A recent study from the University of South Carolina has found THC prevented the development of colon cancers in mice.
Inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are caused by unrestrained inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Sufferers are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
The study, published in iScience, found THC suppressed inflammation in the colon, preventing the onset of cancers caused by a carcinogen.
Co-author Prakash Nagarkatti said: “The fact that we were able to show that treatment with THC prevents inflammation in the colon and at the same time inhibits the development of colon cancer supports the notion that inflammation and colon cancer are closely linked. Thus, in patients who are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer, THC or other anti-inflammatory agents may be beneficial.”