Marijuana rich in anti-cancer properties

Infamous for being a narcotic agent, marijuana also has anti-cancer properties, which could be used to treat malignant cells in the brain.According to the data provided by The International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research (INCTR), approximately 60 per cent of global cancers occur in developing countries and if it remains unchecked, there might be 20 million new cases per year by 2020.Researchers from Spain examined cancer cells of glioblastoma multiforme (a highly aggressive brain tumour) using electron microscopy and on the effect of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC) treatment. THC is the main active component of marijuana.It was found that THC induces death of brain cancer cell lines by a process known as autophagy, which can promote cell survival or cell death, but the molecular basis underlying its dual role in cancer remains obscure. The researchers will now work upon studying the potential use of cannabinoid (marijuana) based medicines. However, more research is needed to ascertain the prospect of using marijuana as an anti-cancer medicine.