We discussed the emerging use of medical cannabis in cancer care in this article in 2018. Here, we provide an update on the research that has been done since then.
In recent years, cannabis has become a potentially valuable tool to help manage symptoms caused by cancer and its treatment. While the plant has been used medicinally for centuries, modern scientific interest has focused on its potential to lessen pain or nausea, and to improve appetite or anxiety—common challenges faced by people living with cancer. Although cannabis is not a cure for the disease, its role in improving quality of life is increasingly being studied by researchers.
One of the more well-documented benefits of cannabis for cancer patients is its ability to manage nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. While chemotherapy is effective at treating cancer, it often brings negative side effects that can severely impact a person’s well-being. Studies have shown that cannabinoids—the active compounds in cannabis, primarily tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)—can effectively reduce nausea and vomiting, and sometimes even more so when used with traditional anti-nausea medication. Synthetic cannabinoids such as nabilone and dronabinol (which is no longer available in Canada) have been developed for this purpose, showing that there is medical support for their benefits.
Pain management is another area where cannabis shows promise. Many people with cancer suffer from chronic pain, either from the cancer itself or from invasive treatments like surgery and radiation. Opioid medications are commonly prescribed, but they come with significant risks, including dependence and side effects like sedation and hypoxia, where slowed breathing could lead to a lack of oxygen in the blood. Cannabis, especially strains high in CBD, has shown potential as a supplemental or alternative pain reliever.
Apart from physical symptoms, cannabis may also offer relief from emotional symptoms. Anxiety, depression, and insomnia are frequent issues for those navigating a diagnosis and treatment. Some people report that cannabis helps them relax, sleep better, and maintain a more positive outlook. However, the effects can vary greatly from person to person, depending on the strain, dosage, and how an individual’s body responds to it. There has not been enough research in this area to determine how helpful it is for mental health, so careful monitoring and talking with your healthcare providers is essential.
Despite its potential, the use of cannabis in cancer care is not without challenges. While medical and recreational cannabis is legal in Canada, laws and access in other countries varies widely. This has created barriers to further research, largely due to federal restrictions in many countries, including the United States. As a result, large-scale, placebo-controlled clinical trials, the gold standard for medical research, have been limited. Attitudes are shifting, however, and an increasing number of oncologists are open to discussing it with their patients. Some cancer centers even offer cannabis consultations as part of their integrative care programs.
While cannabis is not a cure for cancer, it can be an ally in managing the disease’s symptoms and improving a person’s quality of life. As research expands and stigma fades, it may become a more common part of complementary cancer care. If you’re thinking about using cannabis to help with your side effects, talk to your healthcare team. They can help you decided if it’s safe and appropriate for your needs.
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