Medical Cannabis in Cancer Care: A Comprehensive Evidence-Based Review

1. Abstract

Medical cannabis has gained increasing attention as a complementary therapy in oncology. This article presents a broad meta-analysis of over 10,000 studies investigating cannabis use in cancer care. The findings show that medical cannabis helps alleviate symptoms like pain, nausea, appetite loss, and insomnia while also showing signs of antitumor effects such as promoting apoptosis, suppressing angiogenesis, and reducing metastasis in preclinical models. Although cannabis holds therapeutic promise, further clinical validation is needed to confirm its role in mainstream cancer treatment protocols.

 

1. Introduction

Cancer remains one of the most significant global health burdens, affecting millions each year. Though advances in chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy have improved survival, they are often accompanied by harsh side effects. This has led to a growing interest in alternative approaches that can both improve quality of life and potentially support anti-cancer mechanisms.

Medical cannabis—specifically cannabinoids like THC and CBD—interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a regulatory role in pain, immune modulation, appetite, and cell proliferation. This article compiles clinical and laboratory data to evaluate the therapeutic potential of cannabis in cancer care, from symptom relief to potential disease-modifying properties.

 

2. Methods

This article is based on a systematic review of:

 • Over 10,000 peer-reviewed publications from medical and scientific databases.

 • Articles published between 2005 and 2024.

 • Studies involving cannabis use for cancer-related symptoms or anti-cancer effects.

Inclusion criteria required evidence of clinical trials, laboratory research, or mechanistic studies involving cannabinoids. Articles were grouped by focus: symptom relief, anti-cancer effects, and clinical trials.

Quality evaluation followed PRISMA and GRADE guidelines. Text mining and AI-based categorization helped assess trends in study outcomes.

 

3. Results

3.1 Symptom Management

Cannabis was consistently effective in managing common cancer-related symptoms:

 • Pain Relief: Over 70% of reviewed studies reported significant pain reduction in cancer patients using cannabinoids, particularly in cases involving neuropathic or treatment-resistant pain.

 • Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids were more effective than traditional anti-nausea drugs in managing chemotherapy-induced symptoms in 80% of studies.

 • Appetite Loss and Weight Decline: Many trials noted improvement in appetite and stabilization of body weight, especially in patients with cachexia.

 • Sleep Disturbances and Anxiety: Patients reported longer and more restful sleep, along with reduced anxiety and improved emotional well-being.

3.2 Anticancer Potential

Beyond symptom control, cannabis compounds have shown antitumor effects in preclinical models:

 • Apoptosis Induction: Cannabinoids activate cell-death pathways in malignant cells, particularly in glioblastoma, breast, prostate, and lung cancers.

 • Angiogenesis Inhibition: Limiting blood vessel formation in tumors can starve cancer cells, and cannabinoids have been shown to interrupt this process.

 • Metastasis Reduction: Preclinical findings suggest cannabinoids can reduce the spread of cancer cells by interfering with adhesion and mobility mechanisms.

 

3.3 Clinical Trial Evidence

Among the 500+ clinical studies analyzed:

 • Most trials confirmed that cannabis improved quality of life, reduced opioid use, and enhanced treatment tolerance.

 • Patient-reported outcomes consistently showed improved satisfaction and relief with few severe side effects.

 • Reported side effects included dizziness, dry mouth, and fatigue—most were mild and self-limiting.

 

4. Discussion

This analysis supports the integration of medical cannabis in palliative oncology, with strong evidence of symptom relief and early-stage evidence of antitumor activity

While preclinical data are promising, human trials are still limited in number and scope. Larger, well-structured trials are needed to validate these findings.

Cannabis is not a cure, but as a complementary agent, it has shown potential to ease suffering, improve emotional well-being, and possibly contribute to cancer control.

 

5. Challenges and Future Outlook

 • Legal and Regulatory Barriers: Differences in cannabis regulations across countries hinder uniform research and clinical use.

 • Product Inconsistency: Lack of standardization in cannabis product formulation complicates study comparisons.

 • Need for Targeted Research: Future studies should focus on specific cancer types, standardized dosing, and long-term outcomes.

 

6. Conclusion

The available evidence suggests that medical cannabis can play a meaningful role in modern oncology, both as a symptom-relieving agent and a potential anticancer therapy. Continued clinical validation, regulatory harmonization, and public education will be key to fully realizing its therapeutic potential.

 

7. References

 1. Frontiers in Oncology. Meta-analysis: Medical Cannabis in Cancer Care. 2025. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1490621/full

 2. National Cancer Institute. Cannabis and Cannabinoids PDQ. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq

 3. Aggarwal SK. The Use of Cannabinoids in Oncology: Therapeutic Potential and Legislation. Br J Cancer. 2024.

 4. Velasco G, et al. Cannabinoids and Cancer: Mechanistic Insights. Nat Rev Cancer. 2023.