Cannabis for Cancer Wasting: The Evidence is Lacking
What Researchers Found About Cancer and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2021
Researchers
Imperial College London (United Kingdom)
Study Type
Meta-AnalysisParticipants
934 patients · Various
Key Finding
This meta-analysis of 5 RCTs with 934 patients found NO evidence that cannabis helps cachexia (cancer wasting syndrome). Appetite, weight, and quality of life did not improve compared to placebo. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend cannabinoids for cachexia.
Key Finding: This meta-analysis of 5 RCTs with 934 patients found NO evidence that cannabis helps cachexia (cancer wasting syndrome). Appetite, weight, and quality of life did not improve compared to placebo. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend cannabinoids for cachexia.
What Researchers Studied About Cancer and Cannabis
Cachexia—the severe weight loss and muscle wasting that occurs with cancer and other chronic diseases—devastates quality of life. Many assume cannabis can help because of its reputation as an appetite stimulant.
This 2021 meta-analysis examined whether the evidence actually supports using cannabis-based medicines for cachexia.
The results challenge common assumptions about cannabis and appetite.
How This Meta-Analysis Was Conducted
Researchers conducted a rigorous systematic review and meta-analysis:
• Searched Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science through February 2020 • Included only randomized controlled trials • Compared cannabis-based medicines to placebo or other treatments • Measured appetite, weight change, and quality of life • Assessed evidence quality using GRADE framework • 5 eligible studies with 934 total participants
Cancer Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1NO significant improvement in appetite with cannabis vs control
- 2Trend actually FAVORED control group for appetite (-1.79, p=0.08)
- 3NO significant difference in weight change
- 4NO significant improvement in quality of life
- 5Evidence quality rated as LOW
- 6Cannot recommend cannabinoids for cachexia
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 5 | randomized controlled trials analyzed |
| 934 | patients included in meta-analysis |
| No benefit | for appetite, weight, or quality of life |
| Low | quality of evidence overall |
randomized controlled trials analyzed
patients included in meta-analysis
for appetite, weight, or quality of life
quality of evidence overall
What This Means for Cancer Patients
This meta-analysis delivers disappointing news for those hoping cannabis helps cancer wasting:
The evidence shows no benefit: • Cannabis did NOT improve appetite in pooled analysis • Cannabis did NOT help with weight loss • Quality of life did NOT improve • The control group actually showed a trend toward better outcomes
Why this matters: Cannabis is often promoted as an appetite stimulant, but the clinical trial evidence for cachexia doesn't support this use. The "munchies" effect from recreational use doesn't translate to meaningful weight gain in seriously ill patients.
Current treatment reality: • No medications are currently recommended for cachexia • Cannabis cannot be recommended based on this evidence • The unmet need for effective treatments remains
Important context: This doesn't mean cannabis never helps any cancer patient with appetite. Individual responses vary, and cannabis may help some people. But the overall evidence doesn't support it as a reliable treatment for cachexia.
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 weed help cancer patients eat more?
No—despite the "munchies" reputation, a 2021 meta-analysis of 934 cancer patients found cannabis did NOT improve appetite, weight, or quality of life for cachexia (wasting syndrome).
Source: Razmovski-Naumovski et al., Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2021 (PMID: 34664988)
Can marijuana help with cancer weight loss?
Unfortunately no. A meta-analysis of 5 trials found no benefit from cannabis for cachexia. The recreational appetite boost doesn't translate to meaningful weight gain in seriously ill patients.
Source: Razmovski-Naumovski et al., Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2021 (PMID: 34664988)
Should I use weed to gain weight during cancer?
No, evidence doesn't support this. A 2021 review of 934 patients concluded there's "a lack of evidence to recommend cannabinoids for cachexia." The munchies effect doesn't work for cancer wasting.
Source: Razmovski-Naumovski et al., Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2021 (PMID: 34664988)
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:
- Low quality of evidence across studies
- Different cannabis preparations used
- Various underlying diseases causing cachexia
- Limited number of studies (5 RCTs)
- Individual responses may still vary
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Cancer
This meta-analysis challenges the assumption that cannabis helps cancer wasting. Analyzing 5 randomized trials with 934 patients, researchers found NO significant benefit for appetite, weight, or quality of life from cannabis-based medicines. The evidence quality was low, and the authors concluded there is "a lack of high-quality evidence to recommend the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of cachexia." This is an important reminder that the effects of recreational cannabis don't always translate to medical benefits.
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
Hammond S, Erridge S, Mangal N, et al. "The Effect of Cannabis-Based Medicine in the Treatment of Cachexia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2021. DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0048
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 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 cancer patients gain weight?
No, research does not support this. Five randomized trials with 934 patients found no significant benefit from cannabis for appetite, weight, or quality of life in cachexia (cancer wasting syndrome).
Why doesn't cannabis help with cancer wasting?
No, the "munchies" effect doesn't translate. The pathophysiology of cachexia is complex and isn't simply reversed by appetite stimulation, so the recreational munchies effect doesn't help seriously ill patients.
Is cannabis recommended for cancer-related weight loss?
Not based on current evidence. This meta-analysis concluded there is "a lack of high-quality evidence to recommend the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of cachexia."