The world of cannabis science continues to evolve rapidly. While CBD oil was once primarily known for its relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties, it now appears that the plant has a much deeper impact on fundamental processes in our bodies.
In his latest research paper “Ferroptosis and Cannabinoids: Mechanisms, Synergy and Applications,” Peter Vermeul , founder of CBD Spain and creator of the CBD oil we work with at CBD & Herb , shares groundbreaking insights into how cannabis works at the cellular level.

The result? A fascinating story about ferroptosis , cannabinoids , and the power of the entourage effect —a new perspective on how nature and science reinforce each other.

What is ferroptosis?

Ferroptosis is a relatively newly discovered form of programmed cell death, driven by iron and oxidative stress.
Unlike apoptosis (the classical “self-destruction” of cells), ferroptosis is an oxidation-driven process that determines whether cells survive or die.

The remarkable thing is that this mechanism can both protect our health (by eliminating sick or cancerous cells) and cause damage (as in neurodegenerative diseases).
And that is exactly where cannabinoids come in.

The role of cannabinoids: more than just CBD

The cannabis plant contains a rich palette of bioactive substances: CBD, CBC, CBG, THC, CBDa, CBDV and many others.
While CBD is now known for its anti-inflammatory, calming and neuroprotective effects , scientists are now turning their attention to the so-called “minor” cannabinoids – substances that occur in smaller quantities, but show great potency.

One of those substances is Cannabichromene (CBC) .
In Peter Vermeul's research, CBC appears to have a double effect :

• it activates ferroptosis in cancer cells (causing them to shut themselves down),

• while at the same time having a protective effect in healthy cells in case of inflammation or oxidative stress.

CBC thus appears to form a unique link between tumor inhibition and cell protection – a discovery with potentially major implications for future cancer and inflammation research.

The entourage effect: synergy in nature

A key theme in Vermeul's work is the entourage effect – the idea that the many compounds in cannabis enhance each other's effects .
Rather than using a single molecule (such as pure CBD), a full-spectrum extract often proves to be more effective.

Why? Because it maintains the plant's natural balance.
Terpenes (such as β-caryophyllene and linalool), flavonoids (such as quercetin and cannflavins), and sterols act as supporting players that:

• reduce inflammation,

• provide antioxidant protection,

• and enhance the absorption and effectiveness of cannabinoids.

This creates a multifunctional effect that is difficult to imitate with isolated substances.
It is precisely this natural synergy that CBD Spain strives for in its full-spectrum CBD oil , which we at CBD & Herb are proud to work with.

Applications: from cancer to neuroprotection

The insights surrounding ferroptosis and cannabinoids open doors to new medical applications.
The research shows that cannabinoids can not only inhibit tumor cells by activating ferroptosis, but can also protect neurons from oxidative damage.

• In cancer research : Cannabinoids such as CBC and CBD may increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to ferroptosis – a potential weapon against treatment-resistant cancers.

• In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's: CBD helps inhibit ferroptotic damage , allowing neurons to survive better.

• And in chronic inflammatory diseases (such as osteoarthritis or IBD), CBD appears to limit tissue damage by suppressing ferroptosis in inflamed cells.

This context-dependent effect makes full-spectrum cannabis extracts unique: they support recovery where it is needed, rather than suppressing it unilaterally.

Full spectrum: science meets nature

Peter Vermeul's research underlines what many CBD Spain users already experience:
the power of a whole plant approach .

Rather than isolating one active ingredient, the natural components of the cannabis plant work together like an orchestra — each with its own instrument, but together in harmony.
The result? Stronger anti-inflammatory properties, better cell protection, and broader therapeutic value .

Want to know more?

This article is only a summary of the findings from Peter Vermeul's in-depth research report.
Want to learn more about how ferroptosis , cannabinoids , and the entourage effect interact — including scientific sources and applications in cancer, neurodegeneration, and inflammatory diseases?

• Ferroptosis and Cannabinoids - Mechanisms, Synergy and Applications - pdf NL
• Ferroptosis and Cannabinoids - Mechanisms, Synergy and Applications - pdf EN

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