The use of medical cannabis or marijuana for managing cancer-related symptoms such as pain, appetite loss, and nausea has been a topic of debate for many years. The classification of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance has hindered research efforts to reach a scientific consensus on its efficacy in cancer treatment.
A recent study, published in Frontiers in Oncology, conducted a systematic review of over 10,000 peer-reviewed research papers on cannabis and various health outcomes. The study found strong agreement among researchers regarding the therapeutic usage of medical cannabis in the context of cancer. Not only does cannabis show positive results in managing cancer-related symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory properties, but it also exhibits potential as an anticarcinogenic agent.
Cannabis contains cannabinoids, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the most widely studied. These cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates functions like memory, emotional processing, sleep, and pain control, leading to therapeutic effects in cancer treatment and symptom management.
While there is a significant amount of research on cannabis’s effects in cancer treatment, the diverse nature of the studies has resulted in a lack of unified understanding. To address this, researchers from the Whole Health Oncology Institute and the Chopra Foundation compiled a wide range of studies, including randomized trials, observational research, and case reports, to evaluate the therapeutic potential of cannabis in cancer care.
Using artificial intelligence and natural language processing, the researchers analyzed data from thousands of research papers to categorize opinions on the medical use of cannabis in cancer care. The findings overwhelmingly supported the use of medical cannabis for improving health, treating cancer, and managing cancer progression. The study concluded that cannabis should be re-evaluated as a treatment option within the medical community and could influence future public health research and clinical practice.
The research, led by Ryan D. Castle et al, underscores the importance of considering medical cannabis as a viable option in cancer care. The study’s outcomes could have implications for future research and discussions surrounding the legal status of medical cannabis.
For more information, refer to the study published in Frontiers in Oncology (2025) with the DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1490621.
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Medical marijuana can help cancer patients, finds a large meta-analysis (2025, April 22)
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