Cannabidiol Kills Brain Tumor Cells

Researchers at Colorado State University have conducted a study on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for treating brain cancer. The scientists were able to demonstrate that this cannabinoid kills tumor cells and disrupts mitochondrial function.

CBD Is Toxic to Cancer Cells

The experiments were performed on cells from the most aggressive form of brain tumor—glioblastoma. The university team used both pure CBD and a CBD extract containing small amounts of other cannabinoids, such as THC and cannabigerol (CBG). The results showed that CBD:

• Triggers a regulated process of cell death (apoptosis);
• Disrupts mitochondrial function, causing them to release harmful reactive oxygen species;
• Leads to the destruction of the cell membrane due to swelling of extracellular vesicles (tiny extracellular bubbles).

After analyzing the data, the researchers concluded that cannabidiol is a cytotoxic substance, as it initiates necrosis within malignant cells. Both pure CBD and the extract demonstrated roughly the same anti-cancer effect.

Cannabidiol Therapy as an Alternative Treatment for Glioblastoma

Despite recent advances in cancer treatment, doctors have not been able to reduce the mortality rate from glioblastoma. Fifty percent of people with this type of cancer die within three months if they do not seek medical help. The median survival for patients treated with radiation or chemotherapy is about 15 months. Because glioblastoma is located in the brain, it is often not amenable to surgical treatment. Moreover, if less than 90% of the tumor is removed, it is highly likely to continue growing.

Chase Gross, a researcher at Colorado State University, states that CBD has high therapeutic potential and could become an effective treatment for brain cancer. As a next step, the scientists plan to test cannabidiol on dogs diagnosed with glioblastoma at the university’s veterinary clinic.

Experts note that CBD kills tumor cells at concentrations that may be unattainable in a living organism. To address this, the researchers plan to use substances that increase tumor cell sensitivity to cannabidiol. In particular, they are considering hydroxychloroquine—a drug used to treat malaria that also has anti-inflammatory effects.