London, Apr 19 : Researchers at the Harvard Cancer Center in Boston, Massachusetts, US have revealed that the active compound in marijuana, tetrahydrocanabinol (THC), may slow the growth of lung tumours, and reduce the spread of the cancer in mice.

The preliminary study found that human lung cancer tumours grew less in mice, which were given temperate doses of the mix.

The researchers expect that drugs made from the compound can be a possible cure for the disease.

Lead researcher, Ramesh Ganju, said that that THC restrains cancer growth by stopping the development of blood vessels within the cancer.

“Previous tests on human lung cancer cells in a dish suggested that THC blocked the signalling of a substance known as epidermal growth factor (EGF). Under normal circumstances, EGF may promote blood vessel development,” New Scientist quoted Ganju, as saying.

Previous studies have also found that THC can contract brain tumours. Yet, experts warn people against smoking marijuana.

“I wouldn’t advise that. It could make the cancer grow faster,” said Ganju, noting that THC might trigger breast cancer.

He added that that ” lot of work needs to be done” before scientists fully understand how THC acts on tumours.

Some studies have found no connection between cannabis use and cancer, and some have concluded that that cannabis smoking is ‘more harmful’ than tobacco because the smoke is taken in deeply into the lungs. (ANI)