Cannabis-like drug tested on tumours

A CANNABIS-like drug is to be tested on patients with advanced cancers by UK scientists.

The early-stage trial will investigate the potential of dexanabinol for a range of tumours.

The drug is from a family of compounds called cannabinoids, which are related to the active chemicals in cannabis, but it is made in the laboratory and causes none of the psychological effects of the illegal drug.

About 45 patients will take part in the trial, all with advanced tumours that cannot be helped by existing treatment.

The study is being carried out at an experimental cancer medicine centre in Newcastle.