What does cannabis research say about cancer pain? We've analyzed 3 peer-reviewed studies to give you an honest, evidence-based overview.
Multiple high-quality studies support cannabis for this condition.
Study found evidence of effectiveness
No significant effect found
* Outcomes are based on our curated selection of research reviews. Individual study quality varies.
About This Research Summary: The information below aggregates findings from multiple peer-reviewed studies on cannabis and cancer pain. This is for educational purposes only.
Research summaries are our interpretations of published studies. Individual responses to cannabis vary significantly. These findings do not guarantee similar results for any individual.
Study data sourced from PubMed®. Not evaluated by the FDA. See our Research Content Policy.
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.
Long-term use of THC/CBD spray was generally well tolerated, with no evidence of a loss of effect for the relief of cancer-related pain with long-term use. Patients did not seek to increase their dose over time, suggesting no tolerance development.
THC:CBD extract is efficacious for relief of pain in patients with advanced cancer pain not fully relieved by strong opioids. THC alone showed no significant benefit over placebo.
Our reviews are just a starting point. Browse thousands more studies on PubMed for cancer pain.
Cancer Pain is a qualifying condition in many states. Our licensed physicians can evaluate whether medical cannabis is right for you.
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.
For complete information, see our Terms of Use and Research Content Policy.
