ASCO Guidelines: Do Not Use Cannabis to Treat Cancer Itself
What Researchers Found About Cancer and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2024
Researchers
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (USA)
Study Type
Systematic ReviewDuration
N/A (clinical guideline)
Key Finding
Clinicians should recommend against using cannabis or cannabinoids as a cancer-directed treatment unless within the context of a clinical trial. Cannabis may improve refractory chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when added to standard antiemetics.
Key Finding: Clinicians should recommend against using cannabis or cannabinoids as a cancer-directed treatment unless within the context of a clinical trial. Cannabis may improve refractory chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when added to standard antiemetics.
What Researchers Studied About Cancer and Cannabis
ASCO developed clinical guidelines on the medical use of cannabis and cannabinoids for adults with cancer.
A systematic literature review identified systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and cohort studies on efficacy and safety.
Outcomes of interest included antineoplastic effects, cancer treatment toxicity, symptoms, and quality of life.
How This Systematic Review Was Conducted
PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched from database inception to January 27, 2023.
ASCO convened an Expert Panel to review the evidence and formulate recommendations.
The evidence base consisted of 13 systematic reviews and 5 additional primary studies (4 RCTs and 1 cohort study).
Cancer Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1Certainty of evidence for most outcomes: LOW or VERY LOW
- 2RECOMMEND AGAINST using cannabis as cancer-directed treatment (except in clinical trials)
- 3Cannabis MAY improve refractory chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting when added to guideline-concordant antiemetics
- 4Whether cannabis improves other supportive care outcomes: UNCERTAIN
- 5Cannabis use by adults with cancer has outpaced the science
- 6Provides strategies for open, nonjudgmental communication
- 7Highlights critical need for more research
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 13 systematic reviews | Number of systematic reviews included in the evidence base |
| 5 primary studies | 4 RCTs and 1 cohort study included in the evidence base |
| Low/very low | Certainty of evidence for most outcomes |
| 1 indication | Only refractory chemo-induced nausea/vomiting has supportive evidence |
Number of systematic reviews included in the evidence base
4 RCTs and 1 cohort study included in the evidence base
Certainty of evidence for most outcomes
Only refractory chemo-induced nausea/vomiting has supportive evidence
What This Means for Cancer Patients
These are the official guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the leading professional organization for cancer doctors.
The key message: DO NOT use cannabis to treat cancer itself. There is no evidence that cannabis kills cancer cells or shrinks tumors in humans. If you want to try cannabis for cancer treatment, only do so in a clinical trial.
Where cannabis MAY help: If standard anti-nausea medications are not controlling your chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, adding cannabis may provide additional relief.
For other symptoms like pain, appetite, sleep, or quality of life: the evidence is uncertain. Cannabis has not been proven to help these symptoms in cancer patients.
The guidelines emphasize that doctors should have open, nonjudgmental conversations with patients about cannabis use. Many patients are using cannabis without telling their doctors.
The overall evidence quality is low to very low, meaning more research is urgently needed.
Quick Answers: Cancer and Cannabis
Direct answers based on the findings of this study:
Research Summary: Answers are based on published peer-reviewed studies and represent research findings, not medical recommendations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
Should I use cannabis to treat my cancer?
No. ASCO 2024 guidelines recommend against using cannabis as a cancer-directed treatment unless within a clinical trial. There is no evidence cannabis treats cancer in humans. It may only help with chemo-induced nausea.
Source: Braun et al., Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2024 (PMID: 38478773)
Does cannabis help cancer symptoms?
Evidence is limited. ASCO guidelines state cannabis MAY improve refractory chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, but whether it improves other supportive care outcomes (pain, appetite, sleep) remains uncertain.
Source: Braun et al., Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2024 (PMID: 38478773)
What is the evidence for cannabis in cancer?
ASCO reviewed 13 systematic reviews and 5 primary studies. The certainty of evidence for most outcomes is low or very low. Only refractory chemo-induced nausea has supportive evidence. More research is critically needed.
Source: Braun et al., Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2024 (PMID: 38478773)
This is educational content, not medical advice
The research summarized here is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and what works in studies may not work the same way for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or starting medical cannabis therapy.
Important Limitations
This study has some caveats to keep in mind when interpreting the results:
- Evidence certainty for most outcomes is low or very low
- Cannabis use has outpaced the science
- Most supportive care outcomes remain uncertain
- Limited to adults with cancer
- Literature search ended January 2023
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Cancer
ASCO 2024 guidelines are clear: do NOT use cannabis to treat cancer itself (except in clinical trials). Cannabis MAY help refractory chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting when standard antiemetics fail. Evidence for other supportive care benefits is uncertain. Evidence quality is low to very low. Doctors should discuss cannabis use openly and nonjudgmentally.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Cancer, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
Related Research & Resources
Related Research
Condition Research
Get Your Card
This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:
Source
Braun IM, Bohlke K, Abrams DI, et al. "Cannabis and Cannabinoids in Adults With Cancer: ASCO Guideline" Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2024. DOI: 10.1200/JCO.23.02596
Important Information
Not Medical Advice: This research summary is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.
Individual Variation: Research findings represent group averages. Your individual response to cannabis may differ based on genetics, other medications, underlying conditions, and many other factors.
Last reviewed: January 25, 2026
Important Notices
Research Summary Disclaimer
This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.
FDA Notice
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.
Copyright & Fair Use
Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.
Data Sources
Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by NLM, NIH, or the federal government.
For complete information, see our Terms of Use and Research Content Policy.
FAQs: Cannabis for Cancer
Does cannabis cure or treat cancer?
ASCO guidelines recommend AGAINST using cannabis as a cancer-directed treatment unless within a clinical trial. There is no evidence cannabis kills cancer in humans.
Can cannabis help with chemo nausea?
Yes. ASCO guidelines state cannabis MAY improve refractory, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when added to guideline-concordant antiemetic regimens.
What do oncologists say about medical marijuana?
ASCO 2024 guidelines emphasize open, nonjudgmental communication about cannabis. They note cannabis use has outpaced the science and highlight the critical need for more research.