"Cannabis and Breast Cancer"

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every October, people all over the world show their support for everyone affected by breast cancer.Worldwide, breast cancer is the leading type of cancer in women, accounting for 25% of all cases. It is more common in developed countries and is more than 100 times, more common in women than in men.

Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid coming from the nipple, a newly inverted nipple, or a red or scaly patch of skin. In those with distant spread of the disease, there may be bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, or yellow skin.

Patient surveys have provided important insights about how people use medical cannabis. About 42% of people diagnosed with breast cancer who completed a survey for breastcancer.org said that they used medical cannabis products to manage breast cancer symptoms or treatment side effects. People who used medical cannabis ranged in age, cancer stage, and treatment phase, and most of them they found it to be “very” or “extremely” helpful.(75%)

CBG (Cannabigerol)

Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of more than 120 identified  cannabinoid compounds found in the plant  Cannabis. 

CBG is the decarboxylated form of cannabigerolic acid, the parent molecule from which other cannabinoids are synthesized. 

Cannabigerol is a minor constituent of cannabis. During plant growth, most of the cannabigerol is converted into other cannabinoids, primarily tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), leaving about 1% cannabigerol in the plant.

What Are the Effects of CBG?

CBG carries some important therapeutic benefits that make it well worth discussing.Cannabigerol has been observed to have one of the widest ranging impacts of any of the naturally occurring cannabinoids. 

Research has been shown, that this non-psychoactive cannabinoid, activate α2-adrenoceptors, bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, and block CB1 and 5-HT1A receptors. 

Another research shows that CBG blocks transient receptor potential (TRP) M8 (TRPM8), activates TRPA1, TRPV1, and TRPV2 channels and inhibits the reuptake of endocannabinoids.

This wide range of effects on various systems in the body results in a long list of potential medicinal benefits which we outline below. One notable synergy is CBG's interaction with the endocannabinoid system. By acting as a mild CB1 receptor antagonist, it acts to help reduce the less desirable effects of ingesting psychoactive amounts of THC.

Medical Benefits of CBG

Bone growth and healing - A 2007 study pointed to CBG and other cannabinoids as being effective in the healing of bone fractures by promoting new bone growth.

Cancer-fighting - In a 2014 study focused on colorectal cancer (CRC) noted that this cannabinoid "inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors as well as chemically induced colon carcinogenesis" and "should be considered translationally in CRC prevention and cure."

Pain relief - CBG among other cannabinoids have been shown as effective in reducing pain from a wide range of sources including being caused by multiple sclerosis and cancer. The study also shows that these cannabis-based medicines could be combined with other pharmaceuticals in the treatment of pain.

Anti-inflammatory + Anti-Oxidant - A wide range of studies point to this and other phytocannabinoids as being effective in reducing inflammation.

Reduces intraocular pressure - Among the range of available cannabinoids, cannabigerol has shown to be particularly effective in treating glaucoma.

Antibacterial and antifungal - The major cannabinoids all exhibit antibacterial and antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Specifically, CBG has been shown to be highly effective against MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

Depression and anxiety - A 2016 report cites CBG as 'a neglected phytocannabinoid' going on to suggest that this and other phytocannabinoids could provide effective non-psychoactive alternatives for treating anxiety and depression.

Neuroprotective - A 2015 animal-based study cited cannabigerol as being "extremely active as neuroprotectant". The conclusion of the research points to phytocannabinoids being used alone or in tandem with other therapies in the treatment of diseases like Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's, disease.

Overactive bladder treatment - Both CBG and THCV were observed in a 2015 study to have the strongest ability to reduce bladder contractions when compared across all phytocannabinoids.

Appetite stimulant - Observed in animal models, this cannabinoid was studied in 2016 an effective appetite stimulant. This points to a non-psychoactive application for the treatment of eating conditions and managing weight.

Psoriasis treatment - Endocannabinoid receptors present in the skin allow for the use of topical cannabinoid applications as a possible treatment for psoriasis and other skin conditions.

THE FUTURE OF CBG

As the research of this interesting phytocannabinoid continues to blossom and breeders continue to create strains with larger quantities of the molecule, CBG will, without a doubt, be awarded its rightful place among the pantheon of healing cannabinoids.

As cannabis medicine evolves over time, it will be interesting the see CBG play a role as an individual cannabinoid, as well as in synergy with other components of the cannabis plants that are showing vast potentials such as cannabinoids and terpenoids.