A combination of CBD and CBC has anti-cancer effects in a cell model

According to preclinical data published in the journal Cancers, cannabis-derived extracts containing both CBD (cannabidiol) and CBC (cannabichromene) are highly effective in killing head and neck cancer cells in a cell model.

Israeli researchers have evaluated the anti-cancer activity of 24 cannabinoids of plant origin in head and neck cell cultures.

They reported that administration of CBD and CBC in a 1:1 ratio «maximizes the cytotoxicity of HNSCC [head and neck squamous cell carcinoma] cells.» The authors also identified a similar «entourage effect» when CBD was combined with THC in a 2:1 ratio, but suggested that the first combination had a more beneficial safety profile.

«Our research revealed that THC enhances the cytotoxic effect of CBD, establishing further support for the phenomenon of’entourage effect in the phytocannabinoids« the researchers determined. «Given the undesirable psychotomimetic effects of THC, there is a clear benefit to favoring the CBD-CBC combination over CBD-THC for new treatments of HNSCC.»

They concluded, «This research suggests the use of whole cannabis extracts, which are rich in decarboxylated CBD, to induce cancer cell death.»

Although cannabinoids have a specific well-established anticancer activity in preclinical models, scientists have been largely reluctant to try and reproduce these results in controlled clinical trials.

According to a literature review of 2015, exposure to cannabis smoke is not positively associated with the development of head or neck cancers. A 2009 study reported that long-term moderate cannabis use was associated with a reduced risk of head and neck cancers.