Cannabinoid acids that contains the cannabis plant, after a special modification in the laboratory, seems to have a significant effect on cancer cells that cause breast, liver and melanoma cancer, according to research carried out at the Department of Pharmacy of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA).

But it should be confirmed their anticancer activity so that in the future they can be used for the preparation of anticancer drugs.

The data of this research will be presented by the associate professor of the Department of Pharmacognosy and Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Pharmacy, EKPA Procopius Maiatisin his announcement on “Cannabis products in the field of pharmacy: new developments-new challenges”, which will take place in the context of the 9th Panhellenic Congress of Applied Pharmacy organized by on May 13 and 14 the Pharmaceutical Association of Thessaloniki.

“The hemp plant contains cannabinoid acids. The main purpose of the research carried out at the Department of Pharmacy of the EKPA is the modification of cannabinoid acids in order to produce original chemical compounds. The category of these substances shows increased permeability to cell membranes and adipose tissues, as well as improved stability inside and outside the body, elements that lead to more promising pharmacological actions”, explains Mr. Magiatis.

At the same time, he emphasizes that proceeding with their pharmacological evaluation, with experiments carried out in collaboration with the research group of dr. Charalambias Boletis at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute, it was discovered that these substances had an improved cytotoxic effect on various cancer cell lines (breast, melanoma, liver, etc.) with the most promising substance being cannabigerolic acid butyl ester (CBG) against cancer cells breast cells.

“This particular cannabinoid has also been tested for its toxicity and after experiments on mice it was shown to be non-toxic and non-psychoactive, even at very high doses. The specific substances are protected by an international patent with the participation of the University of Athens and the company Ekati Alchemy Lab, SL. and at the moment we are in negotiations with large pharmaceutical companies for the continuation of their use” notes Mr. Maiatis. At the same time, it states that more than 500 clinical studies of the components of cannabis, especially its non-psychotropic components, are underway, while new synthetic components with improved properties are also under study.

The research team consists of Prokopis Magiatis, Evangelos Dadiotis, Eleni Melliou, Vangelis Mitsis, Aikaterini Papakonstantinou and Charalambia Boleti.

Medicinal cannabis preparations approved by the EOF

Today, Greek patients, as mentioned by Mr. Maiatis, have access to two preparations containing medicinal cannabis, they are approved by the European Medicines Agency and the EOF and are prescribed.

However because they are not circulated in Greece, a special entry procedure is required. One of these formulations contains only cannabidiol and is given as an adjunctive treatment for seizures, while the other contains a combination of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol and is given to treat spasticity and neuropathic pain.

According to Mr. Magiatis, based on the latest legislative regulations, it is expected that final medicinal cannabis products with tetrahydrocannabinol will be available in pharmacies that will only be administered with a medical prescription. The following indications of use will apply to these products:

  • Prevention and treatment of severe nausea or vomiting from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and combination therapy for HIV or hepatitis C
  • Treatment of chronic pain associated with cancer or diseases of the central or peripheral nervous system
  • Treating spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries
  • As an orexin in the palliative care of patients undergoing treatments for cancer or AIDS

“The prescription of the finished medicinal cannabis product cannot under any circumstances be a treatment of first choice. It is prescribed only to a patient who does not respond to other treatment regimens or when these are not well tolerated or are contraindicated for the specific patient,” points out Mr. Maiatis.

According to him, there are unwanted actions such as relaxation, hypoactivity, drowsiness, tachycardia, dry mouth, decrease in intraocular pressure, withdrawal syndrome, euphoria and neglect of important activities of daily life. As Mr. Magiatis points out, pharmacists must inform patients of potential adverse effects, which must be recorded and a Yellow Card submitted to the EOF.

“Research is carried out by hundreds of laboratories around the world, resulting in new information being added continuously about the indications, pharmacological actions and side effects of cannabis. The up-to-date information of health professionals is of key importance for the correct use of cannabis and cannabinoids and the better training of pharmacists who inform the public” notes Mr. Magiatis.