So, we all know how wondrous THC and CBD are; the two most famous cannabinoids found in cannabis are known for their therapeutic effects, both psychoactive and non-psychoactive, respectively. But I think its time we shine light on another cannabinoid that’s sure to stir up the debate on medicinal marijuana! Lets start, shall we?
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, following lung cancer. There are number of risk factors that may lead to the formation of colon cancer and while some factors are inevitable, such as age and inheritance, there is new data suggesting that Cannabigerol (CBG), a separate cannabinoid found in cannabis, can be used to treat and possibly even cure a large number of cases.
Let’s look at the Science!
In a study published in an edition of the Oxford Journals: Carcinogensis, it was investigated as to whether CBG protected against colon tumorigenesis. The study, which was conducted using mouse models of colon cancer, investigated different components of tumorigenesis including cell growth, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and ROS production (Reactive Oxygen Species, such as free radicals that can damage other molecules and the cell structures of which they are a part damage other molecules). Essentially, what the study did was simply investigate how Cannabigerol could inhibit the progression of colon cancer tumors by looking at it at the cellular state. How science-y!
Well now check this out! After conducting the investigation, what they found was that CBG “promoted apoptosis, stimulated ROS production (ROSproduction is still essential!), up-regulated CHOP mRNA and reduced cell growth in colorectal cancer cells…. In vivo, CBG inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors as well as chemically-induced colon carcinogenesis” (Oxford Journals). Fundamentally, what they concluded was just amazing—“CBG hampers colon cancer progression in vivo and selectively inhibits the growth of colorectal cancer cells” (Oxford Journal).
But here’s something else to think about! CBG, “a safe non-psychotropic Cannabis-derived cannabinoid,” is actually found more in industrial hemp than it is in marijuana. In fact, as stated in High Times, “hemp can contain as much as 94 percent CBG, while maintaining a level of THC as low as 0.001 percent.” Under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971, a United Nations anti-drug treaty, Cannabigerol is not classified as a scheduled substance. This means good news! Researchers who conducted the experiment even stated that CBG “should be considered transnationally in colorectal cancer prevention and cure.”
The Cannabis plant in all its forms has so much to offer. And to not take advantage of the fact that this cannabinoid is mostly found in hemp is just crazy! Yes, marijuana, our favorite creation of Mother Nature is absolutely wonderful with all its magically therapeutic cannabinoids, but let’s not forget about its cousin, hemp. It’s just as much part of the cannabis family as is marijuana and I think its time we see the medicinal benefits from it as well.
It is estimated that more than 50,000 people will die from colon cancer in the United States alone in 2014.
Sources:
Adams, Mike. “Uncle Sam Finds CBG Prevents Colon Cancer.” High Times. 7 Oct. 2014. 9 Oct. 2014. Web.
Francesca Borrelli, Ester Pagano, Barbara Romano, Stefania Panzera, Francesco Maiello, Diana Coppola, Luciano De Petrocellis, Lorena Buono, Pierangelo Orlando, and Angelo A. Izzo. “Colon carcinogenesis is inhibited by the TRPM8 antagonist cannabigerol, a Cannabis-derived non-psychotropic cannabinoid.” Oxford Journals: Carcinogenesis 2014. Web.