By Luke Sumpter

Cannabis has been used as a medicinal herb throughout thousands of years of human history. Its illegal status is an extremely recent phenomenon and luckily for thousands of medical patients and recreational users, prohibition appears to be coming to an abrupt end. Scientific analysis is proving that compounds within the plant, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, have powerful ameliorative effects against an entire host of diseases and medical conditions. Although hard to believe, cannabis is also documented as having a positive effect against numerous types of cancer, including leukaemia.

CANCER STATISTICS

Cancer is known as a devastating disease and almost anyone you talk to has had their lives affected by it in some way or another. It was estimated in 2016 that in the United States alone, 1,685,210 new cases of cancer were diagnosed and that 595,690 people were suspected to die from the disease. These numbers are staggering, with the most common cancers that same year being breast, lung, bladder, and leukaemia. Conventional treatments offered to individuals include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. These methods often pose extremely detrimental side effects and clearly have limits when looking at the data.

Emerging alternative therapies and approaches are on the rise, with cannabis gaining a lot of traction in this area. The American government website cancer.gov even states that cannabinoids have displayed antitumor effects by inducing cell death and inhibiting cell growth.

LEUKAEMIA

Leukaemia, sometimes referred to as blood cancer, is a cancer that affects blood cells. So far, it is stated that the exact cause of the condition is unknown, however, exposure to radiation, certain forms of chemotherapy, smoking, chemicals, and family history have all been named as potential risk factors. It is estimated that a massive 62,130 new cases of leukaemia will be diagnosed within the United States in 2017. 24,500 people are expected to die from the disease within the same year.

Leukaemia marijuana

Leukaemia features the malignancy of blood cells. This usually involves the production of abnormal white blood cells. White blood cells, also called leukocytes, make up around 1 percent of total blood, yet play a vital role in the maintenance of health and defence against disease, illness, and infection. White blood cells flow throughout the bloodstream on patrol against unwelcome intruders in the forms of viruses, bacteria, and other malevolent invaders. White blood cells are formed within bone marrow and go on to be stored in the blood as well as lymphatic tissues. Blood cancers such as leukaemia can trigger uncontrolled growth of white blood cells, which can result in infection and dangerous bleeding.

Common symptoms of the disease may include pain in the bones or joints, swollen lymph nodes, fevers, tiredness, bleeding, regular infections, and weight loss. There is no known way to prevent the condition and methods such as chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants are used in attempt to treat the disease. Unfortunately, the side effects of chemotherapy, for example, can be devastating and include fatigue, hair loss, infection, nausea, and anaemia.

CANNABIS AND LEUKAEMIA

Scientific literature boasts research into the anticancer effects of cannabinoids and shows a potential for their use in cases of leukaemia. A paper[1] published within the International Journal of Oncology explores the anticancer effects of certain cannabinoids when used with chemotherapy.

The authors of the paper state that cannabinoids have been shown to possess anticancer activity when used alone, although some of them show more potent effects against leukaemia cells when combined. For example, the authors mention that THC and CBD displayed more favourable effects when paired together as opposed to being used alone. Furthermore, cannabinoid pairs performed even more effectively when used along with chemotherapy agents. It was noted that using cannabinoids after chemotherapy resulted in a greater induction in the death of cancer cells.

The authors of the text state, “Our results suggest that when certain cannabinoids are paired together, the resulting product can be combined synergistically with common anti-leukaemia drugs allowing the dose of the cytotoxic agents to be dramatically reduced yet still remain efficacious.”

thc cbd and leukaemia

A study[2] published within the journal BioMed Central Cancer argues that THC has been proven to harbour anti-tumor activity. The researchers note that they have anecdotal evidence that THC may have contributed to disease control in a patient with leukaemia. The study was conducted in order to test this hypothesis. The researchers evaluated the effects of Dronabinol (a synthetic version of THC) against leukaemia cell lines. An antiproliferative effect occurred. It was found that cell death was mediated via the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. The authors of the paper concluded that, “Our study provides rigorous data to support clinical evaluation of THC as a low-toxic therapy option in a well defined subset of acute leukaemia patients.”

THC AND APOPTOSIS

One mechanism by which cannabinoids may kill cancer cells is a process known as apoptosis. Apoptosis is a natural function of the human body that results in the controlled death of cells as a part of an organism's proper growth and development.

A paper[3] published within the journal Molecular Cancer Research displays that THC induces apoptosis in leukaemia T cells.

A POWERFUL CASE STUDY

The studies above display the powerful effects of cannabinoids against cell lines in a laboratory setting. The next study displays a case study, with a sample size of one person, that demonstrates the potential of cannabinoids against leukaemia in a human. A paper[4] published within the journal Case Reports in Oncology documents a case study involving a 14 year old patient diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia. The patient underwent aggressive chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant. However, all of these methods failed after a period of 34 months. With no conventional options left, the family of the patient started to orally administer cannabis extracts. A rapid dose-dependant correlation was observed.

The authors state that, “Cannabinoids are usually well tolerated and do not produce the generalised toxic effects of conventional chemotherapies. The family found promise in an organisation known as Phoenix Tears, led by Rick Simpson who had treated several cancers with hemp oil, an extract from the cannabis plant. Rick worked with [the] family to help them prepare the extract.”

It was noted that during the treatment, cancer cell counts started to drop at some point. The researchers note that the cannabinoids within the extract had antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties. Unfortunately, the patient did pass away, however the authors state that “It must be noted that where our most advanced chemotherapeutic agents had failed to control the blast count and had devastating side effect[s] that ultimately resulted in the death of the patient, the cannabinoid therapy had no toxic side effects and only psychosomatic properties, with an increase in the patient’s vitality.”

THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS AS TREATMENT

It seems promising that the active compounds within the cannabis plant will play an effective role in the future of cancer treatment, whether that means they are used alone as primary therapies or in conjunction with current conventional therapies to enhance their outcomes and reduce adverse side effects.

External Resources:
  1. Anticancer effects of phytocannabinoids used with chemotherapy in leukaemia cells can be improved by altering the sequence of their administration https://www.spandidos-publications.com
  2. Dronabinol has preferential antileukemic activity in acute lymphoblastic and myeloid leukemia with lymphoid differentiation patterns https://www.theroc.us
  3. #9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced Apoptosis in Jurkat Leukemia T Cells Is Regulated by Translocation of Bad to Mitochondria https://www.theroc.us
  4. Cannabis Extract Treatment for Terminal Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with a Philadelphia Chromosome Mutation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: