Cannabis treatment for metastatic melanoma shows promise

This study examined the effects of cannabinoids on metastatic melanoma (skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body). It was published in the journal Biology in May 2023.

The study did in vitro (in a lab) tests using cell models of metastatic melanoma, and in vivo tests using mice. THC alone, CBD alone, and THC & CBD together were tested in their laboratory on cell models (in vitro). THC:CBD ratio of 1:1 was used in the tests on mice (in vivo).

Their results:

Cannabinoids reduced cell viability in multiple melanoma cell lines in a dose-dependent way [more worked better]. 

Essentially, cannabinoids significantly decreased tumour growth in vivo and were as potent as the MEK inhibitor trametinib.

Our results suggest that cannabinoids are effective in metastatic melanoma and pave the way for further clinical trials.

The authors concluded:

We could demonstrate that cannabinoids reduce cell viability in several melanoma cell lines, initiate apoptosis via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway by cytochrome c release and caspase activation and do not interfere with commonly used targeted therapy.

The full text article is here at PubMed Central.