Cannabis for Chemo Nausea: What 23 Clinical Trials Show
What Researchers Found About Cancer and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015
Researchers
Cochrane Collaboration (International)
Study Type
Systematic ReviewDuration
Various
Key Finding
In this Cochrane review of 23 trials, cannabinoids were nearly 6 times more effective than placebo at completely stopping chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Patients overwhelmingly preferred cannabis-based treatments, though side effects like feeling "high" and dizziness were common.
Key Finding: In this Cochrane review of 23 trials, cannabinoids were nearly 6 times more effective than placebo at completely stopping chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Patients overwhelmingly preferred cannabis-based treatments, though side effects like feeling "high" and dizziness were common.
What Researchers Studied About Cancer and Cannabis
Chemotherapy saves lives, but the severe nausea and vomiting it causes can be devastating. When standard anti-nausea drugs fail, patients need options.
Cannabis has been used for nausea for millennia, and synthetic cannabinoids (like dronabinol and nabilone) have been approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea since the 1980s.
This Cochrane review analyzed all available randomized controlled trials to determine how well cannabinoids work for this purpose—and whether the benefits outweigh the side effects.
How This Systematic Review Was Conducted
Researchers conducted a comprehensive Cochrane systematic review:
• Included 23 randomized controlled trials • Studies from 1975 to 1991 (before newer anti-emetics like ondansetron) • Compared cannabinoids to placebo and to older anti-nausea drugs (prochlorperazine) • Included various chemotherapy regimens from moderate to high nausea risk • Assessed complete absence of nausea/vomiting, side effects, and patient preferences
Cancer Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1Cannabinoids vs placebo: 5.7x more likely to stop vomiting completely
- 22.9x more likely to have complete absence of nausea and vomiting
- 3Patients were 4.8x more likely to prefer cannabinoids over placebo
- 4Comparable effectiveness to older anti-emetics (prochlorperazine)
- 5More side effects: 31x more likely to feel "high", 6x more dizziness
- 6More withdrawals due to adverse events (6.9x vs placebo)
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 5.7x | more likely to stop vomiting completely vs placebo |
| 4.8x | patient preference for cannabinoids over placebo |
| 23 | randomized controlled trials analyzed |
| 31x | more likely to experience "feeling high" |
more likely to stop vomiting completely vs placebo
patient preference for cannabinoids over placebo
randomized controlled trials analyzed
more likely to experience "feeling high"
What This Means for Cancer Patients
Cannabinoids are an established option for chemotherapy nausea when other treatments fail:
The evidence for effectiveness: • Nearly 6x more likely to completely stop vomiting than placebo • About 3x more likely to eliminate both nausea and vomiting • Patients strongly prefer cannabinoids over placebo
The side effect reality: • "Feeling high" is very common (31x more than placebo) • Dizziness, sedation, and euphoria occur frequently • More people stop treatment due to side effects
Where cannabinoids fit in treatment: Cannabinoids are generally used as a second or third option after newer drugs like ondansetron. They're most useful for "refractory" nausea that hasn't responded to standard treatments.
Important context: These studies are from 1975-1991, before newer anti-nausea drugs. Cannabinoids may be most valuable when modern treatments fail, not as first-line therapy.
FDA-approved options: Dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet) are synthetic cannabinoids FDA-approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea.
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.
Does cannabis help chemotherapy nausea?
Yes, 5.7x more effective than placebo. A Cochrane review of 23 trials found cannabinoids are 5.7x more effective at completely stopping chemotherapy-induced vomiting, and 2.9x more effective at eliminating both nausea and vomiting.
Source: Smith et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015 (PMID: 26561338)
What cannabis medications help chemo nausea?
Dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet) are FDA-approved synthetic cannabinoids for chemotherapy-induced nausea. The Cochrane review found cannabinoids as effective as older anti-emetics like prochlorperazine, and much better than placebo.
Source: Smith et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015 (PMID: 26561338)
What are the side effects of cannabis for cancer nausea?
Side effects are common but usually tolerable. Patients are 31x more likely to feel "high," and dizziness, sedation, and euphoria occur frequently. Despite this, patients strongly preferred cannabinoids (4.8x) over placebo because they effectively stopped nausea.
Source: Smith et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015 (PMID: 26561338)
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:
- Studies conducted 1975-1991—do not compare to modern anti-emetics like ondansetron
- Most studies used cross-over design, which has methodological limitations
- Studies at moderate risk of bias
- Chemotherapy and supportive care have evolved significantly since these trials
- Quality of evidence graded as low for most outcomes
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Cancer
This Cochrane review confirms that cannabinoids effectively reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting—patients are nearly 6x more likely to stop vomiting completely compared to placebo, and they strongly prefer cannabis-based treatments. However, side effects like feeling "high" and dizziness are common. Since these studies predate modern anti-emetics, cannabinoids are typically used when newer drugs fail, not as first-line treatment. FDA-approved options like dronabinol and nabilone remain available for cancer patients struggling with nausea.
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
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Source
Smith LA, Azariah F, Lavender VT, et al. "Cannabinoids for nausea and vomiting in adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy" Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009464.pub2
Important Information
Study Age: This study was published 11 years ago. Newer research may have updated or refined these findings.
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 24, 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 help with chemotherapy nausea?
Yes. A Cochrane review of 23 trials found cannabinoids are nearly 6x more effective than placebo at completely stopping vomiting. They're typically used when newer anti-nausea drugs haven't worked.
What cannabis medications are FDA approved for chemo nausea?
Dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet) are synthetic cannabinoids FDA-approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. They contain THC or THC-like compounds.
What are the side effects of cannabis for chemo nausea?
Common side effects include feeling "high" (very common), dizziness, sedation, and euphoria. About 6-7x more people withdraw due to side effects compared to placebo, though few due to lack of effectiveness.