Anticancer, Bioactive, & Therapeutic Applications of Cannabinoids

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 02 | Page : 17 30
By

Mukesh Chander,

  1. Professor (Assistant) & Dean Research (Former), Bioprocess Laboratory, P.G. Department of Biotechnology, Khalsa College (Autonomous), Amritsar, Punjab, India

Abstract

Cannabinoids, a complex class of lipophilic compounds found in Cannabis sativa L., are attracting significant clinical interest for their multifaceted therapeutic potential, particularly within oncology. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of contemporary knowledge detailing the distinct anti-cancer properties of phytocannabinoids (such as δ-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol), endogenous endocannabinoids, and synthetic analogues. Accumulating evidence from robust in vitro and in vivo oncological models demonstrates that these compounds aggressively suppress tumor progression by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor-induced angiogenesis. The cannabinoids exert their antineoplastic effects by modulating the canonical endocannabinoid system, primarily G-protein-coupled CB1 and CB2 receptors, alongside non-cannabinoid targets. These upstream interactions trigger downstream signaling cascades that downregulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR survival pathway, stimulate de novo ceramide synthesis, and induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Consequently, this triggers intracellular mechanisms such as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagic cell death. The recent studies confirm cannabinoids to safely sensitize resilient tumor cells to conventional chemotherapies and mitigate treatment-induced toxicities. However, translating these promising preclinical outcomes into widespread clinical practice remains hindered by a scarcity of large-scale, well-designed human trials, stringent regulatory frameworks. This paper balances these molecular insights and cancer-specific findings against structural challenges, establishing clear directions for future translational research to optimize cannabinoid-based oncological regimens.

Keywords: Angiogenesis, anticancer therapy, apoptosis, bioactive compounds, cannabis, oncology

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology ]

How to cite this article: Mukesh Chander. Anticancer, Bioactive, & Therapeutic Applications of Cannabinoids. Research and Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology. 2026; 15(02):17-30.
How to cite this URL: Mukesh Chander. Anticancer, Bioactive, & Therapeutic Applications of Cannabinoids. Research and Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology. 2026; 15(02):17-30. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjooh/article=2026/view=253694

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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
Issue 02
Received 16/05/2026
Accepted 10/06/2026
Published 31/08/2026
Publication Time 107 Days

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