Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol as potential curative agents for cancer. A critical examination of the preclinical literature.

An internet search with searchwords “cannabis cures cancer” produce a wealth of sites claiming that cannabis has this effect. These sites are freely accessible to the general public and thus contribute to public opinion. But do Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 -THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) cure cancer? In the absence of clinical data other than a safety study and case reports, preclinical data should be evaluated in terms of its predictive value. Using a strict approach where only concentrations and/or models relevant to the clinical situation are considered, the current preclinical data does not yet provide robust evidence that systemically administered Δ9 -THC will be useful for the curative treatment of cancer. There is more support for an intratumoural route of administration of higher doses of Δ9 -THC. CBD produces effects in relevant concentrations and models, although more data are needed concerning its use in conjunction with other treatment strategies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
© 2015 American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.