Cannabis now listed as a treatment on the National Cancer Institute Website

Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ®)


Questions and Answers About Cannabis
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis , also known as marijuana, is a plant from Central Asia that is grown in many parts of the world today. The Cannabis plant produces a resin containing compounds called cannabinoids. Some cannabinoids are psychoactive (acting on the brain and changing mood or consciousness). In the United States, Cannabis is a controlled substance and has been classified as a Schedule I agent (a drug with increased potential for abuse and no known medical use).

By federal law, the use, sale, and possession of Cannabis (marijuana) is illegal in the United States. However, a growing number of states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to legalize medical marijuana. (See Question 4).

What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are active chemicals in Cannabis that cause drug-like effects throughout the body, including the central nervous system and the immune system. They are also known as phytocannabinoids. The main active cannabinoid in Cannabis is delta-9-THC. Another active cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD), which may relieve pain and lower inflammation without causing the "high" of delta-9-THC.

Cannabinoids may be useful in treating the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment.

Other possible effects of cannabinoids include:

Anti-inflammatory activity.
Blocking cell growth.
Preventing the growth of blood vessels that supply tumors.
Antiviral activity.
Relieving muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis.

[link to www.cancer.gov]

Last Edited by GodSaveAmerica on 11/10/2015 07:14 PM