A report from Salerno, Italy suggests that naturally occurring compounds in cannabis (medical marijuana) possess anti-tumor properties. This information allows for a new approach to treating cancer according to the review that was published in the February issue of the journal, Best Practice & Research: Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

According to the investigators at the University of Salerno, cannabinoids (one of the compounds found in medical marijuana) limit cancer cell proliferation and induce tumor-selective cell death.

The authors of the scientific review concluded that, cannabinoids inhibit “tumor growth and migration, angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels to cancerous tumors), [and] metastasis (the transfer of malignant cells from one site to another).” They are also quoted as stating that, “Emerging evidence suggests that agonists of cannabinoid receptors … may offer a novel strategy to treat cancer.”

A 2008 review in the journal Cancer Research reported that the administration of cannabinoids halts the spread of a wide range of cancers, including brain cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lymphoma. This is great news for those who are suffering from the different forms of cancer.

To date, only one clinical trial assessing the use of cannabinoids as anti-cancer agents has been conducted. That trial reported that THC administration decreases recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumor growth in patients afflicted with the disease.

As more and more states create laws allowing medical marijuana we expect that the medical community will also come along side and do even more scientific research into the qualities and benefits of medical marijuana.