Thai Study Suggests Cannabis Extracts May Inhibit Cancer Cell Growth

A government-led study in Thailand suggests that cannabis may inhibit cancer cell growth, the Bangkok Post reports. The Government Pharmaceuticals Organization (GPO) study found that both THC and CBD inhibited cancer cells in test tubes and the cannabinoids could be used to treat breast, pancreatic, and bile duct cancer.

However, GPO specialist Nanthakan Suwanpidokkul told the Post that more studies – including those on animals – were needed.

The GPO study began last year after the agency started distributing medical cannabis products to public and private hospitals in August last year. The study focuses on a variety of tough-to-treat diseases and conditions.

A Prasat Neurological Institute and Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health study associated with the GPO research found symptom improvement in 62 percent – 10 of 16 – of children suffering from intractable epilepsy.

The Prasat Neurological Institute also found that five of seven multiple sclerosis patients who had not responded to standard treatments were improving while being treated with a 1:1 THC:CBD extract.

The National Cancer Institute found that 14 terminal cancer patients receiving palliative care experienced pain relief by more than 50 percent, had an increased appetite, gained weight, and slept better after receiving cannabis extract for three months. The Department of Medical Services, using a THC extract and pharmaceuticals for a month, reported that 42 terminal cancer patients at its medical cannabis clinics said they, too, had improvements in their pain, appetite loss, and insomnia.

Sakonnakhon Hospital, over three months, provided 16 Parkinson’s patients with the THC:CBD extract and found their conditions improved, including better sleep and overall improved quality of life.

The patients throughout the study reported minimal side effects, including dry mouth, confusion, headaches, heart palpitations, nausea, and vomiting.