A chemical, cannabidiol, naturally found in the marijuana plant, may prevent the spread of breast cancer. A recent study published in the Molecular Cancer Theraeutics Journal showed that the chemical affects the gene responsible for the growth of metastic cancer cells.

According to the study, “because CBD occurs in only very small quantities in the cannabis plant, the researchers do not recommend smoking marijuana as a cancer treatment. To be effective, CBD will either have to be artificially synthesized or extracted and concentrated.”

Cannabidiol is non-toxic, which could make it a great possible alternative to other treatments like Chemotherapy, which is effective but very toxic and painful for patients.

According to this article, “the researchers also expressed hope that CBD will also prove effective against other cancers that rely on [the gene], including brain, colon and prostate cancer.”