Does Cannabis Help Cancer Pain? What a Major Review Found
What Researchers Found About Cancer and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023
Researchers
Cochrane Collaboration (International)
Study Type
Systematic ReviewParticipants
1,823 patients · 2-5 weeks (double-blind periods)
Key Finding
Moderate-certainty evidence shows that nabiximols (THC/CBD spray) and THC are ineffective for relieving moderate-to-severe cancer pain that does not respond to opioids.
Key Finding: Moderate-certainty evidence shows that nabiximols (THC/CBD spray) and THC are ineffective for relieving moderate-to-severe cancer pain that does not respond to opioids.
What Researchers Studied About Cancer and Cannabis
Cancer pain affects 30% to 50% of people with cancer, and in 10% to 15% of cases, opioid medications do not provide enough relief. Researchers wanted to know if cannabis-based medicines could help these patients.
This Cochrane review examined whether cannabis products could effectively and safely treat cancer pain when added to existing treatments.
The review searched for studies up to January 26, 2023, and included only double-blind, randomized controlled trials comparing cannabis-based medicines to placebo or other pain treatments.
How This Systematic Review Was Conducted
The researchers followed strict Cochrane methodology, searching multiple databases for high-quality clinical trials. They included:
• Double-blind randomized controlled trials only • Studies with at least 10 participants per treatment group • Any treatment duration
They identified 14 studies involving 1,823 participants total. Five RCTs (1,539 participants) specifically assessed nabiximols (THC/CBD mouth spray) or THC alone in patients with moderate or severe pain despite already receiving opioid therapy.
Four parallel-design studies with 1,333 participants were combined for meta-analysis.
Cancer Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1No clinically relevant benefit was found for patient-reported improvement (6% more patients improved with cannabis vs placebo, but this was not considered clinically meaningful)
- 2Nabiximols and THC did not reduce average pain intensity compared to placebo
- 3No significant difference in serious adverse events between cannabis and placebo groups
- 4Nabilone (synthetic THC) was not superior to placebo for chemotherapy-related pain
- 5CBD oil did not add value to palliative care alone for pain reduction
- 6No studies using herbal cannabis met the inclusion criteria
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 14 studies | Number of trials included in this Cochrane review, involving 1,823 total participants |
| 6% | More patients reported improvement with cannabis vs placebo (not clinically relevant according to authors) |
| NNTB 16 | 16 patients would need treatment for 1 additional patient to report improvement (95% CI: 8 to 100) |
| 10-15% | Of cancer patients whose pain is not adequately relieved by opioids |
Number of trials included in this Cochrane review, involving 1,823 total participants
More patients reported improvement with cannabis vs placebo (not clinically relevant according to authors)
16 patients would need treatment for 1 additional patient to report improvement (95% CI: 8 to 100)
Of cancer patients whose pain is not adequately relieved by opioids
What This Means for Cancer Patients
This review found that cannabis-based medicines, when added to opioid treatment, do not provide meaningful additional pain relief for cancer patients.
If you have cancer pain that is not well-controlled by opioids, this research suggests that adding nabiximols or THC products is unlikely to help significantly.
However, this does not mean cannabis has no role in cancer care. Other symptoms like nausea may respond differently. Talk to your oncology team about evidence-based options for your specific situation.
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 marijuana help with cancer pain?
No, according to a 2023 Cochrane review. Analyzing 14 studies with 1,823 patients, researchers found "moderate-certainty evidence that nabiximols and THC are ineffective" for cancer pain that does not respond to opioids.
Source: Häuser et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023 (PMID: 37283486)
What does research say about cannabis for cancer pain?
No clinically meaningful benefit found. The largest review to date (2023 Cochrane, 14 studies, 1,823 patients) found only 6% more patients improved with cannabis compared to placebo, which researchers deemed "not clinically relevant."
Source: Häuser et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023 (PMID: 37283486)
Can cannabis replace opioids for cancer pain?
No, research does not support this. The 2023 Cochrane review found that adding cannabis to opioid treatment did not provide meaningful additional pain relief for cancer patients whose pain was not controlled by opioids alone.
Source: Häuser et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023 (PMID: 37283486)
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:
- Double-blind study periods were relatively short (2-5 weeks)
- All studies examined cannabis as an add-on to opioids, not as a replacement
- No studies of herbal cannabis met quality standards for inclusion
- Studies focused on opioid-refractory pain, which may not apply to all cancer pain
- Evidence certainty ranged from moderate to low depending on the specific outcome
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Cancer
This major Cochrane review found moderate-certainty evidence that THC/CBD mouth sprays and THC are not effective for cancer pain that does not respond to opioids. Patients seeking relief from opioid-refractory cancer pain should discuss other evidence-based options with their medical team rather than expecting significant benefit from adding cannabis-based medicines.
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
Häuser W, Welsch P, Radbruch L, et al. "Cannabis-based medicines and medical cannabis for adults with cancer pain" The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2023. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD014915.pub2
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 help cancer pain?
No, cannabis is not effective for opioid-resistant cancer pain. According to this 2023 Cochrane review of 14 studies (1,823 patients), cannabis-based medicines like nabiximols are not effective for cancer pain that does not respond to opioids.
What types of cannabis were studied for cancer pain?
Nabiximols, THC, nabilone, and CBD oil were studied. The review examined nabiximols (THC/CBD mouth spray), THC alone, nabilone (synthetic THC), and CBD oil. No studies using herbal cannabis met quality standards.
Is cannabis safe for cancer patients?
Side effects were similar to placebo. The review found no significant difference in serious adverse events between cannabis and placebo groups. However, effectiveness was the main concern: the medicines simply did not provide meaningful pain relief.