What does cannabis research say about nausea and vomiting? We've analyzed 9 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
Results varied by condition or dose
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 nausea and vomiting. 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.
Nausea—the unpleasant sensation of needing to vomit—can result from numerous causes: chemotherapy, motion sickness, pregnancy, gastrointestinal disorders, migraines, infections, medications, and more. While usually temporary, chronic or severe nausea significantly impacts quality of life, nutrition, and daily functioning. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is particularly severe and can lead patients to discontinue life-saving cancer treatment. Despite advances in anti-emetic medications, CINV remains challenging to control, especially delayed nausea occurring days after treatment. For nausea from other causes (chronic conditions, hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnancy, cyclic vomiting syndrome), treatment options are more limited. Many patients turn to cannabis, which has one of the longest histories of medical use specifically for nausea and vomiting.
Cannabinoids, particularly THC, are potent anti-emetics. THC acts on CB1 receptors in brain regions controlling nausea and vomiting (the dorsal vagal complex and other areas), suppressing the vomiting reflex and reducing the sensation of nausea. This mechanism is why FDA-approved synthetic cannabinoids (dronabinol and nabilone) were among the first cannabis-based medications approved—specifically for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Interestingly, while cannabis is an effective anti-emetic, chronic heavy use can cause the opposite: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), characterized by severe cyclic vomiting, often relieved only by hot showers. This paradoxical effect is important to understand, particularly for patients using cannabis long-term.
Note: This information summarizes research findings and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis for any medical condition.
Based on our analysis of peer-reviewed studies on cannabis and nausea and vomiting:
Based on research, these cannabinoids show the most promise for nausea and vomiting:
THC is the primary anti-emetic cannabinoid and is used in FDA-approved medications for nausea. It has the strongest evidence and most direct mechanism of action. Use for significant nausea.
Adding CBD may reduce THC side effects while preserving anti-emetic benefits. Some patients prefer combination products for tolerability. CBD itself has limited direct anti-nausea effects.
CBD alone has weaker anti-emetic effects than THC. May help mild nausea or as adjunct therapy. Generally insufficient for severe nausea like CINV without THC.
Individual responses vary. Work with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your situation.
For acute nausea, inhaled cannabis provides fastest relief—within 5-15 minutes. This is particularly useful for chemotherapy patients who may not be able to keep oral medications down. For prevention (like before chemotherapy), take oral cannabis 30-60 minutes before anticipated nausea. FDA-approved dronabinol uses 5-15mg doses; start lower with whole-plant products. For chronic nausea, scheduled dosing with oral products may provide more consistent relief than as-needed use. Start with 2.5-5mg THC and titrate based on response. Monitor for Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome if using regularly for chronic nausea—paradoxical worsening of nausea/vomiting, especially in the morning, relieved by hot showers, is a warning sign.
Dosing information is based on clinical research and is for educational purposes only. Optimal dosing varies by individual, product formulation, and administration method. Always start with the lowest effective dose and titrate slowly under medical supervision.
When considering cannabis for nausea and vomiting, be aware of these potential concerns:
Discuss these considerations with your healthcare provider before starting cannabis therapy.
A Cochrane review found cannabinoids 5.7 times more effective than placebo at completely stopping chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Dronabinol and nabilone are FDA-approved specifically for nausea. This is one of cannabis's best-supported medical uses.
Source: Smith et al., Cochrane Database, 2015 (PMID: 26561338)
Dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet) are FDA-approved synthetic cannabinoids for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. They were among the first cannabis-based medications approved by the FDA.
Source: FDA-approved medications
Paradoxically, chronic heavy cannabis use can cause Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)—severe cyclic vomiting often relieved by hot showers. If you use cannabis regularly and have worsening nausea, particularly morning nausea, consider CHS.
Source: Multiple case series and reviews on CHS
Inhaled cannabis (vaporized) provides fastest relief—5-15 minutes. This is important for acute nausea when you can't keep oral medication down. For prevention (before chemotherapy), take oral cannabis 30-60 minutes before.
Source: Clinical experience and comparative studies
Common questions about cannabis for nausea and vomiting:
Cannabinoids used for medical purposes in children and adolescents were associated with an increased risk of adverse events, including 3x higher withdrawal rates due to adverse events and nearly 2x higher serious adverse events compared to controls.
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.
CBD provides symptom relief in patients with gastroparesis and improves the tolerance of liquid nutrient intake, despite slowing of gastric emptying.
Cannabinoids are effective therapeutics for several medical indications if their specific pharmacological properties are considered. Different cannabinoids have different evidence levels for different conditions.
Cancer patients in Minnesota's medical cannabis program showed significant improvement across ALL 8 symptoms tracked—anxiety, appetite, depression, sleep, fatigue, nausea, pain, and vomiting—within 4 months. Only 10.5% reported adverse effects.
There is reasonable evidence that cannabinoids improve nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy. They might improve spasticity. There is uncertainty about whether they improve pain, but if they do, it is neuropathic pain and the benefit is likely small. Adverse effects are very common.
There is conclusive or substantial evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective for chronic pain in adults, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. Evidence for most other conditions is limited, insufficient, or absent.
This comprehensive review of 79 trials found moderate-quality evidence that cannabinoids are effective for chronic pain and spasticity, with most studies showing improvement in symptoms.
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.
Our reviews are just a starting point. Browse thousands more studies on PubMed for nausea and vomiting.
Nausea, particularly from chemotherapy or other serious conditions, qualifies in most medical marijuana states. Some states specify "severe" or "intractable" nausea, or require it to be associated with another qualifying condition like cancer or HIV.
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.
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