A recent study published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship has provided a profound understanding of cannabis use among individuals who have faced cancer, shedding light on its prevalence and the motivations behind its use. The research, conducted at a comprehensive cancer center in Houston, Texas, enlisted 1,886 participants from 41 U.S. states undergoing cancer treatment.
Among the survey’s 17.4% current cannabis users, 60% cited managing sleep disturbances, 51% pain, 44% stress, 34% nausea, and 32% mood disorders or depression as reasons for turning to cannabis after their cancer diagnosis. Notably, the study found that 47.7% of respondents reported significant symptomatic improvement, with 74% of those using it for nausea and vomiting perceiving substantial benefits, as reported by Marijuana Moment.
The Study’s Findings
- The research enlisted 1,886 participants from 41 U.S. states undergoing cancer treatment.
- Notably, the study found that 17.4% of respondents were current cannabis users, 30.5% were former users, and 52.2% had never used marijuana.
- Among the 510 participants who turned to cannabis after their cancer diagnosis, 60% cited managing sleep disturbances, 51% pain, 44% stress, 34% nausea, and 32% mood disorders or depression as reasons.
Cannabis As Symptomatic Relief
However, the study brought to light a low awareness of potential health risks associated with cannabis use during cancer treatment. Only 1 in 10 participants were aware of such risks, including suicidal thoughts, intense nausea and vomiting, depression, anxiety, breathing problems, and drug interactions.
Author Recommendations: Policy And Education
From the University of Texas’s MD Anderson Cancer Center, researchers emphasized the immediate need for medical guidance on cannabis use within the broader context of cancer treatment, urging the development of policies, clear guidelines, and educational programs for healthcare providers and survivors regarding the use, benefits, and risks of cannabis in cancer management. With most survivors reporting benefits from cannabis use in cancer management, there is a need for more studies to strengthen current evidence on cannabis therapeutics.
As the medical community grapples with these findings, industry players like Verano Holdings Corp. VRNOF and TILT Holdings Inc. TLLTF, along with its subsidiary Standard Farms, have contributed to breast cancer awareness initiatives.