I’m confused when I first read this, about Dennis Hill, on this website, it said that he was a Dr. at MD Anderson hospital in Texas. It also said he was a cancer researcher. That info is gone from this website. What is going on here? It is extremely important that what ever is posted about cannabis and cancer is absolutely true with no exaggeration or distortions.
Lonnie – I am not a doctor of any kind. I have a BS degree in biochemistry, took my graduate work at Baylor Medical School, and worked in cancer research for 10 years at M.D. Anderson Hospital. Hope this resolves the confusion. ~Dennis
Dennis thank you very much for getting back to me on my question. I mean no disrespect and only want to understand your background. You did not graduate from Baylor, right? However you were employed at MD Anderson. What was your job title?
On decarboxylation work done by Luigi L Romano, Arno Hazekamp
Department of Pharmacy, University of Siena, Italy Plant Metabolomics group, Institute of Biology, Leiden University,
“Cannabis Oil: chemical evaluation of an upcoming cannabis-based medicine” “Preheating of cannabis samples has been recommended as a way to potentiate the final extract, i.e. to decarboxylate the acidic cannabinoids naturally present in cannabis plant material, such as THCA and CBDA, and turn them into their more potent counterparts such as THC and CBD [18,19]. Therefore, we tested two decarboxylation methods by heating cannabis plant material (1 g in an open glass vial) under two condi- tions: I) in a water bath at a low boil (temp. 98-100°C) for 5 min, and II) in an oven heated at 145°C for 30
min. Unheated samples were used as a control for these experiments. All experiments were done in duplicate. Subsequently, samples were extracted as previously described [20,21] and analyzed by HPLC and GC.though preheating the plant material may release more of the known ac- tive (neutral) cannabinoids, it may simultaneously also cause loss by degradation or evaporation of components such as terpenes. Our tests were intended to bet- ter clarify the balance between desired decarboxylation and unwanted degradation. Unheated cannabis material was analyzed as a control.
Figure 1A shows the cannabinoid profile of the decarboxylated samples, obtained by HPLC analysis. The
4
CannabinoidsVol 7, Issue 1May 5, 2013
mild water bath treatment did not lead to significant changes in the acidic-to-neutral cannabinoid ratio. In contrast, the oven treatment resulted in a complete decarboxylation of the major cannabinoids detected. THCA, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and canna- bichromenic acid (CBCA) had all fully converted into THC, cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabichromene (CBC), respectively. Further conversion of THC into its’ main degradation product cannabinol (CBN) only took place to a small degree during the oven treatment. Figures 1B and 1C show the terpene profile acquired in our decarboxylated samples using GC. Compared to the untreated control, monoterpenes (the most volatile class of terpenes) were reduced to about half of their original levels even after exposing the plant material to boiling water for just 5 min. After the more intense oven treatment, only small traces of the monoterpenes terpineol, myrcene and terpinolene could still be de- tected. As may be expected, the less volatile sesquiter- penes were more resistant to the mild treatment with the water bath. However, most of them were lost in the oven treatment, and only traces of gamma-cadinene and eudesma-3,7(11)-diene remained.
These data indicate that significant decarboxylation of the major cannabinoid acids occurs only by exposure to higher temperatures for extended time (oven at 145°C for 30 min), which is in agreement with previous stud- ies [18,22].
Lonnie – I’m flattered that you are so interested in me; so here are a few more details. During my research years, I was honored with a National Heart Institute grant to spend a year at Baylor Medical School as a graduate student in Medical Physiology. I was never interested in a clinical degree. My title at Anderson was simply ‘researcher’. ~Dennis
my daughter is only 16 and has metastasized Undifferntiated Sarcoma. After he second round of Chemo all tumours were gone but we just found out a new one has come up on her ninth round. I have a battle with her Mom as wanted to look into the Cannabis option in the beginning but feel they’re more receptive at this point. We live near Vancouver BC and understand Dr. Paul Hornby as the local expert. I you aware of his work and/or have any suggestions for us. I really know very little and want to make sure if we try this option it’s done properly ie. what mix of THC and CBD for example? Just need some help and direction.
Scott – Look for cannabis extract that includes both THC and CBD in equal parts, or close. Both cannabinoids kill cancer through complementary pathways. Always ask for chemical analysis of percent cannabinoids, as well as potency. Hope this goes well for everyone. ~Dennis
Dennis, this past November (2014), during a routine mammogram, a 2 1/2cm lump was discovered deep in my wife’s right breast. It was removed along with 3 lymph nodes. One lymph node tested positive for cancer. A ct scan followed which showed a 5cm tumor on her liver. The biopsy showed it to be positive. We (after 2 weeks) are still waiting to see if it is stage 4 breast cancer or if it is liver cancer. M. D. Anderson is waiting on the results before they can schedule an appointment. It has now been 3 months since the tumor on her liver was found. She has absolutely NO symptoms. Never felt better in her life. I plan to mention cannabinoids when we go down to Houston. How do you think that conversation will be received by the doctors at MDA? Also, we live in Texas. How would we go about getting the right cannabis? Driving back from Colorado with a pound of weed is VERY dangerous. Buying the oil already made through the mail has no THC. Buying the oil in Colorado is about 3 times the price of the 1 pound of cannabis. The local pot sellers are not exactly experts, or honest! Any suggestions?
One more question Dennis, what did the doctors (at MDA or wherever) think of your using cannabis oil for treatment?. What was their reaction after finding that it worked? Who and where are they?
Zack – I worked at M.D. Anderson for ten year in the 80s but am now in California, where it’s legal. My internist and urologist here were skeptical but supportive. They were surprised when the six month biopsy was completely clear of adenocarcinoma. Being illegal in Texas is problematic for all cancer patients. If you could get anything you want, I would suggest 50/50 THC/CBD cannabis extract. If you can’t get that, you can probably get hemp based CBD extract, which should be legal. Most of the hemp CBD that is available can be pretty weak, so you would want to find high potency hemp oil. This does kill cancer, but is weaker than the blend with THC. This is how it works; you can tell the doctors this:
There are two structures in most cells that sustains life; one is the mitochondria, and the other is the endoplasmic reticulum. The mitochondria primarily produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that provides the necessary energy. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a loosely bound envelope around the cell nucleus that synthesizes metabolites and proteins directed by the nuclear DNA that nourish and sustain the cell.
Let us look first at tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and observe that THC is a natural fit for the CB1 cannabinoid receptor on the cancer cell surface. When THC hits the receptor, the cell generates ceramide that disrupts the mitochondria, closing off energy for the cell.
Disruption of the mitochondria releases cytochrome c and reactive oxygen species into the cytosol, hastening cell death. It is notable that this process is specific to cancer cells. Healthy cells have no reaction to THC at the CB1 receptor. The increase in ceramide also disrupts calcium metabolism in the mitochondria, completing the demise to cell death.
The other cannabinoid we know is effective in killing cancer cells is cannabidiol (CBD). The primary job of CBD in the cancer cell is to disrupt the endoplasmic reticulum through wrecking of the calcium metabolism, pushing calcium into the cytosol. This always results in cell death. Another pathway for CBD to effect cancer cell death is the Caspase Cascade, which breaks down proteins and peptides in the cell. When this happens the cell cannot survive. Again, these processes are specific to cancer cells, no normal cells are affected.
~Dennis
Dear Dennis,
Firstly, I hope you are doing ok.
Secondly I was hoping to organise a Skype interview with you at your convenience.
The interview would be by a chemistry student from Australia.(Natalie)
I recently read your article about decarboxylating and thought this needs to be networked and explained in detail.
You are an inspiration Dennis, thank you for all you’ve done!
Will any marijuanna work if made into an oil. I keep hearing that it needs to be Indica and a 1:1 thc/cbd ratio. It is very difficult to find and my father just got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and I need help. Thanks
Kristi – yes, any cannabis oil will work as long as it is decarboxylated, that is, heated until the acidic THCA has converted to THC. Indica is good but Sativa is good too. 1:1 is good, but any other ratio would be good too. Both THC and CBD kill cancer, but they work together very efficiently. THC has its own cell receptor to work from, CBD works in other ways. Good to have both. CBD also inhibits the mental effects of THC, in case that is useful. Hope all goes well. ~Dennis
Patients for Medical Cannabis 
Dennis I know how the oil works for cancer have you heard how it works for cerebal palsy and seizures
LikeLike
I’m confused when I first read this, about Dennis Hill, on this website, it said that he was a Dr. at MD Anderson hospital in Texas. It also said he was a cancer researcher. That info is gone from this website. What is going on here? It is extremely important that what ever is posted about cannabis and cancer is absolutely true with no exaggeration or distortions.
LikeLike
Lonnie – I am not a doctor of any kind. I have a BS degree in biochemistry, took my graduate work at Baylor Medical School, and worked in cancer research for 10 years at M.D. Anderson Hospital. Hope this resolves the confusion. ~Dennis
LikeLike
Dennis thank you very much for getting back to me on my question. I mean no disrespect and only want to understand your background. You did not graduate from Baylor, right? However you were employed at MD Anderson. What was your job title?
On decarboxylation work done by Luigi L Romano, Arno Hazekamp
Department of Pharmacy, University of Siena, Italy Plant Metabolomics group, Institute of Biology, Leiden University,
“Cannabis Oil: chemical evaluation of an upcoming cannabis-based medicine” “Preheating of cannabis samples has been recommended as a way to potentiate the final extract, i.e. to decarboxylate the acidic cannabinoids naturally present in cannabis plant material, such as THCA and CBDA, and turn them into their more potent counterparts such as THC and CBD [18,19]. Therefore, we tested two decarboxylation methods by heating cannabis plant material (1 g in an open glass vial) under two condi- tions: I) in a water bath at a low boil (temp. 98-100°C) for 5 min, and II) in an oven heated at 145°C for 30
min. Unheated samples were used as a control for these experiments. All experiments were done in duplicate. Subsequently, samples were extracted as previously described [20,21] and analyzed by HPLC and GC.though preheating the plant material may release more of the known ac- tive (neutral) cannabinoids, it may simultaneously also cause loss by degradation or evaporation of components such as terpenes. Our tests were intended to bet- ter clarify the balance between desired decarboxylation and unwanted degradation. Unheated cannabis material was analyzed as a control.
Figure 1A shows the cannabinoid profile of the decarboxylated samples, obtained by HPLC analysis. The
4
CannabinoidsVol 7, Issue 1May 5, 2013
mild water bath treatment did not lead to significant changes in the acidic-to-neutral cannabinoid ratio. In contrast, the oven treatment resulted in a complete decarboxylation of the major cannabinoids detected. THCA, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and canna- bichromenic acid (CBCA) had all fully converted into THC, cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabichromene (CBC), respectively. Further conversion of THC into its’ main degradation product cannabinol (CBN) only took place to a small degree during the oven treatment. Figures 1B and 1C show the terpene profile acquired in our decarboxylated samples using GC. Compared to the untreated control, monoterpenes (the most volatile class of terpenes) were reduced to about half of their original levels even after exposing the plant material to boiling water for just 5 min. After the more intense oven treatment, only small traces of the monoterpenes terpineol, myrcene and terpinolene could still be de- tected. As may be expected, the less volatile sesquiter- penes were more resistant to the mild treatment with the water bath. However, most of them were lost in the oven treatment, and only traces of gamma-cadinene and eudesma-3,7(11)-diene remained.
These data indicate that significant decarboxylation of the major cannabinoid acids occurs only by exposure to higher temperatures for extended time (oven at 145°C for 30 min), which is in agreement with previous stud- ies [18,22].
LikeLike
Lonnie – I’m flattered that you are so interested in me; so here are a few more details. During my research years, I was honored with a National Heart Institute grant to spend a year at Baylor Medical School as a graduate student in Medical Physiology. I was never interested in a clinical degree. My title at Anderson was simply ‘researcher’. ~Dennis
LikeLike
Hi Dennis,
my daughter is only 16 and has metastasized Undifferntiated Sarcoma. After he second round of Chemo all tumours were gone but we just found out a new one has come up on her ninth round. I have a battle with her Mom as wanted to look into the Cannabis option in the beginning but feel they’re more receptive at this point. We live near Vancouver BC and understand Dr. Paul Hornby as the local expert. I you aware of his work and/or have any suggestions for us. I really know very little and want to make sure if we try this option it’s done properly ie. what mix of THC and CBD for example? Just need some help and direction.
LikeLike
Scott – Look for cannabis extract that includes both THC and CBD in equal parts, or close. Both cannabinoids kill cancer through complementary pathways. Always ask for chemical analysis of percent cannabinoids, as well as potency. Hope this goes well for everyone. ~Dennis
LikeLike
Dennis, this past November (2014), during a routine mammogram, a 2 1/2cm lump was discovered deep in my wife’s right breast. It was removed along with 3 lymph nodes. One lymph node tested positive for cancer. A ct scan followed which showed a 5cm tumor on her liver. The biopsy showed it to be positive. We (after 2 weeks) are still waiting to see if it is stage 4 breast cancer or if it is liver cancer. M. D. Anderson is waiting on the results before they can schedule an appointment. It has now been 3 months since the tumor on her liver was found. She has absolutely NO symptoms. Never felt better in her life. I plan to mention cannabinoids when we go down to Houston. How do you think that conversation will be received by the doctors at MDA? Also, we live in Texas. How would we go about getting the right cannabis? Driving back from Colorado with a pound of weed is VERY dangerous. Buying the oil already made through the mail has no THC. Buying the oil in Colorado is about 3 times the price of the 1 pound of cannabis. The local pot sellers are not exactly experts, or honest! Any suggestions?
LikeLike
One more question Dennis, what did the doctors (at MDA or wherever) think of your using cannabis oil for treatment?. What was their reaction after finding that it worked? Who and where are they?
LikeLike
Zack – I worked at M.D. Anderson for ten year in the 80s but am now in California, where it’s legal. My internist and urologist here were skeptical but supportive. They were surprised when the six month biopsy was completely clear of adenocarcinoma. Being illegal in Texas is problematic for all cancer patients. If you could get anything you want, I would suggest 50/50 THC/CBD cannabis extract. If you can’t get that, you can probably get hemp based CBD extract, which should be legal. Most of the hemp CBD that is available can be pretty weak, so you would want to find high potency hemp oil. This does kill cancer, but is weaker than the blend with THC. This is how it works; you can tell the doctors this:
There are two structures in most cells that sustains life; one is the mitochondria, and the other is the endoplasmic reticulum. The mitochondria primarily produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that provides the necessary energy. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a loosely bound envelope around the cell nucleus that synthesizes metabolites and proteins directed by the nuclear DNA that nourish and sustain the cell.
Let us look first at tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and observe that THC is a natural fit for the CB1 cannabinoid receptor on the cancer cell surface. When THC hits the receptor, the cell generates ceramide that disrupts the mitochondria, closing off energy for the cell.
Disruption of the mitochondria releases cytochrome c and reactive oxygen species into the cytosol, hastening cell death. It is notable that this process is specific to cancer cells. Healthy cells have no reaction to THC at the CB1 receptor. The increase in ceramide also disrupts calcium metabolism in the mitochondria, completing the demise to cell death.
The other cannabinoid we know is effective in killing cancer cells is cannabidiol (CBD). The primary job of CBD in the cancer cell is to disrupt the endoplasmic reticulum through wrecking of the calcium metabolism, pushing calcium into the cytosol. This always results in cell death. Another pathway for CBD to effect cancer cell death is the Caspase Cascade, which breaks down proteins and peptides in the cell. When this happens the cell cannot survive. Again, these processes are specific to cancer cells, no normal cells are affected.
~Dennis
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Dennis,
Firstly, I hope you are doing ok.
Secondly I was hoping to organise a Skype interview with you at your convenience.
The interview would be by a chemistry student from Australia.(Natalie)
I recently read your article about decarboxylating and thought this needs to be networked and explained in detail.
You are an inspiration Dennis, thank you for all you’ve done!
LikeLike
Dear Dennis,
Will any marijuanna work if made into an oil. I keep hearing that it needs to be Indica and a 1:1 thc/cbd ratio. It is very difficult to find and my father just got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and I need help. Thanks
LikeLike
Kristi – yes, any cannabis oil will work as long as it is decarboxylated, that is, heated until the acidic THCA has converted to THC. Indica is good but Sativa is good too. 1:1 is good, but any other ratio would be good too. Both THC and CBD kill cancer, but they work together very efficiently. THC has its own cell receptor to work from, CBD works in other ways. Good to have both. CBD also inhibits the mental effects of THC, in case that is useful. Hope all goes well. ~Dennis
LikeLike