By Luke Sumpter


Melanoma remains the deadliest form of skin cancer. Hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with the disease every year—and numbers are predicted to keep rising. Surgeons are able to remove melanoma when caught early enough, but it quickly spreads to the lymph nodes and beyond when left unchecked. Now, researchers are exploring the role of the endocannabinoid system in cancer, and studies are testing THC and CBD on models of the condition.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer, of which there are numerous. These conditions are named after the types of skin cells in which they occur. Whereas basal cell carcinoma (BCC) originates in the basal cells of the skin, melanoma forms in melanocytes—the specialised cells that produce the darkening skin pigment melanin in response to UV radiation.

Although less common than other skin cancers, melanoma remains the deadliest. The disease stands as the fifth-most common cancer in the UK, with over 8,000 new cases every year. Among these, 29% of cases occur in patients aged 75 and over. Despite claiming the most lives of any form of skin cancer, the survival rate has doubled over the past 40 years, and now over 87% of patients diagnosed with melanoma survive the disease for the first 10 years or longer.

Although melanoma offers a better prognosis compared to some cancers, the rates of melanoma are projected to increase by 7% by 2035 in the UK alone. With that in mind, what exactly causes melanoma in the first place?

  • Causes of Melanoma

All cancers stem from a genetic root. Under normal circumstances, damaged or abnormal cells are destroyed and replaced with healthy cells. However, in cases of cancer, these troublesome cells begin to divide, multiply, and sometimes spread throughout the body (a process known as metastasis). Changes to certain genes that control how cells divide and grow underlie cancer. Some of these changes are inherited, whereas others are a direct consequence of environmental factors or lifestyle factors.

When it comes to melanoma, the sun takes most of the blame. But don’t get it twisted—we also need the sun for optimal health. Exposure to the rays emitted from this giant ball of gas allows our skin cells to synthesise vitamin D, a key hormone that helps to quell inflammation and reduce cancer cell growth.

However, the sun’s rays contain ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Excess exposure to UV can damage the DNA in skin cells. This changes the way skin cells function, prompting them to start dividing abnormally—ultimately resulting in skin cancer.

  • Melanoma Risk Factors

There are several risk factors that increase the chances of a person developing melanoma. These variables include:

Excess UV exposure Family history of melanoma
Presence of moles on the skin Fair skin, freckling, and light hair
A history of other skin cancers Old age
Being male Compromised immune system
  • Symptoms of Melanoma

Melanomas have a similar appearance to normal moles. However, several key visual differences allow physicians to tell them apart. These include:

  • They gradually get bigger
  • They change shape and colour
  • They become itchy and sore
  • They bleed or develop a crusty appearance
  • They are asymmetrical and have a ragged border
Symptoms of Melanoma

Current Treatments for Melanoma

The treatments available for melanoma vary depending on the stage of the disease. Stage 1 and stage 2 melanoma feature cancerous growths that haven’t started to spread. The conventional route during this time involves surgery performed under local anaesthetic to remove the abnormal cells.

Stage 3 melanoma occurs when the cancerous cells spread to nearby lymph nodes. In this case, surgeons perform a lymph node dissection under general anaesthetic. However, this procedure can lead to complications in the lymphatic system that cause fluid to build in the limbs.

A Word on Cannabis and Skin Cancer

So, where does cannabis fit into all of this? Whereas many patients choose to pursue the conventional course of treatment, others decide to look for alternatives. Given the popularity of CBD, you’ll find all sorts of articles online concerning the investigation surrounding CBD and skin cancer. While the internet features scores of anecdotes, the lack of clear-cut science makes this a gamble.

No human trials have explored CBD or cannabis oil for skin cancer. In fact, very few human trials exist testing cannabis against human disease in general; decades of prohibition and the current legal status of cannabis in many countries makes these investigations difficult, if not impossible.

However, these restrictions haven’t stopped researchers from testing cannabinoids on skin cancer cells and animal subjects. These early studies offer insights into what researchers might find when human trials are eventually performed. Below, we’ll take you through these pieces of research. But first, let’s take a brief dive into how cannabinoids work in the body.

  • The Endocannabinoid System and Cancer

You’ve probably heard of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by now. This body-wide network, referred to as the universal regulator of the human body, helps to keep all of our other physiological systems in balance (a state known as homeostasis). Researchers discovered the ECS thanks to cannabis. They came across it while investigating how compounds within the plant, namely cannabinoids such as THC, affect the body. Eventually, they discovered a large network of receptors, signalling molecules, and enzymes in many tissues of the body, from the brain and bones to the immune system and digestive system.

But cannabinoids aren’t only present in the cannabis plant; our bodies produce their own version called endocannabinoids (“endo” meaning “within”). ECS enzymes build and break down endocannabinoids on demand, and these signalling molecules bind to ECS receptors to create the necessary changes within a host of different cell types.

At first, scientists discovered two ECS receptors: CB1 and CB2. However, more research has expanded the components into the endocannabinoidome—a massive system that encompasses myriad receptors, enzymes, and signalling molecules.

Because cannabinoids such as THC share a similar structure to our own endocannabinoids, they’re able to bind to the same receptors, in turn influencing the system responsible for keeping other bodily systems in check.

Because ECS components are everywhere, it makes sense that researchers have explored how this system impacts cancer. Thanks to these efforts, scientists discovered that the ECS plays a role in tumorigenesis (the gain of malignant properties of normal cells) and the inhibition of tumour growth. These findings have led some researchers to view ECS receptors as potential therapeutic targets in cancer(s).

Interestingly, the ECS also plays a fundamental role in skin physiology. Here, it helps to control proliferation, growth, differentiation, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and hormone production. The presence of the ECS in the skin, and the potential of the ECS as a therapeutic target in cancer, are driving researchers to explore cannabinoids in models of skin cancer.

The Endocannabinoid System and Cancer

What Does the Research Say About Cannabinoids and Melanoma?

The role of cannabinoids in cases of melanoma remains uncertain. Below, we’ll look at the available evidence on THC and CBD in regard to the disease.

  • THC and Melanoma

You’ve heard of THC. It’s the major psychoactive cannabinoid that underpins the cannabis high. This molecule produces these much-loved effects by binding directly to the CB1 receptor. However, THC also binds to other ECS receptor sites, including CB2.

Researchers are keen to explore how THC impacts melanoma cells, particularly in regard to autophagy—the process by which cells devour themselves when they become damaged. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology tested THC against melanoma cells, and researchers looked for several outcomes, including the activation of autophagy, loss of cell viability, and the activation of apoptosis.

Further research identified the presence of both CB1 and CB2 on melanoma cells. This prompted scientists to test THC on mice with the disease. They set out to measure any tumour reduction caused by the cannabinoid, and also administered THC to mice with no cannabinoid receptors to compare the difference in outcomes.

  • CBD and Melanoma

CBD influences the ECS in a much different manner compared to THC. It has a low binding affinity to CB1 and CB2, but it binds to a site known as TRPV1, a suspected third cannabinoid receptor. CBD also interferes with ECS enzymes, namely fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), that break down our endocannabinoids.

Because CBD stands as the second-most abundant cannabinoid in most cultivars, researchers have also conducted studies to see how the molecule affects melanoma. A 2021 paper published in the Journal of Immunoassay and Immunochemistry tested four different concentrations of 99% CBD oil on mouse melanoma cells. During the experiment, they looked for any signs of CBD inhibiting melanoma cell growth.

Another study performed in 2021 tested different CBD formulations on melanoma cells. Researchers administered Charlotte’s Web CBD oil to some cells and purified CBD to others. Throughout the study, they measured effects on cell migration and invasion.

The Rick Simpson Story

Many people became curious about the conversation of cannabis and skin cancer after hearing about Rick Simpson. Upon receiving a basal cell carcinoma diagnosis, this now-famous Canadian decided to apply Rick Simpson oil (RSO)—a high-potency crude cannabis extract. The film Run From the Cure documents his journey. RSO exploded in popularity, and thousands of people have shared their experiences using the preparation online.

The Research on Marijuana and Melanoma Remains Early

Unfortunately, a lack of human studies means it’s far too early to know how cannabis impacts melanoma and skin cancer as a whole. However, early studies focused on the role of the ECS in cancer and the application of cannabinoids in cell and animal models justify further exploration. The use of cannabis for the majority of human diseases remains at this juvenile stage. However, changing legal tides and booming economic interest are set to change this.

If you’re curious about using cannabis for any medical condition, you should always consult your doctor for advice.

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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: