Dr. Andrew Weil Applauds New Documentary Film “What if Cannabis Cured Cancer”
July 30th, 2010Posted by Kris Hermes
A new documentary by Len Richmond, “What if Cannabis Cured Cancer,” is starting to turn heads. Dr. Andrew Weil recently reviewed Richmond’s film, calling it “excellent,” and last week answered a question about medical cannabis on his web site.
[E]xciting new research suggests that the cannabinoids found in marijuana may have a primary role in cancer treatment and prevention. A number of studies have shown that these compounds can inhibit tumor growth in laboratory animal models. In part, this is achieved by inhibiting angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need in order to grow. What’s more, cannabinoids seem to kill tumor cells without affecting surrounding normal cells. If these findings hold true as research progresses, cannabinoids would demonstrate a huge advantage over conventional chemotherapy agents, which too often destroy normal cells as well as cancer cells.
Though not referenced in Dr. Weil’s answer, much of the recent investigation into inhibiting cancer growth using cannabis comes from Dr. Sean D. McAllister, of the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco and medical cannabis researcher Jahan Marcu, who is also on the Medical & Scientific Advisory Board of Americans for Safe Access (ASA).
Richmond’s film is narrated by Emmy-winning actor Peter Coyote and has a host of medical cannabis experts, including Dr. McAllister, Dr. Donald Abrams, Professor of Clinical Medicine and Integrative Oncology at UCSF, Dr. Robert Melamede, University of Colorado Biology Chairman and ASA Advisory Board member, as well as researchers from Spain and Israel.
Richmond’s film asks:
Could the chemicals found in marijuana prevent and even heal several deadly cancers? Could the tumor-regulating properties of “cannabinoids” someday replace the debilitating drugs, chemotherapy, and radiation that harms as often as it heals?
The film also includes a bonus comedy puppet short, “Kurt Cannabis Meets Connie Cancer,” with the voices of Roseanne Barr and Malcolm McDowell.
Drawing attention to the federal government’s outdated position that “marijuana has no currently accepted medical use,” Dr. Weil concluded in his review of Richmond’s film:
If we need more evidence that our current policy on cannabis is counterproductive and foolish, here it is.
Richmond’s film will be screening at the Sausalito Film Festival on Sunday, August 15th, at 1:30 pm, followed by a panel discussion on cannabis and cancer with Richmond, Dr. Donald Abrams, Dr. Jeffery Hergenrather, Dr. Sean McAllister.
For additional information, go to Len Richmond’s web site: http://LenRichmondFilms.com.
August 2nd, 2010 at 7:44 pm
What will it take to cure the malignant abomination that is Cannabis prohibition?
August 4th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
Dr. Weil, McAllister and Donald Abrams M.D. have found substantial information that proves the various, nearly unlimited uses of Cannabis and THC in medicine. We interviewed Abrams in our documentary, “The Green Rush” which focuses mostly on the outdoor growing phenomenon sweeping the nation. In an attempt to get the word out about Proposition 19, we are releasing several deleted scenes and bonus material on our YouTube Channel this month. Donald Abrams is a great resource of knowledge in the film and has many touching stories about patients. Please watch the film for FREE on HULU.com and review it, blog and embed it anywhere there are patients and advocates who want their voices to be heard.
Do No Harm,
Casey Casseday
Producer, The Green Rush
http://www.greenrushmovie.com
HULU embed:
http://www.hulu.com/the-green-rush
YouTube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/greenrushmovie
September 1st, 2010 at 10:46 am
I have recently been approved for Medical SSI Disability after 2 unsuccesful. I need to find physicians that support ASA, and with all the proper documentation, write the prescriptions. I don’t care where I would possibly have to move….my kids are grown and with no other ‘real support systems in place’, I am willing to do what it takes so I can be assessed by an MD who has the privedges to ‘legally’ be prescribed medicinal marijuana for chronic severe back pain, so debilitating I have continplating ‘extreme’ measures. After being an RN for 22+ yrs. and now, diagnosed with ‘arachnoiditis’, which is becoming more severe, ‘UP GOES THE NARCOITiCS’, which are putting a band-aid on a bullet wound. MJ has really been the only temporary substance that allows me to ‘live’ with less pain and improves my pain threshold so I can still ‘enjoy’ life again. I miss so much ‘life’ due to the pain, and ALL the MD’s I have seen suggest things life ‘spinal fusion’ NO WAY… with a 60/40% of being successful, continue feeding me ‘NARCOTICS’, which are VERY expensive and don’t help with the ‘neuropathy’ experienced also. PLEASE point me in the right direction, even if it is moving to California, Colorado, etc……
I NEED RELIEF AND I WANT TO MAYBE VOLUNTEER TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE WORKING WITH PATIENTS IN SOME SORT OF CAPACITY. I MISS ‘LIFE’ AND I AM NOT PROMISED TOMORROWN!! There may be hills to climb to get this to happen, but as far as I what I know to continue trying to ‘make this happen’, is very limited, with the ASA being the most accurate and re-liable after researching the internet on this topic. So what is next step after I submit my lengthy comment. I DON’T WANT TO BE LOST IN THE CRACKS!!!
Please don’t let me continue to sink more into depression, without offering some kind of advice on how to become a pt., with the STRICKEST CONFIDENTIAL PRIVACY INFORMATION MAINTAINED
Thank-you for ANY help you know of
Laura
September 1st, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Dr. Donald Tashkin completed a long term study of cannabis users and some promising results regarding a lack of cancer causing proof, and even some evidence which may suggest that cancer suppression properties may exist in cannabis. Google Dr. Tashkin to see a video in which he describes his long term study in detail. An infusion of common sense and truth is welcome all around.
Ty Palmer :: Founder
September 3rd, 2010 at 11:27 am
i broke my jaw in 5 places 5years ago…i have pains in my face every now and then but marijuana takes the pain away….am i able 2 get canna care get back 2 me please johnson101@att.net im in madison heights MI
September 7th, 2010 at 2:44 am
For gods sake don’t tell anyone! America is run by too big to fail corporations. If cannabis cures cancer it means less money for big pharma and when big corporations don’t like something it means more laws and longer prison sentences for anyone caught depleting their profits.
September 13th, 2010 at 9:03 am
[...] a few short weeks after penning this review of medical marijuana documentary, “What if Cannabis Cured Cancer?”, healthy-living guru [...]
September 25th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
[...] Cured Cancer.” http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi1585579545/ Kris Hermes of Safe Access Now http://safeaccessnow.org/blog/?p=832 cited a quote from Weil verifying this research. “[E]xciting new research suggests that the [...]
September 27th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
I had the pleasure of reviewing “What if Cannabis Cured Cancer” during the TY Expo in Toronto. I found it to be insightful, and very informative. I may buy the DVD so I can view the cartoon.
October 4th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Dr Weil is one switched on dude. I think his support of something like this can really effect a greater amount of people into opening their eyes a bit!
April 18th, 2012 at 9:04 am
Breat Cancer Signs…
[...]Medical Cannabis: Voices from the Frontlines » Blog Archive » Dr. Andrew Weil Applauds New Documentary Film “What if Cannabis Cured Cancer”[...]…
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