Cannabinoids, CBD, THC & Cannabis and cancer
There's an endocannabinoid system in MY body?
The cannabis plant is made up of various cannabinoids, terpenes, and other molecules.
Cannabinoids (Kuh-nab-uh-noids)
- What are they? Cannabinoids are molecules derived from cannabis plants.
- How many are there? There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different cannabinoids.
- How do they work? Each cannabinoid works differently in the human body as it interacts with our endocannabinoid system and receptors located throughout the body on various cells.
The two most common cannabinoids:
- CBD (cannabidiol): does not produce a "high"/psychoactive effect, has a flexible molecular structure-and can bond with more receptors in the body, can lead to less predictable effects in the body
- THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ9): produces a "high"/psychoactive effect, has a rigid structure, inflexible molecular structure and is more limited in the receptors it can attach to which leads to more predictable effects in the body
The endocannabinoid system is a signaling system that exists within the body of all animals. It utilizes endocannabinoids (cannabinoid molecules made within our bodies, of which there are dozens), cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that cooperatively regulate and influence a number of functions within the body like sleep, appetite, digestion, immunity, and mood. The endocannabinoid system actually has nothing to do with the cannabis plant itself, but was discovered by scientists when studying cannabis so it was named accordingly.
Anandamide was the first endocannabinoid discovered by scientists, and the word anandamide originates from the Sanskrit, "ananda" meaning "bliss, joy, delight." This molecule is released in the body when things happen that bring us pleasure (think: receiving a great gift, having sex, earning a promotion, or working out). It just so happens that anandamide and THC both bind to the same receptors in the endocannabinoid system and, therefore, produce similar feelings and effects. The difference is that anandamide is naturally produced in the body and THC is not.
Most people are familiar with the "happy" chemicals in our body like endorphins, serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine. These molecules are also made in the body, like anandamide, and are released when we experience various types of pleasure. Opioids, like morphine, led to the discovery of the endorphin system, an innate system activated by opioids in the same manner that the endocannabinoid system is activated by cannabis.
What does research say about cannabis and cancer?
It doesn't say a whole lot, honestly. There is little research done in the US, or globally for that matter, on the subject, primarily due to laws and stigma. Some of the most consistent and thorough research on cannabis has been conducted in Israel. Due to limited research output on cannabis, very little has been concluded about it's potential benefits. More research is needed in regard to the following cannabis-related benefit claims:
- some evidence of CBD reducing chemotherapy-induced neuropathies
- cancer-related pain
- nausea and appetite
- sleep
- stress and anxiety reduction
- antineoplastic effects
Terpenes are naturally-derived compounds responsible for plant pigments, aromas, and flavors; often the active ingredients in essential oils; beta-carotene is an example (gives carrots their rich orange color). Terpenes in cannabis plants offer a variety of effects and work synergistically with cannabinoids in the body.
Examples of Cannabis-Derived Terpenes and reported associated benefits:
- limonene (may have anti-cancer properties)
- myrcene (sleep)
- linalool (anxiety, stress)
- beta-caryophyllene (pain, stress, anxiety)
- beta-pinene (may have anti-cancer properties)
Drug-Drug Interactions
Depending on the cannabidiol and terpene content in a cannabis product, the product can potentially interact with other drugs and compounds in our bodies in the following ways:
- Cannabis may intensify the effects of cancer treatment and increase toxicities
- Cannabis may weaken/attenuate the effects of cancer treatment (less effective treatment)
- Cannabis may have a synergistic effect that helps the cancer treatment work more optimally
CBD is known to inhibit the following enzymes:
- CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, AND CYP3A with possible reduced function of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP2C8
- Check with your doctor to learn more about the enzymes used to metabolize any other medications, treatments, or supplements you may be taking and to be cautious of potential drug-drug interactions.
FDA-Approved Drugs Derived from Cannabis or Lab-Created Synthetic THC Isolates:
- Marinol (dronabinol)
- Cesamet (nabilone)
- Epidiolex (cannabidiol)
- Syndros (dronabinol)
Medical cannabis is approved in 38 states and DC, and cannabis is federally classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance (along with LSD, MDMA/ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms).
If you're interested in learning more about medical cannabis, please speak with your doctor or an appropriate medical professional in your state who can provide you with more information.
