Understanding the many benefits of cannabis in cancer treatment

(Natural News) A cancer diagnosis is both devastating and terrifying. Patients are almost always directed towards conventional cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, and are made to feel that any other, more “natural” treatments are not only ineffective but dangerous. The truth is, however, that mainstream cancer treatments wreak havoc on the body, leaving…

Is chemotherapy worth it? Studies prove that the chemical intervention actually worsens quality of life and has no benefit to overall survival

(Natural News) Chemotherapy may be the cornerstone of conventional cancer treatment, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Studies continue to demonstrate that chemo isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In addition to worsening quality of life, past research has shown that up to 50 percent of patients on chemo will die —…

Pediatric cancer patients found to benefit from improved diet and exercise, boosting treatment success

(Natural News) Even as you undergo cancer treatment, simple things like proper diet and exercise can help increase your levels of successful treatment and recovery. This is according to researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, who recently performed a study that was published in an online issue of Pediatrics Research….

Moxibustion is an effective alternative cancer treatment, according to study

(Natural News) When people think of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), one of the things that come to mind is acupuncture and herbs. However, a study published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines looked at the benefits of moxibustion and its potential to prevent cell death and decrease the likelihood of gastric dysplasia — a condition…

Big Pharma Patents Cannabis Cancer Treatment

Big Pharma patents cancer treatment

Big Pharma has patented the exclusive rights to a cancer cure using cannabis, preventing others from using THC and CBD to treat the disease. 

British company, GW Pharmaceuticals, had previously developed cannabis-based drugs for multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. Now, they hold the rights to treat cancer.

Rxleaf.com reports: That’s right. Big Pharma now holds the patent for cancer treatment using cannabis. Let. That. Sink. In. For. A. Moment.

In 2009, GW went forward with a patent application, alongside collaborator Otsuka Pharmaceutical.  At the end of September, GW  announced that they had received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent Office to go forward with production of their cannabis-based cancer treatment, Sativex.

The Treatment

Numerous studies have shown that cannabis can be used to treat cancer by eradicating cancer cells and stopping metastasis, in most types of cancer. The latest GW drug will harness the power of THC and CBD to treat gliomas, which are a rare form of brain cancer.

The now-patented pharmaceutical uses a ratio of THC and CBD ranging from 1:1 to 1:20 (THC:CBD) to “reduce cell viability, inhibit cell growth or reduce tumor volume”, according to the company. It is interesting to note that GW’s treatment, Sativex, grew out of a long history of pre-clinical trials and anecdotal evidence that show the use of cannabis and cannabis-based products for tumor reduction.

The company went ahead with clinical trials in August 2018 to test the efficacy of Sativex. This trial will look at efficacy of Sativex when combined with more traditional mainstream cancer treatments. Sativex and the chemotherapy drug, temozolomide, has been administered to 20 patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This is a rare and very deadly type of brain cancer.

The Patent

The original patent application was sent in 2009, but has been subsequently changed to accommodate FDA requirements. Changes would include specifics like THC and CBD ratios in the medication, as well as the forms of cancer that Sativex may be able to treat.

What Does This Mean for Cancer Research?

On the positive side, the patent recognizes the value of cannabis for cancer treatments, and not just as a way to counteract the effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Cannabis’ efficacy for killing cancer cells must now be recognized on a federal level. This also allows for more options for cancer patients in choosing their treatments.

It’s a potentially exciting time for cannabis research! Look out for more patents, more clinical trials, and even more cannabis-based medications hitting the market. Keep pushing for access to whole plant medicine.

We Are Change TV.US