?

[Israel Chai]

I'm really confused by this post.   You are frustrated with it because you don't want to get addicted?   
Are you feeling signs of being addicted to it?
Is it treating your pain effectively?

Mr. Bigshot Weed is 100 times better, did not opt to simply smoke weed all day rather than take the Norco?   Gee, could it be because Norco relieves your pain - maybe even 100x better than marijuana ever could?     
So why mislead the forum with baseless statements?

    shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
    feeling light-headed, fainting;
    confusion, fear, unusual thoughts or behavior;
    seizure (convulsions);
    problems with urination; or
    nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

    anxiety, dizziness, drowsiness;
    mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation;
    headache, mood changes;
    blurred vision;
    ringing in your ears; or
    dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


Yeah I'd stick with the weed.

[muman613]

I'm really confused by this post.   You are frustrated with it because you don't want to get addicted?   
Are you feeling signs of being addicted to it?
Is it treating your pain effectively?

Mr. Bigshot Weed is 100 times better, did not opt to simply smoke weed all day rather than take the Norco?   Gee, could it be because Norco relieves your pain - maybe even 100x better than marijuana ever could?     
So why mislead the forum with baseless statements?

You are not thinking clearly and are simply reacting based on bias.

I do not take the Norco because it is so addicting and as I posted above (and apparently you just skipped it) Norco quickly becomes tolerated and you need to take more to relieve the same amount of pain.

And you are making assumptions because nowhere did I say I am smoking weed for my pain. I do know that it has the ability to relieve pain and this is why I hope that it remains legal. You also incorrectly assume that the only way of administering THC is through smoking, as there is also the category of edible medicines which is a better way to administer it.

But I do not need to prove anything to anyone. I have simply been speaking both from what I know, and what I have learned from the medical information. I can also post many more studies which indicate positive medicinal uses of MJ and THC... As I said before, this topic is really bound to go nowhere because of this bias.

[muman613]

And for the record KWRBT.... Do you work in the pharma industry? You have been so defensive of this racket ever since I knew you.