Pubdate: Tue, 15 Jul 2014
Source: Courier, The (Dundee, UK)
Copyright: DC Thomson & Co Ltd
Contact:  http://www.thecourier.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/802
Page: 14

CANNABIS COULD HELP CUT GROWTH OF TUMOURS

CANNABIS COULD be used to reduce tumour growth in cancer patients,
scientists have said.

New research reveals the drug's main psychoactive ingredient -
tetrahydrocannabino ( THC) - could be responsible for its success in
shrinking tumours.

It is hoped the findings could help develop a synthetic equivalent
with anti-cancer properties.

However, researchers warned cancer sufferers should not be tempted to
self-medicate.

Dr Peter McCormick, from the University of East Anglia, said: "Our
findings help explain some of the well-known but still poorly
understood effects of THC at low and high doses on tumour growth.

"There has been a great deal of interest in understanding the
molecular mechanisms behind how marijuana and specifically THC
influence cancer pathology.

"There has also been a drive in the pharmaceutical industry to create
synthetic equivalents that might have anti-cancer properties.

"Our research uses an isolated chemical compound and using the correct
concentration is vital. Cancer patients should not use cannabis to
self-medicate but I hope our research will lead to a safe synthetic
equivalent
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt