{"id":27416,"date":"2021-09-01T09:03:36","date_gmt":"2021-09-01T09:03:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/scienceblog.cancerresearchuk.org\/\/?p=7810"},"modified":"2024-11-03T15:14:31","modified_gmt":"2024-11-03T15:14:31","slug":"cannabis-cannabinoids-and-cancer-the-evidence-so-far","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ogkologos.com\/en\/cannabis-cannabinoids-and-cancer-the-evidence-so-far\/","title":{"rendered":"Cannabis, cannabinoids and cancer \u2013 the evidence so far"},"content":{"rendered":"
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We review and update this article as new research emerges. The last update was September 2021, when we updated the section on clinical trials to reflect new and upcoming studies.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Few cancer topics spark as much online debate as cannabis.<\/p>\n

The bottom line is that right now there isn\u2019t enough reliable evidence to prove that any form of cannabis can effectively treat cancer in patients. This includes hemp oil, cannabis oil or the active chemicals found within the cannabis plant (cannabinoids) \u2013 whether natural or man-made.<\/p>\n

Many researchers worldwide are actively investigating cannabinoids, and Cancer Research UK is supporting some of this work. These studies use highly purified chemicals found in the cannabis plant, or lab-made versions of them, and there is genuine interest in these as potential cancer treatments. But this is very different to street-bought cannabis and hemp oil available online or on the high street, for which there is no evidence of any impact on cancer.<\/p>\n

Cannabis is still classified as a class B drug<\/a> in the UK, meaning that it is illegal to possess or supply it. Cancer Research UK can\u2019t comment on the legal status of cannabis, its use as a recreational drug, or its medical use in any other diseases. But we are supportive of properly conducted scientific research into cannabis and its derivatives that could benefit cancer patients.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, there are many unreliable sources of information about cannabis, particularly online. This post contains up-to-date, evidence-based information on cannabis and cancer, so with lots to cover, this is a long article. To help you find what you\u2019re interested in, follow the links below to different sections. Or read on for everything you need to know about cannabis and cancer.<\/p>\n

Cannabis and cannabinoids \u2013 what are they?<\/h2>\n

Cannabis is a plant known by many names, including marijuana, pot, grass, weed, hemp, hash or dope.
The plant produces a resin that contains complex chemicals called cannabinoids.<\/p>\n

The two main cannabinoids are:<\/p>\n