🧪 Cannabis shows effectiveness against cancer

Scientists are examining the medicinal properties of cannabis, a plant often at the heart of debates. In the laboratory, compounds derived from it reveal surprising effects against certain malignant cells.

Work conducted by Khon Kaen University and published in Frontiers in Pharmacology brings new elements. This research indicates that CBD and THC, two cannabinoids, slow the multiplication of ovarian cancer cells. Their action appears preferential, sparing healthy cells and thus tracing a path towards potentially less aggressive treatments.


To evaluate these effects, researchers used two cell lines representing distinct types of ovarian cancer. One is sensitive to classic chemotherapies, while the other resists them. These cells were exposed to CBD, THC, or their combination, with a group of healthy cells serving as a reference. This methodology allows quantifying the substances' ability to hinder the survival and proliferation of tumor cells.

Observations show that CBD and THC, used individually, limit the formation of cancer colonies. However, their combination, particularly in equivalent proportions, significantly accentuates this effect. Dr. Siyao Tong noted that this mixture leads to the death of a greater quantity of malignant cells. This indicates that the two molecules might act through complementary mechanisms, thus potentiating their anti-proliferative action.

Beyond tumor growth, cannabinoids also seem to block the cells' ability to migrate. This point is crucial, as the dissemination of the disease, or metastasis, frequently constitutes a major cause of death. Moreover, the impact on healthy cells remains low, suggesting the possibility of treatments better tolerated than some current protocols with pronounced adverse effects.

To pinpoint the mode of action of these compounds, the team focused on signaling pathways inside the cells. In ovarian cancer cells, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is generally overactive, which stimulates the tumor and resistance to therapies. CBD and THC appear to restore a more normal regulation of this cascade, which clarifies why malignant cells stop their multiplication and perish after exposure.

These discoveries are promising, but many steps remain before considering applications in humans. Dr. Tong specified that all experiments were conducted in the laboratory, on cell cultures. Animal studies and pharmacokinetic data are essential to confirm the efficacy and safety in patients. Legal constraints surrounding cannabinoids could also guide future research.

Despite these limitations, this investigation opens interesting perspectives in the fight against ovarian cancer. By identifying relevant molecular mechanisms, it encourages the continuation of preclinical studies. If subsequent work verifies these observations, the CBD-THC combination could, in the future, join the therapeutic arsenal, offering additional options to people affected by this pathology.