Researchers at Saint Bartholomew's Hospital in London determined that the cannabinoid THC induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in three leukemic cell lines. In tests, cell death began to occur as early as six hours after exposure to THC.

"We have shown that THC is a potent inducer of apoptosis in leukemic cell lines," authors concluded.

Though the researchers did not speculate as to THC's mechanism of action, they did observe that it did not appear to act synergistically with other standard chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin.

Previous clinical trials have also shown cannabinoids to stave the growth of certain types of cancerous tumors, as well as induce programmed cell death in malignant cells. Clinical data published in August in the journal of the American Association for Cancer Research determined that cannabinoids inhibited the growth of glioma (brain) tumors in mice and in two human subjects by restricting the tumors' blood supply. Last November, a study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics found that the administration of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD induced apoptosis in human glioma cells.

For more information, please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Senior Policy Analyst, at (202) 483-5500. Abstract of the study are available online at:
http://www.bloodjournal.org/