Cannabis Science Reports: National Cancer Institute Updates Confirm
Successful Cancer Treatments with Medical Cannabis

Last Update: 3/31/2011 3:04:00 PM
Cannabis Science Reports: National Cancer Institute Updates Confirm
Successful Cancer Treatments with Medical Cannabis

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Mar 31, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Cannabis
Science, Inc. (CBIS), a pioneering US biotech company developing
pharmaceutical cannabis products, is pleased to report a government
released update on cancer treatments using medical cannabis
(marijuana) and cancer.gov, updated March 17, 2011, summarizing how
the treatment of cancer with cannabinoids goes beyond the simple
treatment of symptoms and side effects by exhibiting possible direct
antitumor activities.

This summary contains the following key information:

-- Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of
years prior to its current status as an illegal substance.

-- Chemical components of Cannabis, called cannabinoids, activate
specific receptors found throughout the body to produce pharmacologic
effects, particularly in the central nervous system and the immune
system.

-- Cannabinoids may have benefits in the treatment of cancer-related
side effects.

-- The potential benefits of medicinal Cannabis for people living with
cancer include antiemetic effects, appetite stimulation, pain relief,
and improved sleep.

-- Though no relevant surveys of practice patterns exist, it appears
that physicians caring for cancer patients who prescribe medicinal
Cannabis predominantly do so for symptom management.

-- Unlike other commonly used drugs, cannabinoids are stored in
adipose tissue and excreted at a low rate (half-life 1--3 days).

-- Even abrupt cessation of cannabinoid intake is not associated with
rapid declines in plasma concentrations that would precipitate severe
or abrupt withdrawal symptoms or drug cravings.

Robert Melamede, Ph.D., Cannabis Science's CEO stated, "As we've
previously reported, one of the most interesting findings that has
emerged since the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (marijuana
like compounds produced by humans, and all vertebrates) is that
cannabinoids have profound cancer-killing and anti-metastatic
properties. There is strong scientific support, demonstrated in tissue
culture and animal studies, of the potent cancer killing properties of
cannabinoids for such deadly cancers as glioma, lung cancer, breast
and prostate cancer, leukemias and lymphomas, and as well as skin
cancers.

Currently the federal government prohibitionist position on cannabis
is hindering the medical community by delaying vitally important
clinical cannabis research. I was quite elated when I recently saw
that the NCI posted on their webpage "In the practice of integrative
oncology, the health care provider may recommend medicinal Cannabis
not only for symptom management but also for its possible direct
antitumor effect." I foolishly thought that finally there would be
official recognition of the modern peer reviewed science that shows
the cancer killing properties of cannabinoids. Sadly, this statement
was removed, without comment, within hours of its posting."

Dr. Melamede goes on to say "Clinical trials are desperately needed.
Cannabis Science is actively working on arrangements that will allow
us to perform the necessary clinical trials to verify, or not, the
numerous anecdotal reports demonstrating what appears to be cancer
cures. These observations are occurring with greater frequency since
numerous states have legalized the medical use of cannabis. Cannabis
in various forms has been used by different cultures for thousands of
years as a viable medicine for numerous ailments. In fact, some
biblical translations even indicate that cannabis (keneh bosem) was a
component of the "Holy Anointing Oil." Current cannabis science simply
provides evidence that supports the widespread historical use of oral,
cannabis-based medicines that was driven by it's success in treating
illnesses."

About Cannabis Science, Inc.

Cannabis Science, Inc. is at the forefront of pharmaceutical grade
medical marijuana research and development. The Company works with
world authorities on phytocannabinoid science targeting critical
illnesses, and adheres to scientific methodologies to develop, produce
and commercialize phytocannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products. In
sum, we are dedicated to the creation of cannabis-based medicines,
both with and without psychoactive properties, to treat disease and
the symptoms of disease, as well as for general health maintenance.

Forward Looking Statements

Forward Looking Statements; This Press Release includes forward-
looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement
containing works such as "anticipate," "seek," intend," "believe,"
"plan," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," or similar phrases
may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some or all of the
events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may
not occur. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences
include the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of
competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations
regarding the use and development of cannabis-based drugs. Cannabis
Science, Inc. does not undertake any duty nor does it intend to update
the results of these forward-looking statements.

1. Adams IB, Martin BR: Cannabis: pharmacology and toxicology in
animals and humans. Addiction 91 (11): 1585-614, 1996. [PUBMED
Abstract]

SOURCE: Cannabis Science, Inc.

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