It’s widely known that olive oil has many health benefits, but only recently have scientists learned that important therapeutic attributes of olive oil are mediated by the endocannabinoid system.

There is growing interest among medical scientists in the gene-regulating properties of cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive plant cannabinoid. CBD reduces brain cancer and breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by inhibiting the expression of the ID-1 gene.

The Massachusetts-based company Medicinal Genomics has sequenced the entire genome of Cannabis sativa L. The announcement received much attention. But how will it impact research and public health?

Mounting evidence shows cannabinoids in marijuana slow cancer growth, inhibit formation of new blood cells that feed a tumor, and help manage pain, fatigue, nausea, and other side effects. Cannabinoids “represent a new class of anticancer drugs.”