As the science of medical cannabis develops, we’re discovering more and more that breeding cannabis for different levels of medicinal compounds—known as cannabinoids—makes the medicine better for treating specific ailments. Growers and testers are hard at work tailoring their strains to be maximally effective for treating cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and more. But what are the cannabinoids they’re looking at, and what do they do? Let’s explore that question.
Scientists have identified 483 different chemical compounds in cannabis. For the vast majority of these, the medicinal effect is not yet known. Most research focuses on just a few of these compounds and their effect on the brain.
THC – (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
What it does: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most well known of cannabinoids; it’s the
one that gets you “high.” It is created when the plant matter is dried and heated as a result of smoking, cooking, or extracting. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system and the immune system, resulting in relaxation, reduced pain, and increased appetite.
What it treats: THC is helpful for treating many, many ailments. Studies have shown that it has medicinal benefits for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Alzheimer’s, anxiety, arthritis, chemotherapy side effects, Crohn’s Disease, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, HIV-related peripheral neuropathy, Huntington’s Disease, incontinence, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, pruritus, sleep apnea, and Tourette Syndrome, among others. THC has even been shown to kill cancerous tumors!
Patients report that THC helps reduce nausea and vomiting, which is particularly helpful for those undergoing chemotherapy. Patients suffering from AIDS often experience a lack of appetite, which THC may be helpful in counteracting. Some patients also use THC for glaucoma relief.
THCa – (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
What it does: Prior to drying, the chemical that becomes THC is known as THCa (tetrahydrocannibinolic acid). In its fresh form, THCa is non-psychoactive. A growing number of patients and caregivers, led by Dr. William Courtney of Mendocino County, are learning the benefits of juicing raw, fresh cannabis. Dr. Courtney believes THCa has medicinal properties that are lost when the plant is dried, and it can be metabolized in much larger doses than THC, making it potentially more effective. THCa is reported to have anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory abilities, which show potential to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. Its anti-spasmodic properties that help subdue muscle spasms may explain the success some of our patients are reporting controlling seizures.
What it treats: THCa appears to help with chronic immune-system disorders. Dr. Courtney’s wife, Kristen Peskuski, found juicing cannabis to be the only effective treatment for her chronic Lupus. She had been on over forty medications and suffered terrible side effects before she discovered THCa. Read more about juicing cannabis here. Patients also have reported that THCa’s anti-inflammatory effects range from arthritis to endometriosis and even menstrual cramps. Some patients report energizing effects from its use.
CBD – (Cannabidiol)
What it does: CBD (cannabidiol) is the other major medicinal compound identified so far,
and interest in its effects is growing. It is non-psychoactive. It has been reported to have anti-convulsive, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, anti-nausea, anti-rheumatoid arthritic and sedative properties.
What it treats: CBD is used to help with acne, ADD, anxiety, arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, Dravet syndrome, epilepsy, glaucoma, Huntington’s Disease, inflammation, mood disorders, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.CBD has also been shown to stop the spread of cancer cells.
CBN – (Cannabinol)
What it does: CBN (cannabinol) is created when THC is exposed to light and oxygen. It’s known to have some mild psychoactive effects, and it appears to increase the effects of THC. CBN’s primary reported effects are as an anti-epileptic, anti-spasmodic and reliever of intraocular pressure. Recent studies suggest that CBN can be administered as an antidepressant, can be used to prevent convulsions and to sedate patients experiencing pain.
What it treats: It may make users dizzy or groggy, and is not usually sought-after for medicinal purposes. If you don’t want an intense body high, keep your cannabis in an airtight container and put it in a dark spot. CBN has also shown promise for those suffering from Glaucoma, inflammation and insomnia. CBN is often referred to as a natural aspirin or non-narcotic type pain reliever (analgesic), but is estimated to be three times stronger.
CBC – (Cannabichromene)
What it does: CBC (Cannabichromene) Evidence has suggested that it may play a role in
the anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects of cannabis, and may contribute to the overall analgesic effects of medical cannabis. CBC may have potential to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors due to its interaction with anandamide, an endocannabinoid known to fight breast cancer. Studies suggest CBC works best in conjunction with CBD and THC to create a synergistic effect.
What it treats: A 2011 study in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that CBD and CBC stimulated descending pathways of antinociception and caused analgesia by interacting with several target proteins involved in nociceptive control. It helps in fighting bacteria as an anti-fungal also as an anti-inflammatory, pain relief, anti-biotic, depression and brain growth. Research also suggests that CBC is an inflammation and pain inhibitor, which has been successful for treating migraines and stimulating bone growth.
We look forward to reporting on new research about other chemicals that have medicinal
properties as they are discovered. As always, we want to reiterate that these chemicals are most effective when combined. Whole-plant treatment gives patients benefits that have yet to be identified and isolated, and by separating chemicals, you could be losing important medical benefits. By all means, try strains with varying levels of these compounds to see how they affect your particular ailments, but make sure you’re using the whole plant.
Sounds like an amazing plant. I hope biotech companies don’t ruin it.
I read an article in the sept 2013 issue of Culture mag. about a cannabis infused coconut oil that helped cure a cancer patient of his disease. Can anyone tell me what strain of cannabis was used to infuse the coconut oil. I too have been diagnosed with this same disease and need help.
Hello Roy,
that article was written about my father. Yes he is in remission by way of a coconut oil infused capsule and FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil). The capsule is made with an indica strain but it’s formulation is such that it contains CBD, THC and THCa. We keep them in the freezeer so that we can cut them into 1/3 dosages.
I hope this helps!
~Corinne
Hi Corinne- Could you tell me what kind of cancer it was, and how long was he on the cannabis, and how did you find out it was gone (tumor?).
Thanks,
Kris
Kris,
If you are speaking of my father, he had stage 4 lung cancer with mets to the brain, is brain tumor was on the brain stem. He is still on cannabis but a maintenance dose. My dad had a scan 9 months after he was given 2 weeks to live, the scan result was then and still is, “No evidence of recurrent disease”.
All the best,
~Corinne
P.S. Thanks in advance for any info you can share
KD
Kris, my father has also recently been dx with stage 4 lung cancer with metastasis to ribs and hip bones and finished radiation to help him breath. Starts chemo in two weeks. We’ve started him on sativa and indica but was told he needs strain with more cbd. Any suggestions on thc to cbd ratio and concentrations.
Hello Marge,
Yes the ratios are very mportant. My father had stage 4 lung cancer with mets to the brain. he was given 2 weeks to live after conventional treatment. His Cannabis oil was a 4:1 ratio of THC to CBD. He was cancer free in 9 months, it has now been 4 years and he is 81. See his story here.
If you would like to have a further discussion on my father’s treatment and dosing. Please feel free to call our offices at 415-524-8099.
All the best,
~Corinne
I am so happy for you and your Dad. That is just wonderful to hear. I am a certified massage therapist. My business is helping people to relax and manage their pain. I’m just learning about the healing affects of marijuana, it seems there is much to learn. Thank You for sharing….
Hi Corinne- My Mom’s Multiple Myeloma (a type of blood cancer) is advancing. Can you tell me where to learn more about & to purchase the coconut oil infused capsule and FECO?
KD,
The capsules tha my father takes is made in Northern California. “Peace in Medicine” and “Harborside” carry them. I have heard that the yellow capsule is hard to find (this is the one that my father takes). If you have any problems, please call our office so that we can help you locate them.
All the best,
~Corinne
I to have MM. Spent all of 2014 on chemo and recovering still from a stem cell transplant. Exploring now the opportunities to enhance my chances of survival with CBD and THC. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Mike,
Many people have utilized cannabis oil to recover from cancer. It is important to consult with a medical professional in the cannabis industry for the correct formulation.
If you would like a referral please call our offices at 415-524-8099.
Best,
Brent
I found this to be a very informative article. I especially appreciate that, by stating there are so many constituents of this plant, and only a few are being worked with so far, you’ve underscored that we are only scratching the surface of the healing possibilities of this medicine.
One thing I would add, here, is the benefits of topical usage. Since many people are worried about the “high” I think that we should promote, also, the benefits of using balms, creams, sprays, etc. No high, just relief, particularly for pain and stiffness.
I am particularly fond of a new bath salt preparation to which I was recently introduced, which employs THCa as it’s medicinal component. I was skeptical at first, but have now soaked twice and found it to provide an incredibly deep level of sleep that is often hard to attain as a fibromyalgia patient. And I wake up without the usual cramping and stiffness that has been typical for me over the past 10 years or so.
Thank you for helping to spread the word
Hi Corinne,
I am also a cancer patient, 1 chemo, 3 radiation treatments of 2 weeks each. I am in Oregon taking a product called GOHO. It has 20mg of CBD per tablet. I am on a very high dosage, and was wondering how much your father took? Also could you give me more info on FECO. It gives me hope to see stories like you fathers. This is going on my 3rd year of Cancer and I just started the GOHO is last month. I’m also growing plants and starting to juice, but am doing it in the Vitamix combining it with greens and fruits. It was nice to see that you can freeze it.
Hello Diane,
I’d be happy to chat with you on the phone. My father took a high THC oil, a 4:1 ratio of THC to CBD. Please understand that CBD arrests the spread of cancer while THC kills the cancer. My dad would not have survived on CBD alone.
Feel free to caall my office if you would like to chat. 415-524-8099
All the best,
~Corinne
I took a gram a day of RSO for a total of 90 gm till 11/25/14. At that time my MRI showed the largest brain tumor reduced from 25 mm to 15 mm. The other 7 tumors showed similar reductions and there are no new lesions. Since I started Tarceva in October, I decided to start reducing the cannabis oil. I slowly reduced to 300 mg by 12/15/14. At that point, the dispensary mistakenly gave me Sativa RSO and that triggered sleepless nights. They replaced it with Indica on 12/21/14, but I still couldn’t sleep, so I decided to stop altogether on 12/25/14. 1-12-15 I back on cannabis oil after sleepless night (almost 1 month), then I had MRI 1-27-15 show big tumor from 15 mm to 12 mm, but 2 small one grows 1mm, 2mm.., no new tumor. Your father beat 4 stage lung cancer!!!!!!!!! I would like to chat can I called you at 415-524-8099 .
Felice,
Yes of course you can call the office.
Best,
~Corinne
Thank you for all this. I live near “peace” in NorCal.
I’m confused about the treatments and ratios. THC and CBD is
What kills cancer cells? Together? I have a stage 3 her2 neg beast cancer .
We had to delay chemo due to over radiated skin fronm 27 years ago. 1 st cancer. What ratio do I need.? And can I vap or must it be oral?
Thank you in advance,
Blessings
Shera
Hello Shera,
Thank you for contacting UPG. So far, research shows us that the cannabis oil needs to be ingested sublingually. We do have an oncology nurse on staff to answer all of the medical questions that come through. If you are interested in talking with her about your personal case, please click the link below to schedule yourself in.
I hope this helps,
UPG
https://www.vcita.com/v/unitedpatientsgroup
I have a daughter who has epilepsy and keeps having seizure can anyone help me out with any information about it in Australia we would be more than great full.
Kristy,
If you would like to have a consultation with our nurse, please click on the tab at the top of our home page. It is very important to get the proper guidance when dealing with serious conditions.
You can also send us an email at info@unitedpatientsgroup.com to discuss in more detail.
Best,
UPG
I have stage 4 lung cancer I have tumor and pleural effusion of left lung with no metastatic nodes elsewhere I am taking chemo and shrinking tumor from 3.1 to 2.7 but mild pleural based activity medially max 2.0 versus 1.9 two months ago. I have obtained a few capsules of CBD but want more info before I start them. Can I call you?
Lurra,
We offer consultations with our oncology nurse to discuss how and why cannabinoid therapeutics can address your condition, what application is needed and what the dosages are. Please understand that CBD arrests the spread of cancer and THC kills the cancer…both are needed. I have attached the nurses scheduling system for your convenience here.
Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Best,
UPG
Husband has Stage 4 Pancreatic CA. I am confused how he is to ingest that much oil when one pill with the size of a grain of rice makes him high :). He still works and wants to continue so he can’t just lay around dizzy all day. I will call your office tomorrow.
Hi there, Hope you are well. My mother is suffering from Stage-4 Non-small cell lung cancer. She is using tarceva for around a year now and is stable with minor issues, a recent pet scan suggested that the disease is still in remission and i hope it remains as such.
I am committed to cure her and would like your help in this case. Kindly let me know how to proceed? Also should we must use the THC/CBD after consultation or we can just order FECO or GOHO as stated in the chain. Looking forward to hear from you soon.
Kind Regards
Umair
Umair,
Yur mother is is remission now. I am not sure what you are looking for?
Brent
Thank you for your prompt response. Yes she is in remission, PET scan around 40 days ago revealed that there is no metabolically active disease in the body and the disease is restricted to the left lung lower lobe.
Brent,
I am looking for THC/CBD based treatment regime for my mother so that she may use natural remedy for defeating the disease. Kindly help me find the THC & CBD based oil , what would be the right ratio of THC : CBD for her, where i can get the medication from. Thanks and looking forward to your response
Umair,
This is not a one size fits all treatment. Mcuh depends on age, weight, other medications, previous treatments, etc… We highly recommend that you have a consultation with a medical professional in this industry. After that, if you you are in a cannabis legal state, we can help you get in contact with a product provider that can help you.
Best,
Brent
I am working with my dog who has bladder cancer. I ambusing1:1 THC:cbd strain. I have titrated up to tolerance because j do not want her stoned. I am looking at thca but wonder if it is as productive as THC in combining with cbd to kill cancer. Any info is appreciated. Mary
When u purchase the product and it tells u the thc percent along with cbd cbg when it has an ND next to it does that mean the cbd or cbg percent is not detected or something like that please help im tryin to find this out and Google isnt helping
Hello MJC,
We would need to see the label. This should tell us which labratory processed that product. Then you could call the lab to ask what that notation means.
Brent
This is a very informative article and the comments are helpful.
February 2015 I had surgery by a Urologist to remove two cancer tumors from my bladder. After surgery, radiology took a biopsy from a growth in my lungs (there were numerous growths in my lungs). During bladder surgery, my Urologist placed a stint at the drain from my right kidney into my bladder because one of the removed tumors in my bladder had been partially blocking drainage from the kidney.
I was diagnosed as having stage 4 metastatic bladder cancer in my lungs (not lung cancer), My Oncologist said there is NO cure but it is treatable. He said without treatment, I had six months to live. With treatment, 12-18 months.
I had 6 months of chemo about which time the stint was replaced and the oncology report was no bladder cancer in my lungs. In December 2015, I had a follow-up visit with my Oncologist. NO cancer in my lungs. He said I had a remarkable recovery!
Here is the rest of the story: All during my cancer treatment I smoked marijuana regularly for anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, and appetite improvement. I still smoke it for relaxation. It works.
One problem. THCA exists primariliy near the surface of the plant, in those sticky trichomes… and for three to four months (or longer for some varities) while building up on the flowers it is under continual exposure to intense light, to air, to heat … and that all by itself decarboxylates a lot of of THCA into THC, and of course the THC becomes other cannabinoids. There is no isolation of the growing plant from normal growth experiences that make decarboxylation happen. This entire topic of “non psychoactive pot” (THCA, CBD) are hot topics because of people catering to The War on Drugs. Stop doing that. The WOD is full of propaganda & fear and promotes ignorance. If you think raw cannabis (not even cured yet) isn’t psychactive, take some wet flowers right off of the plant (never cured) and handle them fir an hour and then lick your black fingers and feel your tongue go numb. Then use dry ice to make bubble hash out of those uncured flowers. Now eat a big hunk of that stcky resin you produced. After you are no longer baked as hell, and have slept for about 12 hours … your opinion on how you gave to do things to decarboxylate it … will have changed.
I’m a 72 yr old male with metastatic melanoma. Lung, back bone and adrenal involvement. Any help as to the proper mix of thc to cbd and the strain would be greatly appreciated.
Hello William,
It is important to speak to medical professional within the cannabis industry. This is not a one size fits all treatment. Much needs to be discussed such as current treatments, medications, supplements, age, weight, symptoms etc.
I am attaching our oncology nurses’ scheduling system here for your convenience. Feel free to contact us if you have further questions at info@unitedpatientsgroup.com
Best,
Brent
Hi Dear,
My name is Eilina. Few months ago I was diagnosed with recurred Breast cancer, estrogen positive, which metastasized to the sacral bone as a space occupied lesion. After Radiation (#10 visits) I start hormonal Tx. as Letrozole. I’m very much interested in treatment using CBD : THC ratio and also daily dosage and for how long. Thank you so much. Any information is appreciated.
Eilina,
In order to get an assessment for a protocol for your specific condition you would have to schedule a consultation with one of our oncology nurses. Cannabis treatment varies widely as each patient’s condition and medical history is different. Age, weight, what pharmaceuticals are being taken, other supplements, as well as other condtions that you may have are all taken into concideration before suggesting a formulation and dosing regimen.I have added a link to our shceduling system below for your convenience.
Best,
Beth
https://live.vcita.com/site/unitedpatientsgroup
Thanks to medical marijuana for my mother is cancer free so the government needs to step out of people’s health and let them decide how they want to live and how they want to treat her cancer and other problems in your life so will you please step out of my life POV go to hell Republicans let this be what it is god-given plant that cures all
Just looking for a little advice. My husband has muscle twitching 24/7 and cramping in upper body, Nero doctors don’t know what it is but say may be ALS. He has lost so much muscle. Just wondering if you think this would help him at all. Thanks Laurie from Wisconsin
Laurie,
We have medical staff who can offer phone or video consultations. Please feel free to click the link to schedule yourself in.
Best,
UPG
I take the CBD caps on a daily basis. My cancer has been in remission now for almost one year. I trust that I will be able to continue taking the CBD caps. Thank you BioCBD water soluble products. – Penny
good article
Lost my mom to cancer in 2016 she was starting the treatments but due to laws in florida she had to wait for weeks to get pills cause her doctor had to order from out of state then repackage then send to her and she was only allowed to order 2 weeks at a time and it kept getting delayed and she was missing days with no meds…. with no fault of hers ….it is sad and unreal that people are dying everyday of something that is cureable but hopefully our country wakes up soon thankful for the stories above that show this cure works and my story shows the sad side of how our government is letting people die when the cure is a few hundred miles away …. good luck to all of you in your endeavours…