ISRAELI scientists have found that cannabis can help slow the growth of some cancerous tumours, according to the preliminary results of new research.
ALREADY known for its therapeutic effects on several diseases, researchers at the Technion Institute in Haifa decided to consider whether the plant, in all its forms, could have counteractive properties as well, Haaretz reported on Thursday.
Initial findings show potential for effectiveness in brain tumours and breast cancer, while scientists are still investigating other types. Research began a year ago under the direction of Professor Dedi Meiri, Faculty of Biology, and focuses on the cytoskeleton and cell division processes in both healthy and cancerous cells. Early readings indicate that cannabis activates a sort of self-destruct mechanism in cancerous brain cells, although Meiri was clear that it was too early to draw any definitive conclusions.