Alternative Treatment of Skin Cancer with Cannabis; CBD Ointment (Study 2019)
- Skin cancer patients often turn to herbal treatment, especially cannabis.
- In this article, we'll summarize the most significant skin cancer research treated with marijuana and also look at what skin cancer actually looks like and how to recognize it
Cannabis Against Skin Cancer and Melanoma
Skin cancer is a common and potentially fatal disease.
Skin cancer incidence is very frequent. Approximately 2 to 3 million new patients are diagnosed annually.
Herbal Treatment of Skin Cancer
Classic skin cancer treatment options can be unpleasant and sometimes expensive for some patients.
In such cases, many patients turn to alternative treatment options, such as attempting natural treatment of skin cancer with cannabis or cannabis ointment.
But is the method of treating cancer using cannabis compounds like CBD or THC reliable?
Medicinal cannabis is useful, but certainly not a miraculous cure-all and the matter is more complex than it might seem at first glance.
To better understand the chances of curing skin cancer with cannabis ointment or extract, we need to look at the current scientific and medical findings.
What Do the First Symptoms and Types of Skin Cancer Look Like?
Skin cancer diagnosis falls into three main types: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas are the most common types of skin cancer, while melanoma occurs most rarely.
Melanoma is simultaneously the deadliest type, responsible for 75% of skin cancer-related deaths.
Ultraviolet radiation is most often considered the primary cause of skin cancer. Exposure to UV rays can mutate DNA cells, which transform into carcinogenic cells.
People with lower melanin concentration in their skin, i.e., lighter skin types, are generally at higher risk.
Does Cannabis Treatment Work for Melanoma?
Even though the healing functions of cannabis compounds are not yet fully understood, doctors are certain about the significance of endocannabinoid receptors, which exist throughout the body, including the skin.
One of the pioneers of cannabis research and author of Cannabis Pharmacy, Michael Backes, claims that endocannabinoid receptors exist across the entire skin, from nerves extending to hair follicles to the epidermis.
THC or CBD Against Skin Cancer?
Primary compounds from medicinal cannabis, CBD and THC, are capable of interacting with these receptors.
Research into cannabis effects on skin cancer has advanced significantly in melanoma studies.
European studies confirmed that the endocannabinoid system plays a highly important role in melanoma treatment.
The study further revealed that cannabis compounds, especially THC, can induce so-called apoptosis – cell death of cancer cells.
Follow-up studies confirmed the same, this time directly in mouse subjects, not just cells.
However, researchers used a combination of cannabinoids THC and CBD.
