5 Best Marijuana Strains for Cancer Relief [2019 Update]
January 15, 2019

5 Best Marijuana Strains for Cancer Relief [2019 Update]

The complete guide to Marijuana and Cancer
MarijuanaBreak Staff MarijuanaBreak Staff / Updated on January 15, 2019

Best Marijuana Strains for Cancer

Cancer is a complex and heavily researched medical disease that we still have very few answers about, as well as no official cure. In recent times however, cannabis studies across the globe have shown just how many therapeutic benefits medical marijuana can provide for patients of cancer, especially regarding symptoms from conventional cancer treatment.

| While marijuana certainly should not be mistaken as a “cure” for cancer, many studies have shown its potential for offering all-natural, side effect-free relief.

Did you know that in 2018 alone, there were roughly 1.7 million new cancer diagnoses in the U.S.? Furthermore, as we look at global data on the topic, we can see that roughly 38.5% of men and women will, at some point in their life, be diagnosed with some form of cancer.

Although these numbers may seem fictional, they are unfortunately very real – astounding statistics that bring reality to just how serious – and prevalent – cancer is. Although there are constant advancements being made in cancer medicine and treatment options, there is still no proven cure.

Of course, cannabis has been used for decades among countless thousands of cancer patients, with borderline miraculous anecdotal reports of natural, side effect-free therapy. In this article, we go over several of the best marijuana strains for treating cancer, as well as discuss what the disease is, and how the active components of cannabis have been shown to help in specific ways.

What Is Cancer – and is Cannabis a Good Treatment?

Scientifically defined, cancer is a category of related diseases in which cancerous cells rapidly grow and divide throughout the body. This process can be harmful, because compared with normal, healthy cells, cancer cells do not have a direct function or purpose. Rather they become invasive within the body, rapidly growing into what are known as tumors, which then often have to be removed later on.

Tumors that are cancerous are known as ‘malignant,’ meaning they are capable of invading other nearby tissues and growing rapidly. Of course, this is what makes cancer spread into various parts of a person’s body.

Sometimes, though, tumors can be classified as benign. This is generally a much more positive result, because although this class of tumors can grow extremely large and need to be removed surgically, benign tumors don’t have cells that break off and spread throughout the body.

| Also, unlike malignant tumors benign tumors likely do not grow back after removal.

Benign tumors, once removed, generally are not life threatening – unless they are located within the brain, which is an exception wherein the mass needs to be urgently removed to prevent any complications from arising.

Cancer cells arise due to a malfunctioning within the genes. Genes control the way in which the body’s cells function; how they grow, divide, and then eventually sometimes die off. As cells divide, errors can occur within our genetic makeup (genome), and also the DNA itself can become damaged.

Some individuals inherit faulty genetic programming from family members, making their cells more susceptible to problems later on. Also, the DNA itself can become damaged due to environmental toxins, such as exposure to radiation (including from the sun) and carcinogens – such as the smoke from cigarettes or other tobacco products.

There are plenty of substances within the environment (including everyday pollution) that may have the ability to damage the cells, genes and even DNA. Of course, just because one is exposed to these toxins, does not guarantee that they will acquire cancer in their lifetime – it simply increases their risk.

Common Types of Cancer

Since cancer is essentially a collection of uncontrollably reproducing cells, it can occur just about anywhere in the body and spread far from the point of origin – through organs, blood, bone, muscles, or even the lymph system. Due to this, many of the most common types of cancer in the world are unrelated, existing in isolated parts of the body.

What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast Cancer MarijuanaBreast cancer is a common form of cancer among females, with an estimated 3 million women living with the condition in the United States alone. Women are not in fact the only individuals at risk however; men can also develop breast cancer, with about 2,500 males diagnosed each year.

Breast cancer occurs when mammary cells become unhealthy and spread rapidly, often forming tumors that can be felt as lumps during important self-checks, and other times can with x-ray pictures.

These rapidly growing cells can be cancer cells, although many times, lumps end up being benign, and don’t pose much threat (once removed).

In other more severe situations the tumors can be malignant, and can invade other parts of the breast tissue. Or, they can even go so far as invading other parts of the body, which is known as metastasizing. Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer amongst women in the world.

What Is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a very different kind of cancer compared to some of the other most common forms, as it affects the blood and marrow within the bones. Not much can be done to prevent someone from developing leukemia, and although many cases historically have been seen among children, the fact is that more adults are diagnosed than are kids.

Additionally, men are more likely to develop this disease than are women, and Caucasians are more likely than African-Americans to be diagnosed. Leukemia is the 10th most common form of cancer amongst all genders and races, and it is said that more than 350,000 individuals were living with the condition in 2018 alone.

What exactly is going on within the body when one has leukemia? Well, as a basic description the disease is diagnosed when an individual’s body over-produces white blood cells, which are cells that help fight infections.

| Due to this, not enough red blood cells (which carry oxygen) or platelets (which cause the blood to clot when it needs to) are produced.

These blood cells – millions of them to be exact – are produced from within the bone marrow, which means that the marrow is not “manufacturing” a correct cytological output.

The extra white cells being produced are leukemia cells, which cannot properly fight away infections or protect the body from its surroundings. This overproduction of faulty white blood cells can then take over the body and begin to shut down organs – causing some, if not many, major organ systems to fail.

Sometimes, Leukemia patients need to have a blood transfusion in order for their chances of survival to go up. In other instances, patients may end up having a bone marrow transplant. Aside from these more extreme treatments, most leukemia patients end up undergoing some form of chemotherapy or radiation treatment in an effort to kill the cancer cells in the blood and marrow.

What Is Skin Cancer?

Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will develop a form of skin cancer at some point in their lifetime? Skin cancer occurs when there is an abnormal, uncontrollable growth of dermal cells – often times spotted because of a wart of mole on the body changing color, shape, texture or size.

Skin cancer is known to be caused (among other reasons) from increased exposure to UV sunlight radiation from the sun, which damages DNA in the dermal layer. This triggers the onset of cellular mutations or genetic defects, which further can turn into rapidly multiplying skin cells that grow and form tumors – which can be either benign or malignant.

There are three common types of this disease:

  • Melanomas
  • Basal cell carcinomas
  • Squamous cell carcinomas

The latter two are the most common types of skin cancer, as they are heavily linked to the amount of UV exposure that one receives from natural sunlight. These types are fortunately less likely to spread throughout other parts of the body, though it is still vital to discover and treat them early, so that no further cancer cells can grow.

Melanomas are more rare than basal and squamous cell skin cancers, and have a tendency to grow and spread at a much quicker rate – making them far more dangerous. Melanoma can generally be taken care of in early stages, but if it goes left alone or unchecked, can cause real, life-threatening issues.

With this in mind, wearing sunscreen and sun protection can help to prevent the development of skin cancer. And of course, regularly checking for abnormal mole growths can offer the opportunity for early skin cancer detection, which is vital to decreased mortality rates.

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is caused by an uncontrollable and abnormal growth of cells within either one lung or both. These cells, known as cancer cells, can group together to form masses, known as tumors. When new cells attempt to develop, they turn into cancer cells and are therefore unable to perform the normal functions associated with respiration. Without respiration, we lose our supply of oxygen, which of course is detrimental to our survival.

Lung cancer primarily affects individuals over the age of 65, with two out of three adults getting diagnosed after 65 years of age. In fact, the average age of diagnosis is 70 years old, so it would be relevant to say that this disease is one that mostly effects seniors.

When not including skin cancer, lung cancer is the second most common cancer among men and women, where only prostate cancer (in men) and breast cancer (in women) ranks higher in prevalence. More than 220,000 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed in 2018 in the United States alone, showing that this cancer is, indeed, relatively common.

| Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancerous death among men and women, with many cases arising due to a history of regular tobacco smoking.

Although lung cancer can arise from reasons other than a history of smoking, consuming cigarettes is known to increase the risk quite greatly. Additionally, breathing asbestos or exposure to radon gas throughout a lifetime has been known to increase the chances of healthy cells developing genetic mutations within the cell’s DNA, leading to cells that cannot perform their functions correctly.

Primary and secondary lung cancer are two classifications of lung disease, with primary cancer beginning within the lungs and sometimes spreading into other parts of the body as it develops further along. Secondary cancer begins in another part of the body, and then metastasizes to the lungs. Secondary lung cancer isn’t actually referred to as lung cancer, but rather a metastasized version of whatever type of cancer has spread into the lungs (e.g. metastasized breast cancer, etc.).

Related article: Marijuana Users 45% Less Likely to Get Bladder Cancer

Who Does Cancer Affect?

The scary fact regarding cancer is that it can affect absolutely anyone of any age, race, or gender. This is what makes it such a terrifying medical disease for so many, as no one is presumably “safe” from cancer. However, preventative measures can be taken to decrease your chances of getting cancer.

Those who have an ancestral history of cancer in their genetic lineage are more likely to acquire it, as well as those who make poor lifestyle choices: smoking, drinking heavily, drug use, eating bad food regularly, not exercising, etc.

| Those who are overweight, obese, diabetic, or have a heart condition are at a greater risk of developing some form of cancer.

Keeping healthy and living an active lifestyle is the best solution to subsiding any possible fear, and taking care of yourself physically has also been proven to increase the quality of mental health – leading to not only a happier body, but also a happier mind. Cannabis can also offer potential therapy, but you’ll have to continue reading to find out more about cannabis as a cancer treatment.

Stages of Cancer

There are four stages of cancer used to classify how far along one’s condition has progressed, with each stage typically describing the size of the cancerous region, as well as whether or not it has spread to other parts of the body. Stages can also identify whether the cancer is confined to a specific region, or to a completely different area.

By determining a patient’s stage of cancer, the correct action for treatment can be determined. Cancers that are not so far along typically are only located in one smaller portion of the body, and therefore may be able to be treated locally with surgery or radiation therapy. More developed cancers require a treatment that can cover a greater region of the body, known as systemic treatments. An explanation of the stages are as follows:

Stage 1. This cancer is the least developed of the four stages, and generally has a high recovery rate. Cancer that is only in stage 1 of development is caught early and can be treated quite simply with today’s advanced medical technology. Stage 1 cancer is also typically relatively small and contained within its single organ of origin. Local removal through surgery or another similar medical procedure generally can take this cancer out of the body, although sometimes it can come back.

Stage 2. Stage 2 cancer is further along than stage 1, however it likely has not spread into other parts of the body yet. Although, in some types of cancer, stage 2 can mean that the unhealthy cells have begun to travel through the lymph nodes, typically nearby the tumor. Stage 2 tumors are generally larger than in stage 1, and with this classification of cancer, sometimes local removal is efficient enough at making the body cancer-free, but other times it has to paired up with systemic treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation. It all depends on each individual’s case.

Stage 3. Cancer in stage 3 is significantly larger and further developed than it is in the previous two stages. Often times, it has begun to spread throughout surrounding tissues, and the removal of the point of origin for cancer this far along is a much more challenging and grueling task for medical practitioners. By stage 3, doctors are typically already resorting to the use of chemotherapy, radiation or another systemic treatment because often times the simple removal of the point of origin is not effective enough, and the cancer can quickly return.

Stage 4. Cancer that has grown to stage 4 is at its most serious level, and by this point is oftentimes referred to as metastatic cancer or secondary cancer. Systemic treatments almost always must be used by this point, and even these treatments do not guarantee and individual will stay cancer-free or make a recovery. Once a cancer is classified as stage 4, it has spread into another organ or part of the body, which is why it becomes such a difficulty to treat and eliminate.

Potential Causes of Cancer

There are a massive variety of factors that are said to be causes of cancer, although none of them are truly and completely understood – and are more so considered a risk increase rather than a “guarantee”.

Possibilities can range from genetic predisposition and accidental environmental exposure, to poor lifestyle choices and even prolonged exposure to a foreign chemical substance.

In reality, anything that can produce some form of abnormality in the cells of the body has the potential for becoming a cause of cancer – which is why there are so many conditions in our world that can put us at risk.

Even if proving the direct origin for one’s cancer is almost impossible, we will at least discuss the most common causes here, so that one can better grasp just how cancer is affecting populations globally:

Inherited Cancer/Genetic Predisposition

Although it is extremely unusual to be born with cancer, individuals can more commonly be born with a greater likelihood of developing cancer sometime during their lifetime, which is often why doctors will ask about your family’s medical history during checkups.

| Lifestyle choices of course do not guarantee a cancer-free life for anyone, but it certainly does lessen the odds.

It is said that someone who has family members affected by cancer, are more likely to develop cancer themselves, which is also a reason why these individuals are told to make healthier lifestyle choices, such as not smoking, drinking only recreationally, having a proper diet and partaking in sufficient amounts of exercise.

Toxic Compound Exposure/Environmental Toxins and Pollution

There’s a hefty list of chemical and toxic compounds that when an individual is exposed to them for a generous period of time, it can lead to cancer cells forming more rapidly in the body. It is common knowledge that these components do encourage cancer growth, and many are advised by professionals to stay away from them as much as possible, yet still they can be present in our surrounding environment, sometimes even without our knowledge.

Some of these toxic compounds include: cigarette smoke, asbestos, benzene, vinyl chloride, nickel, aflatoxin and many more. Primarily, cigarette smoke is the most heavily prevalent, with more than 36 million adults said to be smokers just in the United States alone.

| Those exposed to hazardous pollution may be more at risk of developing cancer, as are those who reside in heavily populated cities.

That is why second and third hand smoke prevention has become a massive matter throughout the states, especially to protect children and babies from potentially experiencing the effects of these toxic components. Everyday exposure to pollution, poor-air quality and toxins naturally present in the environment, can also disrupt the natural flow of healthy body cells, causing them to alter into cancer-containing cells.

Cancer Smoking

Poor Lifestyle Choices/Carcinogens

Making poor lifestyle choices, is likely one of the more common reasons for the development of cancer, but this category is so wide and all-inclusive, that many activities not listed here could also be viewed as poor lifestyle choices.

Probably the most prevalent, is smoking and the use of tobacco. Many cancer cases have been discovered by doctors globally amongst frequent smokers who have used some form of tobacco for many years. Additionally, having a poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive use of tanning beds and drug use, are all activities that can increase the risk.

Some acquired medical conditions can also lead to cancer, including diabetes and obesity, which sometimes present a potential for this disease. Staying away from cigarette use, only consuming alcohol in moderation and leading a healthy and active lifestyle, are all ways of benefitting your health and helping to keep your cells from turning into rapidly spreading cancer cells.

Still, it is vital to remember that nothing can actually completely remove the possibility of acquiring cancer. Even some individuals who have led completely healthy lives have still developed cancer. Additionally, some individuals have had high exposure to a mass variety of toxic compounds, poor lifestyle choices and plenty of carcinogens, but still do not develop cancer during their lifetime.


Radiation can occur casually through everyday wear-and-tear, or it can be due to a more serious cause, such as residing in a vulnerable location during a nuclear bomb, or radioactive meltdown. For example, after Chernobyl happened in Ukraine, some individuals developed a plethora of diseases and conditions after the nuclear power plant melted down.

Unfortunately, these unlucky people were too close in proximity to the disaster, impacting their health in a very direct way, some passing due to acute radiation syndrome, while further health effects long term are still being investigated amongst surviving citizens.

It may turn out in the future, that some of the individuals too close in proximity may have developed cancer due to this radiation literally changing their DNA structure. This is why during a nuclear disaster, the evacuation of nearby civilians and residents is vital to the long-term survival and health of everyone.

The more common form of radiation that we all experience in various amounts on a day-to-day basis, is from the sun. UV-rays from the sun can cause cells to mutate in extreme amounts, which is why doctors often advise the use of full spectrum sunscreen when going outside, even if it is simply for a short period of time.

Sunscreen can help to prevent radiation from the sun’s harmful UV rays, keeping your risk of developing skin cancer much lower. Even if these risks are well understood, some people still choose to enter tanning beds, where their skin is impacted with a strong burst of UV rays, to mimic the sun, so a brown glow can be quickly achieved.

| Tanning beds can be harmful to the skin, and some have suggested they may present an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

Some oncologists have even gone as far as saying that tanning beds are to blame for the increase in lethal melanoma cases (skin cancer), which seems to be one of most common forms of cancer amongst young adults who are under the age of 30.

Other forms of radiation also exist, aside from these two heavy contenders, including uranium and radon radiation, as well as any radiation that can come of over exposure to beta, alpha, gamma and x-ray emitting sources.


Some viruses and bacterias are linked to a cancer risk, although much research is still being conducted on a large assortment of potentially harmful bacterias, viruses and even some parasites. As of now, HPV (human papillomavirus), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Merkel cell polyomavirus and the hepatitis b and c viruses, are all linked to a potential risk increase in developing this disease.

There are some more viruses and bacterias as well, but these are some of the more common examples. For some of the sexually contracted viruses, the best method of avoiding contracting them, is by taking the proper precautions and using contraceptives regularly.

Preparation and readiness are the ways to avoid contracting an STD or STI, but additionally some vaccines have arisen in recent times to generate prevention in contracting these viruses, specifically with the vaccination for HPV. The pattern of who cancer effects is rather an odd one, for just because one is exposed to pollution or carcinogens, does not mean they will necessarily develop cancer.

Additionally, some people can go their entire lives smoking cigarettes on a regular basis and have no complications, even if they might have a genetic predisposition. In reality, anything can happen, and it is not that these factors guarantee that cancer will present itself at some point during life, rather they are guidelines for keeping yourself healthy, because these factors do have a potential for possibly increasing the risk of cancer.

Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer is such as complex and diverse disease, it would seem likely that its symptoms are just the same. Often times, no two cancer patients’ symptoms are same, which can sometimes make recognizing a presence of this disease in the body a difficult task, with many people having their faulty cells or tumors go unnoticed for many years before they end up with a proper diagnosis.

For some types of cancer, such as Breast Cancer, there are some self-checks and hospital checks that exist so that early detection is more likely, but with other types of cancer, often the presence of the disease is discovered when a patient goes into the hospital for a different reason.

Overall, symptoms are tied to three main criteria: what type of cancer is it?, where is the cancer located?, and where has the cancer spread? By identifying these three points, the symptoms you may be having can become more clear.

If you do happen to have cancer, but are fortunate enough to develop symptoms which bring your attention to the presence of this difficult disease early on, know that these symptoms have a wide-range of possibilities, but here we will discuss the most common.

Use the acronym “c.a.u.t.i.o.n.”

The acronym “CAUTION” is often used to remember the seven main symptoms of cancer, which should be quickly brought to the attention of a doctor or professional if you are experiencing one of the following:

The “C” in CAUTION stands for a change in bladder or bowel habits. If these basic disposal functions become irregular, there may something deeper going on with the body.

The “A” represents a non-healing sore throat, (one that persists with no change in pain or discomfort). Constantly feeling a very hoarse or sore throat, is not normal and should be checked out.

The “U” stands for unusual discharge or bleeding. This often greatly depends on the type of cancer, because the location of discharge or bleeding can sometimes correlate with the form of cancer. For example, if you are experiencing strange colored discharge or even blood coming from the nipple of the breasts, this could indicate a potential for breast cancer and needs to urgently be examined by a doctor for further inspection. These are known as nipple secretions, and sometimes even a sore that will not heal and continues to discharge can appear, which is just as serious.

The “T” represents thickening or a lump in some region of the body, (usually this is in the breasts or testicles). If you perform a self exam or happen to notice some strange mass on your body, this could potentially be a tumor and should get examined by a doctor.

The “I” stands for indigestion, most often chronic and recurrent, or experiencing a difficulty swallowing. Difficulty swallowing can sometimes be a symptom of throat cancer. Having a one time difficulty in swallowing isn’t something of grave concern, but if the issue persists, then it may be a more urgent and time-sensitive ordeal.

The “O” means an obvious change in a wart or mole on the skin, whether in color, thickness, size, shape or even texture. All this can signal a problematic mole which could be a possible carrier of skin cancer cells. This is why doctors regularly recommend keeping an eye on moles and warts, and even getting them burned off if they seem to be problematic, even if they are not necessarily cancerous.

Lastly, the “N” represents a nagging cough and/or hoarseness. This criteria is broad and could be a symptom of a mass number of conditions or diseases, but regardless if a cough persists for a long period of time, it should be examined by a professional for further information.

Other symptoms of cancer can of course exist, including rapid weight loss or loss of appetite, infections that don’t seem to disappear after protocol treatment, low-level fevers that continue to arise repeatedly, a strange or unusual feeling of pain within the bones or throughout the rest of the body that only seem to worsen and ongoing fatigue, vomiting or nausea.

Just try and constantly remember that having one of these symptoms does not necessarily guarantee cancer, for they could be pointing towards something completely different. It is still better to confront a medical health professional about it, for it is better to be safe than sorry.

Conventional Cancer Treatments That Do Not Include Cannabis

Unlike cannabis treatments which are fairly new, there are quite a number of conventional medical treatments for cancer patients available, and more continue to add onto the list as advancements are being made in our rapidly developing field of medicine.

| Two categories of cancer treatment are the most prevalent, but first a medical practitioner must determine the stage that the cancer is in.

As mentioned above, this system of stage classification is primarily beneficial, because it allows doctors to determine what course of action they will be taking during treatment.

For stages 1 and 2, the cancer usually has not spread outside of the point of origin, aside from a few specific cases. If the cancer cells are local within a single region or organ, surgery is used to remove the unhealthy cells, so that they cannot continue to spread and grow at rapid rates.

By removing every last cancer cell, there’s nothing left to infect the body and the disease halts there. In some cases, the cancer can return again, either within the same location, or at a different one. If this occurs, the doctor has to devise a new course of action and start over.

By stage 3 and 4, the cancer is already likely much larger and more developed, so it tends to have spread throughout other regions of the body. In these mass scale circumstances, a more complete treatment must be used, known as systemic treatments. You can remember the name by considering what takes place during this course of action, where cancer cells are killed throughout the entire system of the body.

The most common forms of systemic treatments, includes chemotherapy and radiation. Other, less used, types of conventional cancer treatments exist as well, including hormone therapy, immunotherapy and stem cell transplant, but we won’t be going into detail about these additional methods in this article.

Medical Marijuana and Cancer

Medical Marijuana for Cancer

Medical marijuana has proven to be beneficial for some in improving the well-being of cancer patients, often assisting those who are reacting adversely to conventional medicine treatments, specifically treatments within the systemic category, such as radiation or chemotherapy. Unlike cannabis treatments, some side effects of radiation and chemotherapy include, lack of appetite, nausea, fatigue and extreme pain throughout the body.

Thankfully, there are medical cannabis strains on the market specifically devised to bring relief to patients experiencing these unpleasant negative side effects, so that they may find peace. Additionally, in recent years, some cannabis studies have been released that have leaned in a direction of the actual cannabis plant itself containing compounds that may be a cure to cancer, and not just as a means of relief from the adverse effects of conventional medications.

Who knows, maybe in the future we will not need to rely on challenging conventional cancer treatments anymore, and instead switch to the good cannabis herb, but for now, let’s exam the research and studies to understand more about the evidence and effects of cannabis.

Studies on Cannabis as a Potential Cancer Treatment

1. Evidence for marijuana’s effectiveness at pain relief

In a study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, researchers tested the effectiveness of THC:CBD extract versus a placebo at pain relief amongst 177 randomly selected subjects. In the end, their findings concluded, “this study shows that THC:CBD extract of cannabis is efficacious for relief of pain in patients with advanced cancer pain not fully relieved by strong opioids.”

2. Evidence for cannabis’ effectiveness at relieving nausea

Published in the BMJ scientific journal, researchers tested the effectiveness of cannabis cannabinoids from the cannabis plant against chemotherapy induced nausea, compared with other traditional medicines, concluding that, “cannabis cannabinoids were more effective antiemetics than prochlorperazine, metoclopramide, chlorpromazine, thiethylperazine, haloperidol, domperidone, or alizapride…”

3. Evidence for marijuana’s ability to increase appetite amongst disease related anorexia patients

Dronabinol, a man-made, synthetic form of cannabis used primarily to treat patients experiencing anorexia and loss of appetite, mostly as a symptom of HIV/AIDs, had its effectiveness reviewed and researched in a scientific article published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, his team of researchers concludes their findings by stating; “Patients tended toward stable body weight for at least 7 months. Adverse events were primarily related to known central nervous system effects of dronabinol. These data support long-term, safe use of dronabinol for anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with AIDS.”

4. Evidence for cannabis’ possible anti-tumor effects:

In a rather ground-breaking and revolutionary study conducted by the National Toxicology Program, rats and mice were observed after being administered varying doses of Cannabis THC and the results showed that, “The incidences of mammary gland fibroadenomas and uterine stromal polyps were decreased in dosed groups of female rats, as were the incidences of pancreatic adenomas, pituitary gland adenomas, and interstitial cell adenomas of the testis in dosed male rats and liver neoplasms in dosed mice.”

This might all seem like a bunch of gibberish, but it essentially just means that these specific types of tumors decreased within the mice and rats over time, after the doses of THC from the cannabis plant were administered.

Although much more research needs to be conducted regarding the capabilities of cannabis as an effective treatment to cure cancer, these studies are an outstanding start towards more progress being made in the medical marijuana field.

5 Best Marijuana Strains for Different Types of Cancer

Best Strains for Cancer Treatment

1. ACDC Marijuana Strain

ADCD Cannabis StrainAbout this Cannabis Strain | ACDC is a highly promising cannabis strain, classified genetically as a hybrid. It descends from the CBD heavy marijuana strain known as Cannatonic, and therefore also contains mass amounts of CBD itself. This cannabis strain allows patients to reap the healing benefits of CBD, which are incredible for numbing down pain, especially the type that can be felt amongst cancer patients after the harsh and tiresome chemotherapy treatments have finished. In addition to featuring an incredibly prominent CBD content, its THC content is quite low, ensuring that few psychoactive or “high-like” effects will be experienced. Instead, this marijuana strain focuses almost completely on assisting and healing the symptoms of patients undergoing serious conventional medical procedures, or those suffering from difficult medical illnesses or conditions.

Typical Cannabinoid Profile | CBD: 15-25%; THC: 0.5-1.3%.

How This Cannabis Strain May be Able to Help with Cancer | Pain relief from the negative effects of systemic treatments amongst cancer patients.

2. Northern Lights Cannabis Strain

Northern Lights Marijuana Strain

About this Cannabis Strain | Northern Lights is an indica dominant cannabis strain, bred from the pure land-race parents Afghani indica and Thai sativa. This untainted and popular marijuana strain, although very high in THC and rather low in CBD, offers a relief on a different level. Due to its classic indica tendencies, Northern Lights provides immense nausea relief for those who are suffering from this uncomfortable sensation on a regular basis. Those who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer, often experience massive amounts of nausea as an adverse effect of the medical treatment, so consuming some Northern Lights in the form of cannabis may be helpful in calming down these discomforts.

Typical Cannabinoid Profile |CBD: unknown, but not high; THC: 16-21%.

How This Cannabis Strain May be Able to Help with Cancer | Nausea relief for cancer patients who have recently undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

3. Granddaddy Purple Cannabis Strain

Granddaddy Purple Front

About this Cannabis Strain | A relaxing and calming marijuana indica that brings about tiredness and pure serenity, Granddaddy Purple lets you fall asleep fast, first giving you a case of the mad munchies. For those who are suffering from loss of appetite and are concerned about extreme weight loss because of it, Granddaddy Purple serves as a quintessential cannabis strain to keep appetite levels up, especially after they have subsided due to any form of treatment against cancer. Granddaddy Purple is a genetic cross between Big Bud (indica) and Purple Urkle (indica) cannabis strains, making its indica dominance rather prominent. This class of cannabis strains are notorious for making you hungry, followed by couch-lock and falling fast asleep; all a plus if you are recovering from cancer treatment.

Typical Cannabinoid Profile | CBD: 0.1%; THC: 17-23%.

How This Cannabis Strain May be Able to Help with Cancer | Brings back appetite for those who have suffered appetite loss as a result of cancer treatment, or even extreme weight loss tied to a decreased appetite.

4. Chocolope Cannabis Strain

Chocolope Cannabis Strain

About This Cannabis Strain | Chocolope is an energizing and uplifting sativa cannabis strain, that is capable of awakening even the most fatigued of individuals. If you suffer from constant tiredness, specifically as a negative side effects of some form of conventional cancer treatment, Chocolope is exactly what you need to pick you back up and keep you going. Bred by the combination of Cannalope Haze (sativa) and Chocolate Thai (sativa), this double sativa lineage guarantees pure genetics within Chocolope. Many report experiencing a complete euphoria mood enhancing high, that keeps a smile on your face and an overall positive attitude.

Typical Cannabinoid Profile | CBD: unknown, but low; THC: 18-22%.

How This Cannabis Strain May be Able to Help with Cancer | Diminishes fatigue amongst tired or worn-out cancer patients, who desire more energy and liveliness in their lives.

5. Charlotte’s Web Cannabis Strain

About this Cannabis Strain | An extremely low THC sativa cannabis strain that has gained recognition within the medical marijuana community, for its ability to assist a wide range of serious medical conditions, because of its enormous CBD content, with little to no psychoactive or typical “high” producing feelings (it’s the absence of THC, after all). Used primarily by seizure patients as a relief, those who are suffering from cancer can also try out Charlotte’s Web Cannabis Strain, which may bring peace and calm down a grand variety of symptoms, including pain and inflammation.

Typical Cannabinoid Profile | CBD: 20%; THC: 0.3%-1%.

How This Cannabis Strain May be Able to Help with Cancer | Insanely high in CBD content, brings relief to an onslaught of various cancer symptoms, with little to no psychoactive effects and all the healing powers of the CBD.

Final Thoughts about Cannabis as a Treatment for Cancer – and Why Marijuana May be so Effective

Although much research still needs to be conducted, studies releasing their results regarding cannabis, primarily all lead in a direction of medical marijuana serving as an adequate form of treatment for patients suffering from a variety of symptoms related to cancer and systemic treatments, such as chemotherapy.

The world has far to go to initiate a greater tolerance for medical cannabis within the commercial medical industry, and we hope more evidence will point towards herbal solutions, so one day marijuana can be sold as effectively as any other pharmaceutical.

These cannabis related findings are absolutely steps in the right direction towards a greater tolerance for cannabis related medicines, which expresses just how many healing powers this unearthly plant possesses.

We hope you have enjoyed reading this article on cannabis and cancer, and that you not only found it to be entertaining, but also educational and informative. It is important to remember that the consumption of marijuana is the sole responsibility of the user and discretion should be taken before any cannabis consumption.

Have vital information about cannabis and cancer that you would like to share? Simply post your cannabis knowledge on our FACEBOOK page!

Article Sources:

  1. Martha Petty
    Granddaddy Purple

    My mother is at the last stages of cancer, liver cancer. We have a MMC and we do not hesitate giving her granddaddy purple when the pain goes beyond tolerance, which is mostly the case with her. I don’t think it is any good to make her unnecessarily tolerate pain, when we know that she is already on the last stage and would not recover.

  2. Maria Rosemary
    ACDC for pain

    Guys it depends, is it the pain or the anxiety that is bothering you more. If the pain then go for ACDC and if it is the anxiety then go for, Granddaddy!! And mostly it will be both, so try alternate.

  3. Tammy Hunter
    Cannabis Oil to Purchase for Friend

    The comment Ashley left about her father with the brain tumor . She said Rick prescribed him cannabis oil . Can someone please please tell me how to make this happen. My beautiful friend is only 46 years old and the doctors are saying they cannot do anything else for her I do not want to give up in her. Please please I beg you will someone please reply to me and tell me how to get a hold of this.

    1. Gerry Bedore
      Brain cancer

      a suggestion is to see youtube for how to make RSO. Use clean buds, tested clean buds. You want high thc, 55 to 65%. put a 1/2 gram into suppository capsules. Have the person use 3 per day, morning, mid day and evening. In addition, have the person take 50mg of cbd with 5 or less mg of thc twice per day. Some people will have issues with using it as a suppository, they are lacking experience.

      1. Jake
        65% THC?????? Where?

        Where do you get bud with 55-65% THC? The highest I have heard of is around 30%.

  4. Saif

    What cannabies are good for cureing toungh and neck cancer

  5. Christina
    Stage 4

    My fiancé has stage 4 kidney cancer what would be the best strain for him?

    1. Adam

      Many of these will help with the pain issues, they won’t cure cancer

  6. Larrie Duncan

    What strain works best for endometrial adenocarcinoma grade 1..

  7. Lyndsey Thomas

    Chocolope is the most amazing strain ever for cancer. My grandmother is feeling very relieved after giving this a try.

    1. katie redmond

      Did it open her appetite???

  8. Frances Bennett

    Granddaddy strain seems to be a good choice, can please suggest?

  9. Cynthia

    What will work for thyroid cancer?

    1. Adam

      Have you tried RSO?

  10. Roger Johnson

    I have two brothers and two dear friends that have prostate and liver cancer. I am looking for strains that help in killing cancer cells and tumors. I am looking for seeds.

  11. Vicky Olivo

    Acdc is the recommended strain for cancer. Really happy with the results.

Leave a Reply
