The intersection between cannabis and cancer in the United States.

Authors :: Bowles DW
O'Bryant CL
Camidge DR
Jimeno A
Source :: Critical reviews in oncology/hematology [Crit Rev Oncol Hematol] 2012 Jul; Vol. 83 (1), pp. 1-10. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Oct 21.
Publication Year :: 2012
Abstract: In the last 15 years there has been a major shift in the laws governing medical use of cannabis in the United States. Corresponding with this change there has been escalating interest in the role that cannabis, commonly referred to as marijuana, and cannabinoids play in the care of patients with cancer. This review will examine cannabis' and cannabinoids' current and potential roles in cancer care. Specifically, we will examine five areas of cannabis medicine: (1) pharmacologic properties of cannabis; (2) its potential role in the development of human cancers, particularly smoking-related malignancies; (3) cannabinoids' potential as anti-cancer therapies; (4) cannabis and cannabinoids in the palliation of common cancer-associated symptoms; (5) current legal status of cannabis for medical purposes in the United States.<br /> (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)