How Cannabis Increasing Ceramide Helps Cancer Patients

A ceramide is a waxy lipid molecule found in cell membranes. It is found throughout the body, especially on the outer layer of skin. Ceramides help with cell differentiation, proliferation, and also aid in cell death. Marijuana, which increases ceramide, can be used to reduce cancer tumors.(Source)

Cannabis has been found to increase the messenger molecule anandamide, which induces the creation of ceramide. Using topical creams and ingesting marijuana has been shown to increase ceramide levels in the cells. Research has shown that an increase in ceramide allows cells with mitochondrial dysfunction or dysregulation to die. (Source) The ceramide disrupts the mitrochondria which releases cytochrome c and reactive oxygen into the cytosol, leading to cell death. The ceramide increase does not cause an apoptosis reaction in normal, healthy cells.(Source)

Our skin (or epidermis) has the highest concentration of ceramide. It maintains a barrier for the skin which slows environmental damage and retains moisture. Ceramide levels in the skin drop as we age. Signs of low ceramide include dry skin, wrinkles, and eczema.

Source:

http://www.cureyourowncancer.org/how-cannabis-oil-works.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceramide

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15958274

http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/v6/n3/full/nm0300_313.html

https://patients4medicalmarijuana.wordpress.com/how-cannabinoids-kill-cancer-dennis-hill/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19228959