Can a plant influence processes involved in the development of cancer? It is a question that is being investigated more and more. Not because cannabis is a miracle cure, but because scientists are increasingly understanding how the endocannabinoid system plays a role in inflammation, cell growth, immune responses, and the body's natural ability to heal.

A recent scientific review, discussed by Peter Vermeul, owner and founder of CBD Spain, brings together the results of several studies on cannabinoids in experimental models of colorectal cancer. The findings are interesting and show why a full spectrum cannabis extract receives so much attention in science.

Colorectal cancer does not develop overnight

Colorectal cancer usually develops slowly. Healthy bowel cells gradually change into abnormal cells. First, small changes occur in the bowel wall, then polyps can develop, and eventually colorectal cancer can arise from them.

It is precisely in this early stage that cannabinoids appear to be able to have an effect, according to several animal studies. In the models studied, a clear reduction was observed in so-called aberrant crypt foci (ACF), the earliest visible precursors of colorectal cancer. This makes the research particularly interesting, because it not only looks at existing tumors, but also at processes that begin much earlier.

Why are researchers looking at the endocannabinoid system?

Our body has its own endocannabinoid system. This complex communication network helps to keep all kinds of processes in balance, including inflammatory responses, immune activity, pain perception, and cell survival.

In colorectal cancer, this system appears to be actively involved. Various receptors and endogenous cannabinoids are found in tumor tissue. This raises an interesting question: is the body already trying to put a brake on uncontrolled cell growth through this system?

According to Peter Vermeul, this biological pathway deserves much more attention in future research. Not as a replacement for conventional treatments, but as an important mechanism that is far from being fully understood.

Full spectrum appears to be strikingly more powerful than an isolated substance

One of the most striking findings from the review is the difference between an isolated CBD molecule and a fully plant-based CBD extract.

While CBD as an isolated substance showed a biological effect, a full spectrum CBD extract proved significantly more effective in reducing early abnormalities in the bowel wall in one of the models studied. This supports the idea that the various natural components of the cannabis plant reinforce each other.

In a full spectrum extract, cannabinoids, cannabinoid acids, terpenes, flavonoids, and many other plant compounds work together. This collaboration is also known as the entourage effect. According to Peter Vermeul, that is precisely the power of natural extraction, where the complete plant is preserved as much as possible.

Not one point of action, but a complete biological network

What makes this research extra interesting is that cannabinoids do not seem to influence just one process.

In the various studies, effects were observed on, among others:

• stimulating apoptosis (programmed cell death of damaged cells);
• inhibiting angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow;
• reducing inflammatory pathways involved in tumor development;
• influencing various signaling pathways within the endocannabinoid system.

Precisely because cancer consists of so many different biological processes, researchers find this broad action interesting. The idea is that a natural full spectrum extract can influence multiple processes at the same time, instead of just a single pathway.

CBG is also receiving more and more scientific attention

In addition to CBD, CBG also stands out emphatically in this review.

Although CBG is often less well known, it showed a clear reduction in tumor volume in experimental models. According to Peter Vermeul, this aligns with his conviction that the acidic precursors, such as CBGa and CBDa, deserve much more attention in future scientific research.

These cannabinoid acids occur naturally in the fresh hemp plant, but largely disappear when extracts are heated intensely. That is why CBD Spain uses a carefully controlled production process in which these delicate natural compounds are preserved as much as possible.

Important: promising, but not yet proven in humans

Precisely because we at CBD & Herb consider honest information important, we also want to mention the most important caveat.

This review describes animal studies. This means that the results cannot automatically be translated to humans. At this moment, there is no scientific evidence that cannabinoids cure colorectal cancer in humans or can replace conventional treatments.

What this publication does show is that cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system appear to play a much larger biological role than was thought for years. This makes follow-up research not only interesting, but also necessary.

Want to know more?

This is only a brief summary of Peter Vermeul's extensive analysis. In his full article, he goes deeper into the various cannabinoids, the investigated mechanisms of action, and the significance of this scientific publication.

Are you curious why Peter Vermeul places so much value on organic full spectrum CBDa extracts, in which cannabinoid acids, terpenes, and other natural plant compounds are preserved? Then be sure to read his full article for an extensive scientific deep dive.

• Cannabinoids in Colorectal Cancer Research - pdf NL
• Cannabinoids in Colorectal Cancer Research - pdf EN

This blog is intended to make scientific research accessible and is not intended as medical advice. Always use cannabinoids for cancer in consultation with the treating physician or specialist.